A pickup truck loses power and the dashboard lights up with warnings

A reader wrote in about their 2007 Dodge Ram pickup with the 5.7-liter Hemi engine experiencing a loss of power accompanied by warning lights on the dashboard. Specifically, the check engine light and a lightning bolt symbol appeared, which coincided with the truck’s reduced power and eventual coasting to a stop. The truck seems to cut out as it warms up, raising concerns about what might be causing the issue. The lightning bolt on the dash usually points to an electronic throttle body problem. Given the truck’s age, it’s quite possible that wiring issues caused by rust or corrosion could be at play. The first step should be a thorough visual inspection of the wiring leading to the throttle body, followed by scanning the vehicle’s computer to check for error codes and live data to pinpoint the problem. Another common concern raised involves the haziness of modern headlight lenses. Unlike the old sealed beam headlights, today’s headlights tend to get foggy over time, which impacts visibility. Unfortunately, preventing this is tricky because the lenses are made of polycarbonate plastic that degrades with UV exposure. However, cleaning the lenses and applying wax can slow this aging process. Some manufacturers, like Nissan, have started applying a transparent chemical coating on their newer models. This coating cures and hardens, protecting the lens against UV rays and minor scratches, which is a promising innovation. A question about three-cylinder engines and the start-stop feature on newer cars was also answered. The start-stop system reduces fuel consumption and emissions by shutting down the engine when the vehicle is stopped, then restarting it when the brake is released. While it saves some fuel, the Car Doctor admits this feature can feel annoying, especially for drivers used to traditional engines. The extra wear on the starter and battery is minimal since these parts are designed for the job. Regarding three-cylinder engines, despite their smaller size, turbocharged variants like that in the 2025 Chevy Trax still deliver decent performance. Proper maintenance and sensible driving can help these engines last well beyond 150,000 miles. On the topic of replacing a vehicle, a reader sought advice on small to mid-size SUVs with good longevity and a budget under $20,000. The Honda HR-V is recommended for those familiar with the CR-V, offering a similar feel. Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are solid choices, being quite comparable. The Hyundai Santa Fe is larger and might suit those needing more space. The Mazda CX-5 is another good option, known for reliability. The Jeep Compass is suggested as a last choice due to reported reliability issues in some Jeep models. Used vehicles fitting these descriptions and price points are readily available, often under five years old. Lastly, the matter of transmission fluid changes was discussed. Modern vehicles often only have a partial fluid drain and refill, leaving some old fluid in the system, which differs from older cars where the torque converter fluid could be fully drained. There’s some evidence that a bit of old fluid helps maintain smooth shifting due to clutch friction material suspended in it. Following manufacturer recommendations, typically a drain and refill, is advised. Complete fluid flushes are generally reserved for cases where contamination is suspected. They can be a last-ditch effort to improve transmission life but aren’t usually recommended as routine service. John Paul, the AAA Northeast Car Doctor with over 40 years in the automotive field and ASE master certification, provides these insights based on his extensive experience. His advice helps drivers better understand and maintain their vehicles, saving time and money while improving safety and reliability.