If you own a Volkswagen or Audi, there’s a high probability you’ve encountered the EPC light illuminating on your car’s dashboard. Seeing this can be somewhat alarming, but what does the EPC light really mean?
The EPC light is a warning light that indicates a problem with your vehicle’s electronic power control (EPC) system. When this light comes on, it usually means there is an issue with the car’s throttle system.
Now that you have the quick answer let’s look more deeply into it. In this blog post, we’ll explore what the EPC light means, investigate the reasons it may come on, and guide you on how to address it. By the conclusion of this post, you’ll be well-equipped with the knowledge necessary to handle the situation if your EPC light illuminates. Continue reading to discover more!
What does the EPC Light mean?
The EPC light is a warning light related to your vehicle’s electronic power control (EPC) system. It means there is a trouble code stored in the EPC system.
The EPC light often shows up together with the Engine, ABS, or ESP Light, depending on where the problem is. The Electronic Power Control system is monitored by the engine control unit, brake control unit, transmission control unit, and steering control unit.
The EPC system is Volkswagen Group’s traction control system, and therefore you will also find the EPC system in Audi, Skoda and Seat car models.
RELATED: How Many Car Brands Does Volkswagen Own?
What Causes An EPC Light?
The most common causes of an EPC light are a faulty throttle body, a faulty ABS sensor, a cracked ABS ring, a bad brake pressure sensor, or a faulty brake pedal switch. It can also be caused by wiring issues or other electrical issues.
Here are a few of the issues that could trigger the EPC light:
1. Throttle body failure
The throttle body controls how much air should enter the engine when you press the gas pedal. The EPC system uses the throttle body to control the engine power, and if there is an issue with the throttle body, the EPC system will not be able to function properly.
Most throttle bodies today are electric, and if there is a problem with it, it will light up a check engine light and an EPC light on your dashboard.
RELATED: 8 Symptoms of a Bad Throttle Body (& Replacement Cost)
2. Failed Brake Pedal Switch
The brake pedal switch or brake light switch is used to know when you press the brake pedal, so the car should activate the brake lights. The switch is also used for other functions such as the cruise control system or the EPC system.
If there is a problem with the brake pedal switch, the EPC system will not be able to recognize when you press the brake pedal or not, and therefore it will illuminate the EPC light and store a fault code.
READ MORE: 5 Symptoms of a Bad Brake Light Switch (& Replacement Cost)
3. Bad ABS sensor
The ABS sensors measure the speed of each wheel on your car. It uses this information mainly for the ABS system, but there are other systems that use this information and the EPC system is one of them.
The ABS sensors are located on the wheel hubs and are very exposed to dirt, rust, and water, and are therefore prone to failure. It can also be an issue with the ABS reluctor ring, from which the ABS sensor is measuring the speed from.
READ MORE: 4 Signs of a Bad ABS Wheel Speed Sensor (Replacement Cost)
4. Failed brake pressure sensor
If you have a Volkswagen car and an EPC light on your dashboard, there is a high risk that the brake pressure sensor has failed. The brake pressure sensor works like the brake light switch, but it doesn’t just measure ON/OFF, it actually measures the brake pressure you apply through the brake pedal.
Unfortunately, the brake pressure sensor on many VW models is located inside the ABS control module, making it quite difficult to replace. Often you need to replace the entire ABS control module if there is a problem with the sensor, which can be very expensive.
5. A bad steering angle sensor
The steering angle sensor sits behind your steering wheel and is used to measure which position the steering wheel is in. The EPC system will use this information to determine which direction you turn the steering wheel and correct the brake force with this information.
To be able to turn the steering wheel, there is also a clock spring where the wires to the steering wheel angle sensor and the steering wheel buttons go. This clock spring is known to fail, and if it fails, it may look like a problem with the steering angle sensor.
RELATED: 4 Signs of a Bad Steering Angle Sensor (& Replacement Cost)
6. A Bad Engine Sensor
The EPC system uses a lot of different engine sensors to function properly, and if there is an issue with one of the engine sensors, it could result in an EPC light on your dashboard. It is therefore important to read the trouble codes when you see the EPC light to be able to pinpoint where the problem is.
Some of the engine sensors that can trigger the EPC light are the MAF sensor, the IAT sensor, the ECT sensor, or the O2 sensor. Keep reading to find out how to determine which of these sensors is causing the EPC light.
7. Wiring Issues
Because of all the electronic wiring in modern cars, there is a high risk that there is a wiring problem that is causing the EPC light. Unfortunately, wiring problems can be quite difficult to find unless you know exactly what you’re looking for.
The most common wiring problems are broken wires, corroded electrical contacts, or burnt contacts. If you’ve tried everything else on this list and don’t have the knowledge to diagnose the wiring, you may need to hire a professional.
RELATED: VSC Light – Meaning & Causes
How to fix the EPC light?
To fix the VW EPC light, you need to read the trouble codes with an OBD2 scanner. Once you know what the trouble codes are telling you, you need to continue to troubleshoot these codes. Just guessing the problem will only waste your money.
Here is more information about the steps you should take to fix your EPC light:
1. Check Trouble Codes
The first thing you should do when you have an EPC light on your dashboard is to read the trouble codes from the engine control module and ABS control module with an OBD2 scanner. When the EPC warning light is on, it means there are one or several trouble codes stored in one of these control units.
Modern car models have advanced on-board diagnostic systems, and if there is a warning light on your dashboard, it means that there is a fault code stored in one of the control modules. Instead of just guessing and replacing the wrong parts, you can save time and money by reading these error codes.
You have to scan the engine control unit, ABS control unit, steering control unit, and transmission control unit for any stored trouble codes. You can either take your car to a mechanic to let them read the trouble codes, or you can do it at home with your own OBD2 scanner.
However, the cheapest diagnostic scanners can only read the engine control module, and because this issue could appear in other control modules as well, it’s recommended to either get a more advanced diagnostic scanner or let a workshop read the other control units’ codes.
2. Check the brake light switch
The brake light switch is a common reason for the EPC light to come on, and it’s often quite easy to check. Just have someone press the brake pedal while you check the brake lights on your car. If there are no brake lights, the risk is high that the brake light switch is bad.
But in many car models, there are two different currents in the brake light switch, so even if the brake lights work, there is a chance that the switch is still bad. Therefore, it is better to diagnose it with a scan tool.
3. Check sensor data
If you have a diagnostic scanner but can’t find any good trouble codes to continue troubleshooting from, you need to check the sensor data. Check the values from the brake pressure sensor to ensure they appear realistic.
You will also want to check the sensor data from all other engine sensors and sensors related to the brake and EPC system.
4. Talk to a professional
EPC systems can be quite difficult to diagnose correctly without the right knowledge and tools. Therefore, if you did the basic things, but still can’t figure out what’s wrong, it may be time to contact a professional mechanic who has dealt with this problem before.
Although leaving it to a mechanic can be expensive, you will likely save money over simply guessing and replacing the wrong parts. If you want to fix the EPC light, you should definitely contact a Volkswagen or Audi workshop that has dealt with these issues before.
You do also want to check if there are any recalls or campaigns for your VW or Audi model.
Is it dangerous to drive with the EPC light on?
Yes, it can be risky to drive with the EPC light on without knowing what is causing it to come on. Always fix the EPC problem as soon as possible. When the light is on, it means that there may be several restricted functions in your car.
Because the EPC system is integrated with the engine, steering, and brake system, it could cause engine damage or even cause a serious accident because of limited brake or steering functions. Therefore, when the EPC light appears on your dashboard, drive to the nearest mechanic repair shop as soon as possible.
Usually, the EPC system issue won’t cause damage to your car if you drive carefully, but the issue could be more severe in some cases, and therefore it’s best to check it up as soon as possible.
What does the EPC Light mean on a Volkswagen or Audi?
The EPC warning light on your Volkswagen or Audi means there is a problem with the EPC (Electric Power Control) system. The EPC system controls the throttle control, including the throttle body, accelerator pedal, cruise control, or traction control.
Can a misfire cause an EPC light?
Yes, a misfire can cause the EPC light to come on indirectly. If the engine misfires, it will interfere with the engine’s performance, and in most cases, the check engine light will also come on. If there is a problem with the engine system, it can also trigger the EPC light.
Can the EPC Warning Light Cause a Loss of Power?
Yes, the EPC warning light controls the throttle system and can cause a sudden power loss. Sometimes, you can’t rev up the engine at all when the EPC light appears.
How much does it cost to fix the EPC light?
There is no fixed price to fix the EPC light because there are so many potential issues that could cause it. Usually, it will cost anything between $100 to $400 to fix the EPC light, but sometimes it can be more expensive.
Is the EPC light serious?
Yes, due to the variety of issues that can cause the EPC light to come on, your EPC light could be on due to a serious issue. Therefore, it is important to diagnose what is causing the light to come on before you continue to drive.
Conclusion
The EPC light indicates there is a malfunction in the electronic power control system. The electronic power control (EPC) system is controlled by the engine control module, and you will find this system in Volkswagen, Audi, and other VAG models.
Although the EPC system seems quite simple, it is an advanced system that is integrated with many different systems, and therefore it can be quite difficult to pinpoint where the problem is.
Fortunately, with the information in this article, you should be able to properly begin a real diagnosis of why there is an EPC light on your dashboard and get rid of it without wasting your money. I hope this information helps you. Don’t forget to follow us on YouTube!
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66 thoughts on "EPC Light on Volkswagen & Audi: Meaning, Causes & Fixes"
mike
Polo vivo 2012 showing EPC light what can be a cause
Magnus Sellén
First, read the codes with a scanner that's compatible with reading the engine control module and ABS control module. If you find any codes, you can check out our trouble code library to figure out the issue.
Bill
2004 audi a4 quattro 3.0l. Car will start fine when the engine is either cold or sits for a while. Once the car warms up epc light comes on and won't go passed 4000rpm. Has a rough idle. Throwing a bunch of coded can it be a bad evap purge valve. Also the car shakes can feel it in the seat. Can anyone help before I take it to audi and they kill me on price.
Magnus Sellén
I would suggest borrowing a diagnostic scanner from someone to read the codes. It sounds like your car is going into limp mode. I would check the PCV valve and EVAP valve to make sure they are not stuck open!
Tolex
I have an Audi A4 2006 model The EPC light came up and the throttle is not working properly what should I do?
asbaha mohamed
I have a VW Passat TDI 2012, if I drive for almost 100km Epc light come on the engine looses power, if I stop and shut down the engine then start again it can go up to 300km without Epc or loosing power, plugs are new and also heater coils are new
Garry Shaw
I have a 2013 VW Golf 1.4Tsi DSG Bluemotion, just the EPC light comes on when I start the Car if I drive a short distance say 1/2 mile stop the engine and restart it doesn't come on, I've taken to a Garage who checked it over he stated that there were a few fault codes showing which he cleared, I drove the car the EPC light didn't come on however it returned the next day but doesn't stay on if you turn the engine off the turn it on again. The garage said there may be a Turbo problem but the Car runs fine not showing a dip in performance Any ideas please
Ivan
Hello I have EPC PROBLEM On my car its Audi A3 year 2013 ......2.0L So please how I can get assist my number is 0622450188 And I based sandton Johannesburg so am looking the nearest place where I can be able to reach you thanks
Atiqur khan
Hi I have a Audi A5 my car runs fine but wen u gets hot and car is on traffic lights and stationary and I press the throttle it jerks lil bit and epc sign flashes than goes, took it to the garage said camshaft position senser circ range performance passive P034100 got the camshaft senser changed car was fine in the beginning as usual than after half hour it kind of done the same thing epc sign flashed and car jerked lil bit when accelerating from stationary drove it after it was fine no looks like only when the car is driven for a while and wen its get hot I will have to test it more because the camshaft sensor was changed 2 days ago any ideas guys doing my head in
Malakia
Hi everyone, i have a problem with my Polo 6 2012. The car starts perfectly but every after a few minutes of driving, the EPC light pops on, followed by the check engen light thn the car goes off. i try to start it emediately but it doesnt start. i have to wait for some minutes and the car starts again, drive for some minutes and the same thing comes up again. Please Help!
Linwood
I recently installed a turbo inlet and outlet pipe on my 2017 VW GLI. The “epc” light came on under hard throttle. I turned the car off and back on 5 minutes later. As for now no more light. What do you think may have caused this?
Mark
I was driving our 2004 Beetle when the EPC light and traction control light came on. The car stopped, but the engine was still running. I turned the car off, restarted it, and the lights went off and the car drove normally. The only other weird thing was that the trip odometer reset by itself when that happened. There are no codes stored. I was using the cruise control at the time it happened.
lynette
hi i have a 2015 vw polo tsi highline and the epc light comes on and my car immediately goes into limp mode we had a diagonistic done and it say 2 injectors are faulty is this possible or could be a wiring problem as my car as only doe 77000 km please advise
Wanda
Wanda. Today I was driving my 2009 VW beetle and when I was pulling into my destination the car just died. I was able to restart it but when I did the EPC light came on. I was able to drive home with no complications . But no other warning lights came on. Will I be able to drive to mechanic on Monday?
Jessica
Hello, I'm having the same issue as Ged. Actually, both my wife and I have the same car (2015 Golf 1.8L) - hers is automatic, mine is manual. The EPC light comes on and then disappears; when using an OBD2 Diagnostic Tool, no codes appear - which would lead me to believe we have faulty sensors. How can we narrow down what sensor requires replacing without having to replace all of them? Thank you!!
Anterio
Hi i have a 2004 VW touran 2.0 FSI my EPC light is intermittent when it is on i cannot use my cruise control, there is a slight miss and my steering is jerky. What could cause this. I have checked all pipes for leaks and had my mechanic replace the timing sensors. When it goes off it drives like a dream. It has only done 125000 km's.
Tony E
Hi. I have a 2016 skoda Fabia and The epc llght appears after driving around 8 miles and stays on with a loss of power particularly when trying to accelerate. After stopping and switching off the engine the car runs fine for a few miles until the problem reappears. Any thoughts?
Sandra
I have a 2012 Jetta se 2.5 my epc was coming on and off for few days then eventually died had throttle cleaned and the died again, replaced the throttle body now it’s same thing drive for like 2 days great then it relapsed
modjo
hi when i start my car it says check oil sensor then there is a check engine light and also after a few rides the ecu light came on would that? be triggered wth the oil sensor or wats the issue kindly advise its a vw golf 2.0
Avin
Hi, My car is Volkswagen MK6 GOLF R, and i faced a situation while running the EPC light comes and immediately the car got off, and cannot able to start again. please assist me if anyone know the reason. And also when again if we start the EPC and Battery light is coming and its not get start. please tell me the reason.
Richaman
My polo vivo just show a EPC light nd high idle but not accelerating, my mechanic says its cause by a top valve because he found a lot of oil in manifold, is it possible?
destiney
i have a 2007 vw eos and while driving the eps light came on and the car died i have not been able to start it again
Chris
Hello my car epc and battery light indicators are on. The car won't start any idea what going on
Louis Britz
Hi I'm driving a vw caddy panelvan problem with it epc light and traction light appears on dash I diagnose it(1) codes N156 intake valve(2) code G187 sensor 1 throttle act and sensor 2 throttle and code G188(3) camshaft position sensor G40 can't seem to find problem with car but it can pickup revs not ever accelerate
Sello
Hi I'm driving a 2010 golf 6 gti manual and the epic light come on but now is off but the absence light is on and the idling is but it lost power. What the problem?
Nomkhitha
Hi I'm nomkhitha with a polo of 2011 model I have 2 days service the car today it shows me Epc I need help how to stop it
Richard
Hi my name is Richard. I am driving a 2011 golf 6 tsi and lately its been showing engen check light and epc light.. What I noticed also is that my brake pedal when dipressed it is clattering and sounds like a boiling kettle of water... Could this mean my brakes have a problem? If yes how do I solve it...
Tony
Hi I have a vw golf Mk5 2006 my engine light is on and the epc light I have had a diagnostic done and it shows no faults but my car is sluggish it does not have power and when I take off I have short gear change
Tony
Hi my golf is a 1.4 lt
Mish
My son used a pressure washer on the engine compartment now I have epc and check engine light flashing It does run Has the same kind of feeling as a misfire from a spark plug
M Latif
Went in to AUDI to get spare key coded after it stopped working ( due to electrical work on car, battery removed, etc, etc). New key works fine, but as I drove out, I noticed EPC light on dash. Went back into AUDI to ask they look into it. They say it may have been there previously but not shown up? But as they cleared the codes, its now shown up ? COBBLERS !! Have noticed I now have no DRIVE select, NO CRUISE CONTROL, NO STOP START ? Its booked in with them for a weeks time, but surely they've accidentally done something when coding the key, etc ??? Im tempted to take it back ASAP to demnd they look at it, as Initially I thought it was just the STOP START ( as that's the only message that come on the display, but they assured me it was safe to drive away for the week, but on way home, I tried cruise, paddle shifters (DSG) and drive select and nothing works...wonder what else doesn't work ??) Any suggestions
John
Did services my polo vivo 2011 model...when finish drive the car then epc light comes on.car hve also no power ..go back they tell me one of my coil packs is finish replace tht with a new one...drive again but car hve no power still....an the car dont drive the same anymore..go back again they say I must go c auto electrician an so him this...17766 passive/sporadic ignition activation cyl 2open circuit TBD what do tht mean
Mohamad
Hi, I have an Audi Q5 2009 the EPC light appears while am driving and a speed limit 40 km also appears on the dashboard I stopped the car and I noticed a high temp, and the engine is turning on any more, I kept the engine off to the second day morning and I fill it with water it took 10 liters of water, but there’s a sound in comes. Could you please advice! Thank you
Henry Emeka
Hi,my Jetta 2004 automatic transmission has EPC and check Engine lights on,it starts and drive's but can't change to the next gear.Have change the gear box sensor, Chang the cam shaft sensor yet the light could not go off,and my mechanic says its the Engine brain box that is responsible. Pls help me with Answers thanks.
alejandro gallardo
My Jetta GSL 2.0 2002 have EPC light it's automatic but I need to accelerate almost 4000rpm to make the car change to the next gear, that makes waste a lot of fuel. What should I do?
Jeff
Audi Quattro 225hp epic light comes on after about 30 mins of driving check engine light is on and anti lock break light on those 2 lights are always on and the traction control light never caused problem before only have limited power now that EPC light come on
Nelson Ogbari Soun
I have an o3 deasul engine mecedes Benz and EPC light came on and being a deasul engine no mechanic has been able to direct its fault although onex it come on and I stop a while and start it could take me to a very reasonable distance with a very slow speed my worry is no mechanic understand deasul engine in the state I am in Port Harcourt Nigeria so most times I do the fixing my self pls help
Ged
Hi mine is Audi a5 2.0 Tfsi quattro black edition coupe Epc light came on twice in last month. It comes on its own no other lights apear on the dashboard. When i stop and turn engine of and on again it dissapears and never comes back again. Then again it appeared few weeks after on its own, done same thing (engine off and on) and it again gone and drives fine. Is it just the sensor that is playing up then? Cause ive read you article and you've mention that it comes with other lights when its a problem. Thanks for the help in advance. Ive bought a car last month, worried as hell atm as have no clue if its major or just sensor lol.
Lachlan Holman
This is happening to my 2014 TSFI A3. EPC light only, car still drives great, only thing I’ve noticed is the auto engine off (when car is sitting at lights or a corner) has turned off. Hopefully not a massive issue. Car people tell me to get it checked out in case
Bruno Price
Hi i have a 2009model polo 9N 1.6 my EPC light is on car rides as normal but have no rear brake lights replaced the bulbs but still not working what could be the problem thanks
Josie
Hi I drive a seat Leon and EPC light is just come in. Please advise what the cause maybe. Can I still drive?
Tina cox
My Audi A3 2003 epc light comes on and the car stalls but only low revs when stopping or reversing After half an hour it starts again fine I had cam belt sensor changed but it’s still doing it My garage said it could be a relay doing it but can’t remember which one he said Thanks
Christopher
Hi, I have an Audi Q5, my question is if the EPC light only appears when the engine is turned on? or it also appears only with placing the car in ON mode.
Esteban ortiz
I have the same problem
Denzel Ellison
Hello my name is Denzel and I have a 2001 Vw Passat 1.8t 5 speed manual my epic light only comes on when I give it full throttle car starts every time and can drive it with no issues until I floor it, I switch electronic throttle pedal still doing same thing anyway you can narrow down what it might be. Thanks.
Teboho
Hi, my vw polo 9n 2003 epc light light comes on when idles for 5 min + and the rpm goes up even if I didn't press the gas pedal.. Strange thing is when I press gas pedal it doesn't pass 1000 rpms... What could be the problem? Thanks
David Jackson
What was your fix. Sounds just like mine.
Max
Hi, I’m struggling to fix EPC & EML. So far have read few blogs, changed brake switch and serviced throttle body sensor with WD40. No change. However to start with a headlight bulb was missing, when I put a new one, both lights gone. Driven about 5 miles and lights came again. And yes, codes via Scannner were 18049——-P1641 17550——P1142 17961———P1553 This is polo 1.4 petrol.
PRESHEN
MY EPC LIGHT COMES ON OCCASIONALLY ESPECIALLY WHEN ENGINE IS HOT . I CHANGED THE PLUGS . I CHANGED NO 3 COIL PACK . IT WAS SHOWING A FAULT. THE LIGHT STILL COMES ON . WHAT ELSE CAN IT BE.
Sonny
Get a 93 octane gas and a multipurpose additive for a petrol it cost around 10 bucks a can,u will need 2
Rayzo
Hi, I have a Gold IV 1.4 2003. The EPC is on when I try to start the car but after turns Off. The problem is that I can't start the car sometimes only if I jump-start it. I ordered new battery but is this problem related with the EPC? Thank you
Itumeleng
Hi I have 2009 Audi A3 1.8T. It has EPC light as well as "do not exceed 4000 rpm". What could be the problem?
JP
Same on my 2016 VW Golf R 2.0T
Sam
I've 2016 a3 it show epc at 3 to 4 rpm on uphill what could be the problem
Pom
Had an EPC and check engine light show up and it shut my engine off. Had to coast it off the freeway and call for a tow. Brought it into VW dealer and they told me it's a cam and crankshaft sensor problem. They say it's fixed but, the EPC and check engine light comes on before I start the car. Shouldn't it not show up at all after being fixed?
Br
Just fuel pressure regulator check if keeping up check on fuel pump if there is module if really hot there your problem solved
Dom
Yeah it shouldn’t be showing up again I suggest you take your car back to wherever you went to have it fixed and demand they ACTUALLY try to fix it this time. The problem with an EPC light is that it can literally be one of a ton of issues so it’s hRd to pinpoint it sometimes and it can turn off and on if under the right conditions. (Like if they were working in your car and it sat for a while but they didn’t turn it on till they “fixed it” then when they start the engine the light might not come on until the car starts moving a quarter mile then *!*BAM*!* That EPS lights back on but they tell u it’s fixed. So I suggest take the car back tell them to fix it again then when u go to pick the car up have a mechanic go with you for a drive for like 2-5 miles to make sure it’s not just going to pop back up.
Ronnie
Hi , my epc light came on and I left with 400 km to go to service . Must I take it now or wait to reach the km
Annie
I bought used 2001 be jetta with a mileage 136,500. 5speed manual transmission. When I turn on the engine, EPC and check engine light illuminate, but when car is moving EPC light is off, just the check engine light is on. What is the problem?
Senzo
hey man did you manage to get your problem solved?
Andrea
I have an 03 1.8t passat and wouldnt start and my EPC light is on. Only codes are PO411 and PO420. Could a clogged cat or bad o2 sensors cause this. No start but cranks
Magnus Sellén
Yes that's right, a clogged catalytic converter could cause both the P0411 and the P0420 code. Try to start it without the catalytic converter fitted :)
Kim Rosser
Hello my engine light was on and off for a couple months.One day whilw driving it just cut off and the Epc lught came on and now it won't start. Us my engine gone?
luberth dijkman
So much failures all because of computer sensor related bullshit And all mechanics have problems solving the problem 20 years ago things where simple
Bushy
Hi,, sometimes my car(golf 7 gti) wtites maximum Revs on the cluster and the temperature gauge goes above normal and the fan kicks on... What might be the problem..
Mike Hill
I have a 2012 VW CC sport check engine light came on then epc light came on a little later. What should I do