Now lightning Bolt turns on sporadically

BIGRIG134

MEMBER
2005 DODGE RAM
5.7L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

Changed all 16 spark plugs, now lightning bolt comes on sporadically. Shut truck off and restart it and no lightning bolt.

Thursday, May 13th, 2021 AT 11:16 AM

3 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

What plugs did you use? What was the brand? Any chance it was those split fire or multiple electrode plugs? If so that is most likely the issue as they give off a large RF signal and will actually interrupt various signals.

This light generally relates to the throttle position sensor so I suspect we will find that this has something to do with this.

I would also scan for codes and find out if we have codes.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

let's start with this and go from there. Thanks

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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 8:14 PM

BIGRIG134

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I used champion copper plus plugs. Exact same type that came out of the engine. Had the lightning bolt come on last winter when it was minus 30-40 degrees celsius. Shut engine off and re-started it and it didn't return. Thought it may be T.B. And need to replace, was told it was only coming on because of extreme cold and engine heat causing moisture and then freezing up. Past few months no issues at all, then changed plugs and lightning bolt is back. I have no codes coming up, ETC doesn't flash it stays on solid until I shut truck off and restart it.
Also since plugs replaced, when I try to restart truck I turn ignition and get nothing. No clicking like a bad starter, or dead battery, just nothing. Then turn off key wait 3 or 4 seconds and it'll turn over.
Can't figure out how a simple spark plug change can create these sudden issues, or is just coincidence?

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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 9:07 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

It could be a coincidence but due to the issues that I have seen with spark plugs and this engine if all these issues start right after they were replaced, then I would change them again. Due to the fact that you used the Copper Plus I doubt they are the issue as it is normally those split fire or E3 style plugs. However, these issues match what I have seen in the past with spark plugs so it is hard to think it is just a coincidence.

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Sunday, May 16th, 2021 AT 4:47 PM