What causes the EPC light to come on in a Volkswagen or Audi?

Table of Contents

1 What does the EPC Light mean?
2 Causes of EPC Light Illumination
3 How to Fix the EPC Light?
4 FAQ Section

The EPC (Electronic Power Control) light is a warning indicator that is commonly found in Volkswagen (VW) and Audi vehicles. The EPC warning light represents an issue with the throttle system of your vehicle. The EPC Light on your VW indicates a problem with your Volkswagen’s throttle system. This article explains the VW EPC light meaning, its causes, and how to reset it.

What does the EPC Light mean?

The EPC warning light indicates an issue with your vehicle’s electronic throttle control system, which could include the cruise control, fuel injection throttle body, traction control, accelerator pedal, or other systems.

The electronic throttle control system manages the engine’s throttle opening electronically instead of using a traditional mechanical cable. It ensures precise control of the throttle and optimizes engine performance.

The EPC system is a traction control system used by the Volkswagen Group. It is also located in car models from Seat, Skoda, and Audi.

The EPC system’s functionality is monitored by various components in your vehicle, including the brake control unit, steering control unit, transmission control unit, and electronic control module (ECM).

When the vehicle computer monitors an issue with the Electronic Power Control (EPC) system, it turns on the EPC warning light on the dashboard to alert the driver.

Causes of EPC Light Illumination

The EPC light of your VW may illuminate due to one or more of the following reasons:

Damaged Throttle Body
Faulty Brake Pressure Sensor
Faulty ABS Sensor
Faulty Brake Pedal Switch
Damaged Wiring
Bad Steering Angle Sensor
Bad Engine Sensor
Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) issues

1) Damaged Throttle Body

A faulty throttle body is one of the common reasons for the EPC light to illuminate. The throttle body of your vehicle plays a crucial role in regulating the amount of air that enters the engine cylinder when you press the accelerator pedal.

There is also a throttle body position sensor that is used to monitor the performance of the throttle body.

The EPC system of your car relies on throttle body position sensor data to ensure the effective performance of the engine. When the throttle body malfunctions, the EPC system’s efficiency is compromised, and the vehicle computer triggers the EPC light.

2) Faulty Brake Pressure Sensor

A bad brake pressure sensor in Volkswagen cars is a significant factor behind the illumination of the EPC light. The bad brake pressure sensors function similarly to a brake light switch, but instead of simply detecting the on/off status, they measure the amount of brake pressure applied by you to the brake pedal.

In most VW cars, the brake pressure sensor is typically integrated into the ABS control unit, making replacement challenging. If this sensor fails, you need to completely replace the ABS control module.

3) Faulty ABS Sensor

When the EPC system doesn’t receive correct data from the ABS sensors, it activates the EPC light.

The ABS sensor of your vehicle plays a crucial role in measuring the speed of each vehicle’s wheel. The primary purpose of this sensor is to provide the correct wheel speed data to the ABS system and some other systems, including the EPC system.

Located on the wheel hubs, the ABS sensor is exposed to water, rust, and dirt, making it vulnerable to go bad early. Issues may also arise from a malfunctioning ABS reluctor ring, which the ABS sensor uses to measure wheel speed.

4) Faulty Brake Pedal Switch

The brake pedal switch, also known as the brake light switch, serves multiple purposes in your vehicle. It detects when you press the brake pedal, signaling the activation of the brake light. Additionally, it is also involved in ensuring the functionality of some other systems, such as the EPC system.

A significant issue arises when there is an issue with your brake pedal switch, as it will prevent the EPC system from correctly identifying whether the brake pedal is being pressed or released. Consequently, this triggers the EPC light of VW and stores a trouble code.

Read More: Brake System Warning Light Causes

5) Damaged Wiring

Modern cars contain multiple electrical wires connected to different car systems. The damaged wire is one of the common causes of EPC light illumination.

Identifying and resolving wiring problems can be challenging unless you have a clear understanding of the specific issues at hand.

Common wiring issues include burnt contacts, corroded electrical contacts, and broken wires. If you have exhausted other potential causes on your checklist and lack the expertise to diagnose wiring problems, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a mechanic.

6) Bad Steering Angle Sensor

The steering angle sensor of your car is mounted behind the steering wheel. It is responsible for measuring the position of the steering wheel. This information is utilized by the EPC system to determine the direction in which the steering wheel is being turned and make necessary adjustments to the brake force.

Furthermore, the clock spring, which connects the wires to the steering wheel angle sensor and the steering wheel buttons, enables the steering wheel to turn. However, the clock spring is prone to early failure. If it goes bad, it can manifest as a problem with the steering angle sensor, causing similar symptoms.

7) Bad Engine Sensor

A car contains various sensors that observe the engine’s operation. These sensors provide essential data to different control units installed in your car, enabling them to control various functionalities. The EPC system, in particular, relies on data from the engine sensors to ensure efficient performance.

If there is an issue with any engine sensors, it may force the EPC system to activate the EPC light on the vehicle dashboard. Therefore, it is important to promptly retrieve the error code when the EPC light activates, as it can help find the underlying fault.

Common engine sensors that can potentially cause the EPC light to activate include the oxygen sensor, MAF sensor, IAT sensor, and engine coolant temperature sensor.

8) Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) Issues

The APPS detects the position of the accelerator pedal and relays this information to the ECU. If the APPS malfunctions or provides inaccurate readings, it can trigger the EPC light.

How to Fix the EPC Light?

To address the EPC light issue in a VW vehicle, it is necessary to retrieve the trouble codes using an OBD2 scanner. Once you have obtained the trouble codes, it is important to systematically troubleshoot the underlying issues indicated by these codes. Simply guessing the issue without proper diagnosis can lead to unnecessary expenses and ineffective solutions.

Follow the below-given steps to fix the EPC light on your VW or Audi:

1) Check Trouble Codes

The initial step when the EPC light illuminates on the vehicle dashboard is to utilize an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the trouble codes stored in the ABS control module and PCM. The presence of the EPC warning light indicates that one or more fault codes have been stored in your vehicle’s ABS control module and powertrain control module (PCM).

The latest vehicles are equipped with modern onboard diagnostic systems, and the illumination of a warning light on the instruction panel signifies the presence of trouble codes stored in a control module.

Instead of relying on guesswork and potentially changing incorrect components, it is more efficient to read these trouble codes, as it may save both time and money.

To read the trouble codes, it is necessary to scan the transmission control unit, steering control unit, ABS control unit, and engine control unit for a saved code. You have the option to either take your vehicle to a mechanic to have them read the trouble codes or perform the scanning process yourself using an OBD-II scanner.

2) Check Brake Light Switch

The brake light switch is one of the common culprits for triggering the EPC light, and it can be easily checked.

Simply ask someone to press your brake pedal while you observe the brake light on the vehicle’s dashboard. If brake lights don’t activate, it is highly likely that the brake light switch is faulty.

However, it’s important to note that in certain cars, the brake light switch operates with two separate circuits. Therefore, even if the brake lights appear to be functioning properly, there is still a possibility that the switch is malfunctioning. In such cases, it is recommended to check the brake light switch using a scanner for more accurate results.

3) Check the Throttle Body

As we discussed above, a clogged or damaged throttle body is a major cause of EPC light. Therefore, when this light turns on, you should properly inspect the throttle body of your vehicle.

4) Check Sensor Data

If you possess a diagnostic scan toll but cannot locate any relevant trouble codes to continue your troubleshooting, it is advisable to examine the sensor information. Check the brake pressure sensor data to ensure it is within realistic ranges.

It is also important to review the sensor data from other engine sensors and sensors associated with the EPC and brake systems for a comprehensive evaluation.

5) Contact Professional

If you don’t have the necessary tools and knowledge, it will be hard for you to diagnose your vehicle’s EPC system. In such cases, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a qualified mechanic if you have performed basic troubleshooting and are unable to identify the underlying cause of the EPC light.

FAQ Section

What does the EPC Light mean on an Audi or Volkswagen?

The EPC light in Audi or vehicles Volkswagen indicates an issue with the EPC system. This system is responsible for controlling various components related to throttle control, such as the traction control, cruise control, accelerator pedal, and throttle body.

Can the EPC Warning Light cause a reduction in engine power?

The EPC warning light is responsible for controlling the throttle system and can result in sudden power loss. When the EPC light appears, there may be instances where you are unable to rev up the engine at all.

How much does it cost to fix the EPC light?

The fixing cost of the EPC light varies according to the nature of the problem and the repair of the relevant part. Normally, the fixing cost of the EPC light is usually between $90 to $500.

Is the EPC light dangerous?

It is crucial to address the illuminated EPC light promptly, as it can indicate a range of potential issues, including serious ones. Before continuing to drive, it is important to diagnose the specific cause behind the EPC light illumination.

How to reset the EPC Light on your VW?

Use an OBD-II scanner to reset the trouble codes
Inspect the throttle body and replace it if needed
Replace the bad brake pressure sensor
Replace or repair the damaged throttle body position sensor
Replace the bad ABS sensor
Repair the damaged wiring
Replace the faulty brake pedal switch
Replace or repair the damaged engine sensor
Replace the bad steering angle sensor
Replace the faulty accelerator pedal sensor

Can I drive with the illuminated EPC Light?

It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with an EPC light. The illuminated EPC light in your vehicle can indicate a range of issues, varying in severity. If your vehicle’s EPC light is on and it is in limp-in mode (reduced power mode), it is crucial to promptly bring it to a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair.

Why does my EPC light come on when I accelerate?

The EPC light can come on when you accelerate due to various reasons, including throttle-related problems, engine management system issues, fuel or ignition system problems, or transmission-related issues. It’s best to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic for an accurate diagnosis and repair.

Can a misfire cause an EPC light?

Yes, a misfire in the engine may indirectly trigger the warning EPC light. When your engine starts to misfire, it affects the overall performance, and typically, the check engine light will also illuminate. Engine system problems can contribute to the activation of the EPC light.

Written By

Engineer Rahela

Rahela is the owner and main author of Mechanicalspecial. She is an automotive expert writer. She have over four years of experience in the automotive writing niche and have completed over 700 pieces of content from 40 projects. She have good knowledge and skill in vehicle repairing, all mechanical work, car upgrades and maintenance.