What Does EPC Light Mean? & What To Do Next
The EPC light is a warning light that illuminates when there’s an issue with your Volkswagen’s electronic power control system. This computer-based system manages your vehicle’s engine power, traction, and stability. The EPC light alerting you to a system problem usually appears as the yellow letters EPC inside the tachometer. We’ll help you understand more about the Volkswagen EPC light and why it matters.
Can I Drive With the EPC Light On?
“Seat Mii dashboard” licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikipedia Commons by Wiki LIC
As the EPC light may indicate a problem with many important car functions, you shouldn’t ignore it. Depending on your vehicle’s symptoms, you should limit your driving or not drive at all. If you notice the EPC light blinking or flashing, make your way directly to our service center. You should also come in immediately if the EPC light is on and you notice one or more of these symptoms that require urgent attention:
- Vehicle shaking
- Check engine light illuminated
- Battery light illuminated
- Reduced engine power (unable to pass 4,000 rpm)
- Reduced acceleration (unable to pass 40 mph)
- Infotainment screen or digital cockpit stops working
Your vehicle might enter limp mode. This mode, which restricts your speed and acceleration, lets you drive safely to the dealership without causing damage.
In some cases, you may not be able to drive your vehicle with the EPC light on. If you notice the EPC light with these issues, stay where you are and call our service team at 618-249-3834 for advice:
- Engine won’t start
- Engine shuts down or stalls
- Vehicle won’t accelerate or rev
Common Reasons the Volkswagen EPC Light Activates
Some common vehicle issues that trigger the EPC light include:
- Throttle system malfunctions, including accelerator pedal and fuel throttle-body injector issues
- Faulty brake light switches
- ABS and wheel speed sensor issues
- Steering angle sensor problems
- Mass airflow (MAF) and air intake sensor failures
- Accelerator pedal position sensor defects
- Engine sensor malfunctions, including engine speed and crank position sensor issues
- Traction control or stability control problems
- Fuel metering, timing, or emissions issues
- Battery failure
How to reset the EPC warning light
The EPC warning light can be reset, but it isn’t safe to do so unless the causes of the activation have been diagnosed and addressed. Drivers should avoid attempting to reset the light before diagnostics and repairs have been carried out. Certified Volkswagen service centers have special equipment that can quickly and accurately determine the true causes of the EPC light activation. This allows service center personnel to rectify the related issues more quickly than an experienced home mechanic could.
When to Ask For Professional EPC Light Repair
Because many systems can trigger the EPC light, we recommend visiting our service center for a proper diagnosis and repair. We can quickly identify and fix the problem, then perform a Volkswagen EPC light reset to help you get back on the road with confidence.
EPC Light vs. Check Engine Light: What’s the Difference?
EPC and check engine lights are both important auto warning lights, but they have slightly different functions. The EPC light turns on when there are issues with the electronic system that controls engine power, stability, and traction. Meanwhile, the check engine light activates with any engine performance and emissions issues, whether they’re related to electronic systems or not. The EPC and check engine lights may turn on together, but this isn’t always the case.
Preventing Future EPC Light Issues
These preventative tips can reduce your risk of EPC light issues:
- Follow Volkswagen’s recommended maintenance schedule by booking regular services.
- Fill up with high-quality gas to reduce carbon buildup.
- Promptly respond to check engine light issues before they become major problems.
- Schedule regular throttle body cleanings to prevent component issues.
VW EPC Light Repair: What to Expect for Costs
Your Volkswagen EPC light repair costs will depend on the cause of the problem and your vehicle’s model. Minor fixes like replacing the brake light switch and cleaning the throttle body are fairly affordable. Complex repairs with pricey components, like changing the throttle body or replacing and calibrating the steering angle sensor, cost more. We always strive to find the most reliable, cost-effective EPC light solutions for our customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the EPC light.
Will the EPC light reset itself?
The EPC light will not turn off by itself. It will stay on until you resolve the problem that triggered it. You need to book a service to address the underlying issue before a reset can take place. Once we fix the faulty components, we can reset your EPC light.
Can a low battery trigger the EPC light?
As your Volkswagen’s battery is managed by the electronic power control system, a low battery may trigger the EPC light. When batteries are running low, their voltage can fluctuate. The EPC system is sensitive to these voltage changes and will alert you to a potential problem by turning on the EPC light.
Does the EPC light affect emissions testing?
In Illinois, most vehicles must pass regular emissions tests after they are four years old to show they aren’t emitting excessive pollutants. You probably won’t pass your emissions test if your EPC light is on. This light may indicate a problem with a component that reduces your engine’s efficiency. For example, soot buildup in the throttle may trigger the warning and increase your vehicle’s emissions. Most emissions assessors will ask you to resolve the EPC fault before they’ll pass your vehicle.
What if both the EPC and check engine lights are on?
The EPC and check engine lights may turn on together if your vehicle has a serious engine-related issue. However, it’s important not to panic. If both lights are on but you can start your vehicle without stalling it, it’s safe to drive it to our dealership for repairs. If not, contact us and we’ll talk you through a solution. Engine issues left unchecked can lead to total failure, so make sure you act immediately to reduce the risk of major damage.
Do You Need Help with Your EPC Light?
If you’re concerned about your EPC light or any other auto issues, contact the experts at Volkswagen of Marion. Our trained technicians understand all Volkswagen models, so they can work efficiently to diagnose the problem and get you back on the road safely. Schedule a service with us today for total peace of mind.
9 comment(s) so far on What Does EPC Light Mean? & What To Do Next
If it comes on intermittently and has difficulty accelerating when it does what is it most likely
We are not able to diagnose vehicles through our online blog. Please contact our service department for assistance.
Why does my car epc light and battery light come on when I accelerate to quickly and my gas pedal stop working and when I turn it off and back on it shakes really badly and turns back off
Gavin, we wish we could help over the internet but your vehicle needs to be diagnosed in a professional service department. If you are local please give ours a call. If not we suggest looking for a VW dealership to ensure you get the best service on your Volkswagen.
Thanks for the informative information.
Where is the best Volkswagen dealership in my area ..not Tacoma WA they tried to rip me off. I am in Lakewood wa
Apologies that you did not have a good experience with your local dealership. We are located in Southern Illinois and we do not have an affiliation with any dealerships outside of our state. We suggest contacting VW directly or doing a Google search for VW stores in your area and reading the local reviews.
What causes EPC light and suddenly the information system in the vehicle is off in VW GOLF 7 DSG TSI ?
Vusi, We cannot diagnose any issues without seeing the vehicle. If you are local to us, please contact our service department for an appointment.