Lightning Bolt on Dashboard – 7 Reasons With Fixes!

If you see a lightning bolt symbol illuminating your car’s dashboard, then this generally indicates that there is some sort of issue with the car’s charging system.

Lightning Bolt on Dashboard warning sign usually gets triggered due to the following:

1. Battery Problems
2. Alternator Issues
3. Electrical Issues
4. Faulty Sensors
5. Dashboard Glitch &
6. Not Updating the System UI

You will need to factor in all the possible reasons before concluding the right one so that you can take proper steps to solve this problem. Don’t worry, and we will provide you with all the details in this guide.

6 Common Reasons For Getting Lightning Bolt On Dashboard

As discussed earlier, the reason why you are seeing the lightning bolt is problems with the car’s charging system. This is a common problem in modern vehicles that aren’t well maintained.

Some of the possible reasons for this issue and how you can tackle them properly are provided below:

1. Battery Problems

Almost 90% of the time, if you see the lightning bolt sign, it is the battery that is causing it. When the battery can’t provide enough output to the system, it may trigger the lightning bolt sign.

The reason the battery can’t provide more power may be due to the drop in charge, malfunction in the capacitors of the battery, any sort of physical damage, or even part misplacement.

• How to Fix This

To fix your battery’s charging issue, the first thing that you should do is to charge it. If it is discharged, you can just opt for jump-starting it, and your issue will be solved.

That being said, if the components inside the battery are malfunctioning, then jump-starting may actually lead to more damage.

You can send the battery for repairs, and if that doesn’t solve the issue, then you will have no other option but to replace it.

2. Alternator Issues

If the battery is not to blame, then the alternator is the next best culprit. The alternator works to provide electricity, which charges the battery when the engine is running.

When that is not the case, the battery doesn’t get enough power, to begin with, and ends up illuminating the warning sign on the car’s dashboard.

The alternator is made up of multiple components, and any malfunction or damage in one of them may lead to the system triggering the lightning bolt sign. So, check the rotors, diodes, and voltage regulators when you look for the cause.

Don’t forget to check the belt that is connected to the engine’s crankshaft. Sometimes, it comes loose or gets damaged or even broken. If that is the case, then the alternator won’t be able to spin properly, which may result in it not performing optimally.

• How to Fix This

Usually, when an alternator becomes damaged or faulty, then it is best to just replace it than go for repairs. This is because once one part of the alternator starts to wear down, the others soon follow.

3. Electrical Issues

Loose wire connections and damaged wires can create small electrical surges that may disrupt the battery’s workflow.

When there is a disruption in the flow of electricity, the charging system won’t be able to do proper readings, and this may lead to the lightning bolt sign.

Faulty electrical components can also create discharges which may lead to troubles in the charging department. So, make sure to check out every component that may be related to the charging system of your car.

• How to Fix This

If the connections are loose, then first try to reconnect all the wires and connectors. Then try to find out if any parts are discharging electricity. You will most likely have to replace that part if that is the case.

4. Faulty Sensors

Similar to every other system of a car, the charging system also comes with its own sensors, and if they provide false data or aren’t able to provide accurate data, the system will let you know by illuminating the lightning bolt sign.

You need to look out for two things in this case:

• Damage to the Sensors: See if the sensors are actually damaged and facing malfunction.

• Anything Blocking the Monitoring Field: When the sensors aren’t able to monitor their designated areas properly, they will think that there is some sort of problem with the system and trigger a warning sign.

So, find out if that is the case. Don’t just mark a sensor faulty just because it isn’t providing proper reading.

• How to Fix This

If the sensors are damaged or have become faulty, then you will have no other option but to replace them. You should consult your car’s manual on what type of sensors you should opt for.

On the other hand, if there is dust, dirt, or some object that is stopping the sensor from working, then you will have to clean that up, and your problem should be solved.

5. Dashboard Glitch

Sometimes, it is not the charging system that is responsible for the lightning bolt. The system software can malfunction or face glitches, which may turn on the lighting bolt light.

But when this is the case, you will not see the lightning bolt sign only,you will see the other signs turning on and off as well.

• How to Fix This

You may have to completely reset the software or the entire car if you are facing glitches. Some software malfunctions can’t be forced, so for those kinds of issues, you are better off taking the car to a professional unless you have all the special tools and a proper understanding of a car’s UI design.

6. Not Updating the System UI

There have been cases where the lightning bolt sign lit up not because there was some damage or fault but because the system UI or the software for the system wasn’t updated.

• How to Fix This

The solution to this problem is easy, simply update the system firmware, and you are good to go.

Lightning Bolt Warning Light Showing Up On Dashboard How to Fix It for Dodge Chrysler Jeep etc >> Check out the full video:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

To recap, Lightning Bolt on Dashboard warning sign usually gets triggered due to the following:

1. Battery Problems
2. Alternator Issues
3. Electrical Issues
4. Faulty Sensors
5. Dashboard Glitch &
6. Not Updating the System UI

When you see a lightning bolt on the car dashboard, stop your car immediately and turn off the engine to prevent any damage. Ignoring this sign will only negatively affect the vehicle’s functionality and battery longevity.

So, unless you want your car to suffer from permanent damage, address the issue as soon as possible and take proper steps before it’s too late!