Red lightning bolt and check engine light jeep compass

The red lightning bolt warning light on a Jeep dashboard is probably the most confusing dash light for any Jeep owner as its not as easy to work out what it means compared to other dash warning lights.

What does the red lightning bolt on my dash mean?

If you see this symbol means that there is an issue with your vehicle’s Electronic Throttle Control or ETC.

How does this work? Well, the throttle is opened by a sensor that measures the amount of pressure applied to it. This information gets sent from the gas pedal every time its depressed through wires and sensors, then converted into an electric signal before being processed by a motor which controls the engine throttle based on the level of gas pedal input.

When you see the red warning light this means means that the gas pedal and throttle are not communicating properly.

If you are not sure what is causing the lights to display on your dash, then it is worth investing in a code reader. A decent scanner, such as the Foxwell NT301 ODB2 scanner will be able to read any fault codes your car has, plus clear the check engine light.

Can you drive with electronic throttle control light on?

If you see the ETC light while driving, there is no need to stop but it is best to take your Jeep in to the auto shop for a full diagnostic. If there are no other illuminated warning lights visible or issues with acceleration, then continue to drive but make sure that you either perform a reset (see below) or take it to a mechanic for a check over.

How do you reset the red lightning bolt on the dashboard?

The red lightning bolt symbol on your dashboard may be trying to tell you that the pedal position has shifted, so there is an increased chance of miscommunication between motor-control sensors. This is caused by misalignment of the gas pedal over time. It’s easy enough just to reset it though and can be done in less than 10 minutes.

Follows these steps to reset the red lightning bolt light:

1. Turn the ignition key to the “on” position but do not start the car.
2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and slowly return it to the resting position.
3. Turn the ignition fully on and start the car.
4. Depress the gas pedal again to see if the engine responds well and the warning light extinguishes.

If it remains on, you’ll need to get your car looked at by someone who knows what they’re doing – a mechanic or Jeep specialist.

Joined Jan 29, 2015

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16 Posts

Discussion Starter · #1 · May 26, 2016

So this just happened rpm shot up to about 1500 and check engine light, red lightning bolt, and slippery car appeared in my clusters

Any ideas?? I'm at a lost

Joined Oct 21, 2014

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2,346 Posts

So this just happened rpm shot up to about 1500 and check engine light, red lightning bolt, and slippery car appeared in my clusters

Any ideas?? I'm at a lost

I had the same thing happen a few times. Someone told me about sensor under the middle console that can cause it to happen. Mine normally goes away after I turn the jeep off and back on.

Joined Oct 21, 2014

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2,346 Posts

Code c123c that's what mine threw when mine did it, dynamic sensor, its located between the console. Mine has done it twice and both times I got that same code. I just cleared it and went about my way. I may end up replacing the sensor eventually. The

Joined Jan 29, 2015

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16 Posts

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 28, 2016

Thank you all for the insights, took it to the dealer this morning and just got word back that they found a collapsed vacuum hose behind the motor. Still have to perform some more test after they replace the hose. Stand by, but I appreciate all the info thank you.

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