Hi, if you don't have a manual, you can get a free download here: http://www.dodge.com/en/owners/manuals/
The lightning bolt indicates a fault in the electronic throttle control. It is likely the rheostat/potentiometer in the accelerator position sensor is dirty or worn out. I have pasted info on the part below from autozone.com. If you replace the sensor, be sure to follow the calibration procedure at the end of the installation instructions. Please let me know if you have any questions and thanks for using FixYa.
Operation
The Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) assembly is located under the vehicle battery tray. A cable connects the assembly to the accelerator pedal. A plastic cover with a movable door is used to cover the assembly.
NOTE
The APPS is used only with the 5.7L V-8 engine.
The Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) is a linear potentiometer. It provides the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with a DC voltage signal proportional to the angle, or position of the accelerator pedal. The APPS signal is translated (along with other sensors) to place the throttle plate (within the throttle body) to a pre-determined position.
A mechanical cable is used between the accelerator pedal and the APPS assembly. Although a cable is used between the pedal and APPS, a mechanical cable is not used at the throttle body. Throttle plate position is electrically determined.
The Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) assembly is located under the vehicle battery tray. A cable connects the assembly to the accelerator pedal. A plastic cover with a movable door is used to cover the assembly.
NOTE
The APPS is used only with the 5.7L V-8 engine.
The Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) is a linear potentiometer. It provides the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with a DC voltage signal proportional to the angle, or position of the accelerator pedal. The APPS signal is translated (along with other sensors) to place the throttle plate (within the throttle body) to a pre-determined position.
A mechanical cable is used between the accelerator pedal and the APPS assembly. Although a cable is used between the pedal and APPS, a mechanical cable is not used at the throttle body. Throttle plate position is electrically determined.
Removal & Installation
The APPS is serviced (replaced) as one assembly including the sensor, plastic housing and cable. The APPS assembly is located under the vehicle battery tray. Access to APPS is gained from over top of left / front tire.
To Install:
NOTE
The DRB III Scan Tool may also be used to learn electrical parameters. Go to the Miscellaneous menu, and then select ETC Learn.
Hi, I'm not sure why you didn't like my answer, but I'm pretty sure this is your problem. Why do you think it is not the problem? When the sensor lead hits a dead spot on the potentiometer, the PCM sees loss of signal and puts the warning light on. The loss of signal sends the throtte back to idle until you push far enough to find a live spot on the potentiometer. I know my electronics,and this is a very common failure.
Sorry, I'm at work now and can not check this out till later today, but I'm going to check it out, thanks. Also I don't have a manuel, so thanks for the link.
Steve
This has been an ongoing problem with my 2005 Dodge Ram 4X4, 5.7L HEMI. I have had 6 pedals replaced. TPS replaced. And still this lighting bolt comes on. This was all done under warranty at the Dealer. When the "safe-mode" is entered (lighting bolt flashing) you lose 5th gear and the vehicle is apt to stall on Xpressway offramps. After all these failed attemps they sent me to their sister-dealership, a Jeep Chrysler dealer. Where a Mechanic with 40 years experience worked on the Truck. He seemed to think that the connector at the TPS was bad. So he used a "Factory Harness Fix Kit" to re-do the connection at the TPS. Then he drove my truck around for 2 days and smoked butts (thaks for the stench) in it to make sure he fixed it. His repair lasted about 6 months, and guess what. IT'S BACK! Still a no fix. I HATE THROTTLE BY WIRE! I am now going to look into fixing it myself. What do you think jturcotte?
well, you made me read all the recalls and TSBs, but there is nothing on this problem. Clearly there is a design flaw or they are making these pedal sensors wrong. What I would do is check the impedance of the sensor as the pedal is pushed to see if it's working right. It should be changing smoothly as the angle is increased and should not have any drops or spikes. Then I would check the same signal at the computer to see if the connectors are bad. I would like to get my hands on this truck to check it out. Will you be my Avatar? Are you good with a meter?
I get the red lighting bolt then no power, no lights, truck wont even turn over, any ideas? I did have my battery leak acid that ate thr my throttle cable.
This is a very difficult problem to solve online. I'm assuming you repaired/replaced the wires that the acid got to. Did you trace them both directions for damage? I once found a short under the relay box that was caused by high current. If the acid caused a temporary short, whichever wires got that current may have melted insulation somewhere that could cause an intermittent problem. My guess is, the sensor wire is shorting against something that is setting a breaker. Does power come back after a while? Can you tell me more about when it happens and when it resolves? I will look at the diagram again.
What is the part number for the accelerator pedal position sensor?
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My 2003 dodge 5.7 Hemi had same problem I ended up replaceing Throttle Body Control which actually receives signal from TPS. Dealer was no help didn't know what I was talking about so had to take it on chance and special order. This was a problem when I bought truck used but happened only on freeway after about 3 hrs on trips. Over couple years progressively got worse until it would exhibit problem almost every time I drove it. Wasn't cheap part but easy to install and hasn't happened since.
Try this link into browser (Note early posted procedure to
calibrate after change, I actually had to have mine cleared and reset with
Sun engine analyzer to get it synchronized with throttle body),
http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/MC/1...
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Before you replace any parts like I did, I spent $1500 on a new throttle body and computer and still did not fix my issue. Spent $2 on a new grounding strap from the valve covers to the block and that fixed my problem. I also replaced a couple of badly corroded coils due to the grounding strap being broken.
This is actually not a solution but an addition to the question...my 2004 dodge ram 1500 5.7l hemi is having the same problem, however no one seems to be able to provide the part. one dealer told me i had to buy a new throttle body in order to obtain the throttle position sensor and another one said they arent the same (which i figured) and ordered a new pedal assembly only to find out that the sensor is not included on the assembly. with this being an issue and by my research a pretty common one at that, why can i not seem to find out how or where to purchase this part????? thanks!
the tps is attached to the the throttle body of the 04 hemis, there are two things that can cause the lightning bolt, one is the tps, the other is the accelerator positions sensor (APPS)
Not surprised with dealer response parts counter people not that sa
Oops hit return... meant to say not too helpful. The Throttle Position Control actually responds to control engine speed thru throttle body. It is only available as an assembly. Don't recall if I mentioned but once replaced the TPS and TPC had to be synchronized with an engine analyzer. Basically pretty simple if you have access to one just depress accelerator as instructed with engine not running to reprogram accelerator range. 2003 5.7 Hemi 2500.
On an 04' ram hemi the apps is located under the battery tray. The only place other than the dealer I've been able to find this part is a company called bellcrank. Its a fairly spendy part but I think you'll save about 100 bucks buying it from bellcrank
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any DTC or OBDII codes ?
have not had it checked out
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