EPC light on Audi can not only be annoying but can also indicate some serious problems. The light appears to warn you that the throttle system has a problem.
Issues with the throttle body, ABS sensor, brake pedal switch, engine sensors, and internal wiring will cause the EPC light to come on. You’ll need the information in this article to avoid safety risks.
Contents
What Causes an EPC Light To Come On on Audi or VW Cars?
The causes of an EPC light to come on on Audi or VW cars are a broken throttle body, failing engine sensors, a broken brake pedal switch, and bad ABS sensors, but also a failing steering angle sensor and wiring issues trigger the EPC light.
In fact, failure in any part connected to the EPC system triggers the light. When it comes to EPC light meaning, Audi car owners can learn about it in this article. Read on to see how to fix EPC light on VW as well.
– Failed Throttle Body
What does EPC stand for? It means electronic power control (EPC). The throttle body is the part that regulates how much air flows into the engine when you step on the throttle, and the EPC cannot function optimally with a failing throttle body. So when it comes to the EPC light, Audi and other cars display it when the throttle body is damaged or malfunctioning.
Modern car models have electric throttle bodies that trigger the EPC and check engine lights when they malfunction. Internal contamination is the leading cause of throttle body failure. A clog prevents the valve from functioning optimally, which prevents air supply control.
– A Faulty Engine Sensor
The EPC system works with multiple engine sensors to control the engine power, such as IAT, O2, ECT, and MAF sensors. The EPC light on Audi or VW cars will appear when an engine sensor fails. In addition, the EPC light appears with other trouble codes depending on the broken sensors.
Understanding the trouble codes is essential to fixing the faulty sensor. Sometimes multiple sensors fail simultaneously, necessitating the need to check all the alerts on your dashboard.
– Failing ABS Sensors
The ABS system uses ABS sensors to determine the speed of the wheel. The EPC also uses the information from the sensors to function. The ABS sensors are prone to failure because of the constant exposure to dirt.
The sensors are in the wheel hubs, which contact water, dust, and debris as you drive. The contamination may accumulate on the sensor and cause failure. Another possible cause of failure is a broken reluctor ring.
The ABS sensors use the reluctor ring to measure the speed of the wheel and relay the information to the ABS and EPC system. Hence, any issue with the ring may trigger the EPC warning light.
– Other Defective Sensors
Additional sensor problems that may trigger the Audi EPC light include failure in the crankshaft position sensor, fuel pressure, coolant temperature, knock, boost pressure, speed sensor, and fuel temperature sensors. A diagnostic scanner helps you to identify the failing sensor easily.
– A Broken Brake Pedal Switch
The brake pedal switch or brake light switch detects your motion when you press the brake pedal. Your Audi or VW uses the information to switch on the brake lights. The brake pedal switch is also essential to the optimal function of the EPC and cruise control systems.
A bad brake pedal switch does not relay the information the EPC system needs to detect that you stepped on the brakes. Consequently, the system activates the light and sends an error code.
A failed brake pressure sensor can also trigger the warning light. Hence, you need to read all the error codes to determine the cause of the flashing VW EPC light.
– Poor Wiring
Wiring problems can cause the EPC light to flicker. The challenge with diagnosing wiring problems is the complexity of the electronic wiring. You need to know the wires that connect to parts or the sensors that send information to the EPC system.
Some wiring problems, such as corroded terminals or broken wires, are visible to the naked eye. You may also notice burnt wires when you inspect different parts. However, some broken wires appear functional on the outside while they have gaps on the inside.
Exposed and corroded wires require immediate replacement. Contact an Audi mechanic to inspect the electrical wiring further for defects if the replacements do not solve the problem.
– Failing Steering Angle Sensor
The steering angle sensor is positioned behind the steering wheel. The sensor detects the steering wheel position and sends the information to the EPC system. The system, in turn, uses the information to correct the brake force and give you the right direction to turn the steering wheel.
The wires connected to the steering wheel buttons and angle sensor go to the clock spring, which enables you to turn the steering wheel in different directions. The clock spring is prone to failure, which appears as a failing steering angle sensor.
An expert’s assessment is necessary to determine if the problem is with the steering angle sensor or the clock spring. Both issues trigger the EPC light.
– Other Mechanical Issues
Failure in components that affect the engine’s functionality can result in the EPC light turning on. For instance, ignition coils and spark plugs are necessary to switch on the engine. The light comes on when spark plugs misfire, or the ignition coils fail.
Malfunctions in the EVAP system and car turbines will trigger the EPC light, as well. The intake valve is also prone to carbon and debris buildup, which causes engine problems. The light comes on as a reminder to inspect and clean the valve.
How To Fix EPC Light On Audi or VW Cars?
To fix the EPC light on Audi or VW cars, assess the stored trouble codes in the control modules with an OBD2 scanner. If the trouble codes don’t reveal all underlying issues, read the sensor data and repair the broken sensors. In addition, inspect the throttle body for carbon buildup.
– Assess the Trouble Codes
The EPC light on your Audi dashboard indicates that you have a trouble code to assess and correct. Sometimes you have more than one error code in the control unit if several parts are broken. The trouble codes are accessible in the ABS control module, steering control unit, and engine control module.
You also need to scan the transmission control unit for a complete EPC light reset. An OBD2 scanner will show you the stored error codes. However, a basic scanner can only access the engine control module. Additional error codes are stored in other control units.
If you prefer to read the codes yourself, buy an advanced scanner, as you will identify all the faulty parts and sensors you must replace to clear the EPC light. An alternative is to drive your Audi to an authorized dealer or workshop for a diagnostic scan. This is if the car EPC activates the limp mode to allow you to get there.
Reading the trouble codes first helps you to avoid unnecessary repair costs. You also save the time you would spend assessing all the parts prone to triggering the EPC light.
– Check the Throttle Body
You do not need any diagnostic tool to trace carbon and dirt accumulation in the throttle body. The clog appears as a thick film if you have not cleaned the throttle system for a long time. Buy a cleaner from an auto shop and clean the system thoroughly.
The cleaning process should be thorough but gentle to avoid damage. Inspect the throttle body after cleaning to ensure that all parts are in place and connected properly.
– Repair and Replace the Faulty Sensors
Sensor data can help you trace malfunctions in the sensors that trouble codes do not reveal. Analyze data from all engine sensors, the EPC system, and braking system sensors. The data will indicate abnormal values and help you identify faulty sensors.
– Inspect and Repair Damaged Parts
If the diagnostic scan reveals all sensors are working properly after the repairs, you need to check other parts. Damaged spark plugs, ignition coil, electrical wiring, and turbines cause the EPC light. You may require a mechanic’s help to inspect these parts and the EVAP system for defects.
– Visit a Professional Mechanic
The EPC light has multiple causes, from faulty sensors to damaged car parts. The diagnostic process requires knowledge and advanced diagnostic tools for accurate results.
It is easier to seek professional help than to assess all the trouble codes and sensor data at home. A qualified Audi mechanic or workshop will locate the problem source fast. The shop will also replace the broken part immediately.
Wondering about the EPC light Audi cost to fix? The repair cost will depend on the Audi model, the damaged part, and the pricing of your local mechanics. You may incur higher costs than necessary if you don’t guess the faulty part or sensor and don’t go to a mechanic the first time. In addition, regular car maintenance by professional mechanics can save you replacement costs.
Conclusion
The EPC light warns you to check and fix the underlying issues to save the engine and other related systems on your Audi or VW. Here are the tips regarding fixing the EPC light that you need to remember:
- The EPC light indicates a problem in the electronic power control (EPC) system.
- The EPC system uses multiple sensors in its function.
- Failing sensors and a dirty throttle body are the leading causes of the EPC light.
- An advanced diagnostic tool enables you to assess the trouble codes and the problem source.
- Sensor data provide further information on the failing sensors.
Seeking professional help is advisable, given the potential causes of the EPC light and the recommended fixes.
We love what we do, and it shows in everything we do and more. We share our knowledge, here on Ran When Parked.
- What Causes a Car to Sputter While Driving & How to Fix It - September 26, 2023
- Rack and Pinion Leak: Common Causes and Their Solutions - September 25, 2023
- Subwoofer Stopped Working But Amp Is On – Causes and Fixes - September 24, 2023