Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK shifters

Red lightening bolt

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Loyal1975

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Feb 5, 2024
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Yukon Oklahoma
I've read everything I can find on the red lightening bolt and I'm still stuck. I'd appreciate any insight into the problem.

My jeep is a 2008 with 130k miles. I have a red lightening bolt on the dash that flashes and puts the jeep in limp mode. If I start the jeep 20-30 times I can usually get a lightening bolt that doesn't flash and then I can drive it but it's a giant pain. I also have code p0430. And a gas cap loose or missing message on dash.

I replaced the throttle body when this 1st started last summer. Seemed to help. A week ago I replaced the gas pedal. This kept the lightening bolt off for 2 whole days. Then the lightening bolt came back but didn't flash. Now it's flashing again and undrivable. Any ideas on what to look for next?
 
When I replaced my TB about 4 years ago I had to do the throttle pedal reset and never had a problem since then.

wranglerjkforum.net

Throttle body reset procedure

Step 1: Turn the Jeep to the "on" position but not the engine running position. Step 2: Wait for all of the dummy lights to turn off (check engine light will stay on). Step 3: Depress the accelerator REALLY slowly...Driving Miss Daisy with a touch of Cocoon slowly...all the way to the floor...
wranglerjkforum.net wranglerjkforum.net
 
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I tried the ECM reset but still no luck. I'm going to chase wires now I guess. I'll check everything I can see for cuts or breaks or chafing. I'm getting ready to start pulling my hair out.
 
Loyal1975 said:
I tried the ECM reset but still no luck. I'm going to chase wires now I guess. I'll check everything I can see for cuts or breaks or chafing. I'm getting ready to start pulling my hair out.
Click to expand...

You might also clean any grounds and also if you still have the junk Factory battery clamps replace them with some good HD ones.
 
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WestCoastDan said:
I'm also going through this on our '15 Rubicon.
I'm currently waiting for a replacement ECU to arrive...
Click to expand...
Hey I just wanted to know if your new ecu came and if it helped or fixed the problem?
I'm still having mine badly. I'm recap I've replaced the throttle body, the gas pedal and both pigtails to them. I've chased every word in the darn harness and haven't found anything amiss. I've cleaned every ground I could find, there's way more than I thought.
Through all this I've noticed some certain things that may point somewhere....
On cold mornings turning the jeep on I have a flashing lightening bolt... undrivable
If I let the jeep warm up in cold weather I can usually just restart a few times and drive with just a solid lightening bolt.
On warm days the jeep will start and idle fine until I put it in reverse and the a solid lightening bolt.
What a pain in the butt!
 
The replacement ECU arrived and installed… problem changed to it would run for a few seconds then die.
Tried multiple times (maybe 6) with the same results, THEN it wouldn’t even start.
Tried to read the codes and JSCAN said there was no license for the VIN.

Checked the VIN in JSCAN & it doesn’t match the VIN I provided to them when I purchased the ECU.

Put the original ECU back in, cleared the codes using JSCAN & then took it for a spin around the block.
While I only drove it a couple of miles, the temp was up and no additional codes where thrown.

Oddly, now my factory key will not lock/unlock the doors w/ the original ECU.

I’ve reached out to the source of the replacement ECU 3 different times & they have failed to respond so far.

I’ll dispute the charge with my card and see if that increases their interest in speaking with me.
 
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A quick update that may help anyone dealing with this.

After sitting around yesterday pulling my hair out I got to thinking about the throttle body replacement. I couldn't remember having replaced the gallery on it. A rubber o- ring style gasket. I bought one at the auto parts store and replaced it. I had definitely not done it before. The old one came out in pieces. I'm so shocked that the lightening bolt went out. It hasn't come back on the test of yesterday and all day today. I've got my fingers crossed. This is the most I've been able to drive the jeep in months
 
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Loyal1975 said:
A quick update that may help anyone dealing with this.

After sitting around yesterday pulling my hair out I got to thinking about the throttle body replacement. I couldn't remember having replaced the gallery on it. A rubber o- ring style gasket. I bought one at the auto parts store and replaced it. I had definitely not done it before. The old one came out in pieces. I'm so shocked that the lightening bolt went out. It hasn't come back on the test of yesterday and all day today. I've got my fingers crossed. This is the most I've been able to drive the jeep in months
Click to expand...
Please provide a few more details on this O-Ring…
 
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1000001885.jpg
this is the gasket. It goes between the throttle body and the intake. 2.50 from O'Reilly auto parts.
 
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