The EPC indicator light is far less well known than other indicator lights in the car. This is because only vehicles with electronic gas pedal pedals have this indicator light in the vehicle cockpit. In our guide, you can find out what to do if the EPC indicator lamp lights up or flashes.

What is the function of the EPC system in the car?

The EPC system is used in vehicles with an electronic accelerator pedal. Here it regulates and monitors the power delivery of the engine. The abbreviation EPC stands for Electronic Power Control. A car with an electronically controlled accelerator pedal does not need a throttle cable or throttle linkage to the engine. The position of the accelerator pedal is transmitted electronically by cable directly to the engine control unit. This in turn controls the throttle and regulates the injection of fuel into the engine. Known as e-gas, the system enables precise power control of the engine. If a fault occurs, the EPC indicator light illuminates or flashes.

Causes for the EPC light to come on

Vehicles with EPC are equipped with an EPC indicator light in the vehicle cockpit. The installed EPC light is intended to alert the driver to defects or errors within the EPC system. The EPC control light is yellow or orange and displays the term EPC in the form of letters. If the EPC control light is permanently lit or flashing, this can have various causes. It is not always easy to identify a problem with the EPC, which requires lengthy troubleshooting. However, some causes occur particularly frequently. For example, a defect in the electronic accelerator pedal often causes the EPC light to illuminate.

EPC lamp lights up – these are the most common causes:

• Defective gas pedal pedal
• Problem with the sensors
• Throttle valve or servomotor defective
• Fault in engine control unit
• Cable or insulation damaged
• Switch like brake light switch broken
• Battery voltage too low

Defective switches and sensors activate EPC control lamp

A defect in sensors or switches in the area of the EPC system often causes the EPC indicator lamp to light up. Problems with the engine control unit or a faulty function of the throttle valve are also possible causes. In VW Group vehicles such as Skoda or Seat, a defective brake light switch can trigger the EPC indicator lamp. If problems with the engine also occur when the EPC indicator lamp is lit, other components may be responsible for the problem. These include defective ignition coils or damaged ignition cables. In this case, the engine control lamp usually also lights up. However, a weak vehicle battery also sometimes leads to activation of the EPC indicator light.

These symptoms occur together with the EPC light

The illumination of the EPC indicator light is often accompanied by other symptoms. Depending on the vehicle model, the indicator light either lights up or flashes. In addition, an error message is often shown in the display of the vehicle cockpit in the event of problems. At the same time, the car creates an entry in the fault memory. The EPC indicator light is often triggered by defects in the throttle valve or engine management system. Accordingly, symptoms such as a jerky engine or poor throttle response appear. The EPC indicator lamp and the engine control lamp often light up together. The accelerator pedal may also behave unusually.

EPC indicator lamp activated – symptoms at a glance:

• EPC indicator lamp lights up or flashes
• Error message in display
• Entry in error memory
• Car runs in emergency program
• Engine stutters or loses power
• Accelerator pedal behaves abnormally

Emergency program and EPC control lamp after startup

If there are problems with the electronic power control, it is not uncommon for the engine management system to switch to the emergency running program. In this case, the car can often only be accelerated up to a certain speed. Power may also be limited in order to prevent further damage to the engine. A brief illumination of the EPC control lamp immediately after engine start is not unusual. At this moment, the vehicle is checking the systems and the driver can check the indicator lights. If the EPC light comes on while driving, this indicates a problem. Even without any other symptoms, the car should be checked through.

EPC indicator lamp lights up – troubleshooting and repair

The control of modern engines via Electronic Power Control and E-Gas allows adapted power control. Combustion engines can be operated more efficiently and are less susceptible to faults. At the same time, electrical and electronic components are much more important than in older vehicles. This must be taken into account during troubleshooting and repair.

EPC light flashes or illuminates – what should I do?

When the EPC indicator light comes on or flashes, immediate action is not always required. Nevertheless, caution is a good advisor. In consultation with a specialist workshop or the breakdown service, the journey can often be continued to the workshop.

1. Stop the vehicle: When the EPC indicator light comes on, it is best to stop the car at the next opportunity. It is easier to check the vehicle in a parking lot.
2. Isolate the problem: If the EPC indicator lamp lights up, all the car’s parameters should be checked briefly. If other indicator lights are illuminated, there may be a serious problem.
3. Visit a workshop: The cause of the problem can be better pinpointed at a specialist workshop. Workshops have special measuring equipment and analysis tools for this purpose.
4. Read out the fault memory: Modern vehicles with EPC store all information about existing problems in the fault memory. This can be read out with an OBD scanner.
5. Find and replace defective part: A defective accelerator pedal or a faulty throttle valve are often the cause of the problem. These parts can be easily replaced.

EPC indicator lamp lights up – defective gas pedal pedal

In many cases, the glowing of the EPC control lamp is related to a defective accelerator pedal. In the electronic accelerator pedal often sliding potentiometers are installed, which can lock. After loosening one or more screws and removing the connector plug, the pedal can be completely removed. Installation of the new accelerator pedal is just as easy.

EPC light is on – replace brake light switch

On VW, Seat and Skoda vehicles, a defective brake light switch can be the cause of the EPC light glowing. If defective, the brake lights at the rear of the vehicle light up together with the EPC indicator light. The switch is usually located in the footwell above the brake pedal. It can be easily detached and replaced. Sometimes a look at a repair guide can help.

EPC indicator lamp active – change throttle valve

The throttle body affects the EPC and can cause the EPC light to come on. Often this component is dirty, but in some cases it is damaged. To replace the throttle valve, remove the air intake and disassemble the component after loosening screws and connections. The replacement part is installed in reverse order.

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