Chrysler 300 is one of the most popular vehicles in the country. Needless to say, whenever you face any issue with your Chrysler 300, it is easy to find a solution as well.
What does the red lightning bolt mean on a Chrysler 300?
1. Problem with electronic throttle:
The most common cause of red lightning bolt on Chrysler 300 is a problem with the electronic throttle system.
The cause of such a problem can be plenty. However, the red lightning bolt indicates a problem with this system.
2. Dust and contaminants:
The red lightning bolt can start blinking whenever there is excessive dust and contaminants in the vehicle or if you haven’t opted for servicing the car for an extended period.
The good news is that when dust and contaminants are the problems, it becomes effortless to service your Chrysler 300 and clean it. Once you remove the dust and contaminants, it becomes easy to get rid of this problem.
3. Faulty onboard computer:
These days, every function of the vehicle is controlled with the help of the onboard computer. The onboard computer decides when the red lightning bolt symbol blinks and when it does not.
What if the computer itself is faulty?
While the computer is highly reliable, it can develop a fault in rare cases.
That is why, when the red lightning bolt starts blinking, you have to figure out whether it is due to the faulty onboard computer or some other reason.
4. Faulty sensors:
Ultimately, it is the sensors that detect the levels of dust, contaminants, or the working of the electronic throttle system.
While the life of the sensors is easily around five years but in some instances, they might suffer from extensive wear and tear. Consequently, the sensors might provide faulty readings to the car’s onboard computer and various other car systems.
In that case, the red lightning bolt can also start blinking.
Faulty sensors are another reason why this problem can occur.
How to fix a red lightning bolt on a Chrysler 300?
1. Reset:
The highest probability is that it is faulty blinking. In that case, simply resetting the onboard computer and the electronic throttle system can help you out.
I will cover the procedure to reset the same below.
In this case, you will not have to incur any expenses, and you can fix the problem yourself.
2. Check fault codes:
Whenever there is blinking of the light on the dashboard of Chrysler 300 or any other problem with Chrysler 300, the onboard computer detects the same.
It also tries to diagnose the cause of the problem. Accordingly, it stores the fault code according to the onboard computer.
If you aren’t able to decipher the cause of the red lightning bolt, it is a good idea to check the fault codes in the computer. Once you do the same, it will become easy to find the exact cause. After that, you can decide whether you want to fix it yourself or want to contact a mechanic.
3. Take professional help:
If you cannot find the cause or the solution to the problem, it is a good idea to call a mechanic or take your vehicle to a mechanic.
The mechanic can find the root cause of the problem and fix the same. It will save time, and you won’t have to worry about troubleshooting the entire system to find the cause.
Does resetting fix the issue on Chrysler 300? How?
Yes, in many cases, resetting will fix the issue. I will cover the exact procedure to reset the electronic throttle system below.
Step 1: Put the key into the slot:
The first thing is to put the key into the ignition slot and turn the key to the ON position. However, you shouldn’t turn ON the engine.
Step 2: Wait for warning lights to turn off:
After that, you have to wait till the warning lights are off. Only then you have to move to the next step. In some cases, the engine light might remain on, but there is nothing to worry about.
Step 3: Press the accelerator pedal:
Press the accelerator pedal all the way. Similarly, you have to release it slowly.
Step 4: Turn off the ignition:
Move the key to the off position in the ignition slot.
Step 5: Start it once again and check the throttle system:
Once you have done so, start the engine by turning the key in the ON position and after that check the throttle to find out if the electronic throttle system is operating properly or not.
In case the electronic throttle system is the problem, this procedure will reset it, and therefore you won’t have to worry about red lightning bolts any longer.
Can you fix the red lightning bolt yourself? How?
Yes, if only the electronic throttle system is the problem, you can reset it yourself. To do so, you have to follow the procedure above. However, if there is any other problem, you might have to contact a mechanic.
How much does it cost to fix red lightning bolt?
Faulty sensors are easy to replace. The cost of the sensor is also on the lower side. However, the mechanic’s labor charges might be on the higher side. Even then, the bill might be lower than $ 150.
Servicing might be expensive and might cost you $ 300-$ 400, depending on the extent of servicing.
In case of any other issue, the cost can vary drastically.
Red lightning bolt on dash Chrysler 300, and it won’t start – why?
In case you’re suffering from the red lightning bolt on your Chrysler 300, and even after resetting the electronic throttle system, it won’t start, you have no other option but to contact a mechanic.
In case your vehicle doesn’t start, you might have to call the towing company, or the mechanic might have to arrange a towing van. The mechanic can most likely fix the Chrysler 300 within 24 hours.