HELP! Electronic throttle control light - limp mode - running rough - won’t start

[GreatWhiteKAC]

so I’m driving around last night, and all the sudden the “electronic throttle control” light comes on, the “lightning bolt” and check engine light come on, car loses all throttle response but was still running. Albeit very rough at idle, bouncing from 500 to 1000.

After a quick Google search I thought maybe battery connection, so, I disconnected and reconnected. Tried to start again and it cranked and cranked and cranked and then barely started (not normal)

It ran but again very rough idle, sounded weak and would only go up to 2000rpm or so, so, I limped it to a shop down the street. (Unfortunately not a viper shop of course)

Any ideas what I might be looking at? Internet seems to think cam/crank position sensor, throttle control relay, throttle body wire came unplugged/loose, 02 sensor, bad battery…. The list goes on and of course all of those are for Gen 3/4 since there’s zero info online for Gen 5’s

The only other thing worth mentioning was about an hour before this happened, the throttle surged. I was in 3rd at 3500ish and the throttle surged 3 quick times like as if I was tapping the gas pedal quickly. Then it ran fine. No CEL’s or anything.

Let me know what to do! No actual dodge dealer viper techs in MN either these days as far as I know.

 

[Steve-Indy]

First answer is...I don't know a quick answer.

It might be helpful to know the year, model, mileage, mods of said Viper.

Did you check the negative battery cable's connection to the frame? Other grounds?

After that, have you measured resting battery voltage with a multimeter...also need to do homestyle oad test (lights on, radio on, HVAC blower on) to see if voltage drops way below resting voltage.

Had you recently fueled?

Since the event, have you used an OBD II code reader (CAN bus capable), recorded codes, and or cleared codes to see if car comes out of limp mode? Admittedly, I carry a cheap code reader in all Vipers and the daily drivers.

As to connections, be sure all PCM plugs are all in securely. Same goes for reachable critical sensors.

As an aside, you might be able to get a local CJDR dealer to plug in the wiTECH 2.0 Pod to see if they can detect anything unusual in terms of sensors and their voltage readings. If that doesn't work for you, good shops will have higher end scan tools that MAY be helpful.

So much for a few basic starter ideas.
REAL mechanics/technicians can a ton more ideas, but most don't hang out here on weekend nights.

Good luck.