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EPC indicator light is on or flashing? The info!

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Recently updated on September 21, 2023 at 08:01 am

EPC indicator light is on or flashing? The info!

[Update: 21.09.2023] This post was updatedto take more recent information into account. What can be the reason if the EPC indicator lamp lights up or flashes? We have summarized the possible causes and possible consequences in this article. But first, what is the EPC indicator light? EPC is the abbreviation for electronic power control and means something like electronic power control. If the EPC light comes on or flashes, it means there is a problem with the accelerator pedal. But not every vehicle has an electronic gas pedal (colloquially also E-Gas) installed. In such vehicles, of course, the EPC indicator light is omitted.

appearance and causes

EPC indicator light is on or flashing? The info!

The EPC indicator light is with the three letters EPC marked and thus clearly recognizable. She glows Yellow or Orangewhen it is active. In some cases, depending on the cause of the problem, it will light up along with the Engine control lamp. With an electronic accelerator pedal, the pedal position is constantly recorded by two potentiometers and transmitted to the engine control unit. However, if this registers incorrect values, it activates the EPC indicator light. This means the driver is warned at an early stage and can have the defect repaired. As already mentioned, older vehicles usually have no electronic accelerator. A Bowden cable is used here, which is a direct Connection between accelerator pedal and throttle valve manufactures. In this case, there is no EPC indicator light because the throttle valve is adjusted mechanically. The EPC indicator lamp may light up for the following reasons:

  • defective throttle potentiometer
  • defective brake pedal switch
  • defective throttle valve
  • defective clutch pedal switch
  • defective accelerator pedal potentiometer

We advise against continuing the journey!

When starting the vehicle, the EPC light should come on briefly and then come on again ausgehen. This ensures that the system is working correctly. If the light does not go out or stays on while driving, it should be replaced as soon as possible visit a workshopto determine the problem. If the EPC indicator light is ignored, the result can be that the engine no longer accepts gas and safe control of the vehicle is no longer guaranteed. That's hiring security risk for the driver and other road users. In the workshop, a diagnostic tester determine the exact cause of the problem and then fix the problem. Can you pass the main inspection with the EPC indicator light activated? Passing the main inspection is when the EPC indicator light is permanently on not possible.

Summary information about the EPC indicator light:

If the EPC indicator light lights up or flashes, this indicates a problem with the accelerator pedal. In modern cars, the accelerator pedal position is constantly monitored by two potentiometers and passed on to the engine control unit, which in turn controls the throttle valve. A constantly lit or flashing EPC symbol in your VW, Audi, Seat or Skoda indicates that, although it is often possible to continue driving, it is advisable to take the vehicle to a workshop as soon as possible. The check engine light coming on can indicate a variety of problems, including oxygen sensor problems, ignition coil problems, fuel injector problems, or problems with the particulate filter or catalytic converter.

The EPC indicator light (Electronic Power Control) Located in the dashboards of most newer cars, it indicates problems with the electronic power control system. The throttle is controlled based on the accelerator pedal position to ensure optimal combustion conditions. A constantly lit EPC lamp should not be ignored, as there is a risk of consequential damage and the ability to drive the vehicle may be impaired. When troubleshooting yourself, it is strongly recommended to use an OBD diagnostic device and other tools if necessary. Overall, if the EPC indicator light appears, immediate attention should be paid to avoid possible damage or risks while driving.

EPC indicator light – task, causes and troubleshooting guide

Note: Table not fully visible? Then scroll sideways!
Function of the EPC indicator light: Indicates problems with the electronic power control and controls the throttle valve in the intake tract based on the accelerator pedal position.
Symptoms of a Broken Accelerator Pedal Sensor:
  • EPC indicator light lights up or flashes
  • Engine speed too high when idling
  • Incorrect or missing reaction to accelerator pedal movements
  • Check engine light active or engine in emergency mode
Causes for the EPC indicator light lighting up:
  • Mechanical error (e.g. worn potentiometer)
  • Throttle valve defective
  • Electronics error
  • Voltage or ground error
  • Faulty accelerator pedal position cable/connection
  • Brake or clutch pedal switch defective
Consequences of continuing to drive with the EPC indicator light on: Reduced engine performance, poor exhaust emissions, increased fuel consumption and possible consequential damage such as soot formation. Possible complete vehicle failure.
Diagnosis:
  • Read out the car's fault memory
  • Checking and measuring the accelerator pedal sensor

The following note is essential: For safety reasons, tuningblog recommends all repair, inspection and maintenance work exclusively to be carried out in a specialist workshop! Although our information is summarized to the best of our knowledge and belief, we cannot assume any liability for the content. All information is therefore "without guarantee".

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About Thomas Wachsmuth

Thomas Wachsmuth - He has been an integral part of tuningblog.eu since 2013. His passion for cars is so intense that he invests every available penny in them. While he dreams of a BMW E31 850CSI and a Hennessey 6x6 Ford F-150, he currently drives a rather inconspicuous BMW 540i (G31/LCI). His collection of books, magazines and brochures on the subject of car tuning has now reached such proportions that he himself has become a walking reference work for the tuning scene.  More about Thomas

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