The EPC Warning Light: Everything You Want to Know
The Engine Control Unit (ECU) controls almost all components in a modern vehicle. In older models, for example, mechanical linkages were the key to managing the parking brake, steering, and gas pedal. But electric motors and ECU computers steer these components along with everything else in a modern automatic car. The Electronic Power Control (EPC) is a computerized system for managing ignition and engine functions. The EPC warning light is an indicator that either the system itself or the components that this system controls are malfunctioning.
What Does the EPC Light Mean?
It’s simple. The light indicates a potential problem in any of the components monitored by the EPC system.
Found in the cars of twelve Volkswagen Group brands, including Porsche, Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, and more, this system monitors more components other than the ignition and engine. For example, stability and cruise control can also be under the EPC system.
A warning light on the dashboard, such as an Audi EPC light, means that the system has detected an issue in any of the components it maintains.
What Happens When the EPC Warning Light Comes On?
The EPC light turns on after sensing a malfunction with the engine and a few other related components. When this happens, the ECU limits the throttle usage to prevent further damage.
A few other warning lights may come on too as the EPC also monitors multiple other systems. The most common is the ‘Check Engine Light’ since the engine is not fully operational.
The ECU may also disable the cruise control and stability control systems, triggering their respective lights on the dashboard to turn on. The ABS and steering wheel sensors may also give warnings.
In serious cases, the reasons behind this light could be a failing power steering, brake pedal, or throttle body.
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Checking with an OBDII scanner is the only way to find out the source of the problem. If you don’t have a scanner at home, take the car to a servicing shop. The mechanics there will plug the scanner into the EPC system and find out the trouble code. They will then take necessary repair actions according to the reference of that code. After that, the troubling code needs to be cleared to make everything return to normal.
How Safe Is It to Drive with the EPC Light On?
When your Volkswagen or Audi EPC warning light comes on, you should not keep driving it, as doing so can further damage the engine.
There is a high probability of the ECU to send the vehicle to a ‘Limp Mode’ by limiting the throttle and power. This will make the car to run sluggishly, so you can reach home or a servicing shop without doing serious damage to the engine.
An EPC warning light could be an indicator of both minor and serious problems. It’s better to take it for servicing as soon as the light comes on. Otherwise, a small issue can lead to significant damage to the engine or other parts.