Audi EPC: How to fix the EPC warning light?
The Audi EPC light is related to the throttle system, cruise control, traction control, and other engine management functions. So if one of these systems is not working properly, the EPC warning light will probably light up on the dashboard of your Audi.
You have probably already seen this warning light and other lit dashboard symbols when starting your car. In this case, everything is fine. The problem is if the EPC light stays on continuously even after starting or comes on while driving.
What is the Audi EPC light?
As already said, EPC (Electronic Power Control) in Audi is related to the throttle system and other engine management functions. Audi A4, A3, A5, and S5 are most often troubled by the illuminated EPC warning light, but other Audi models are by no means an exception.
The throttle valve is electronically connected to the accelerator pedal and regulates the intake mixture and the air supply to the engine, affecting your car's performance.
Throttle valve: How it works and its possible malfunctions
In the case of an automatic transmission, engine management systems include a mode in which they limit engine power, the so-called limp-in or limp-home. This mode is triggered if the control unit registers a serious problem with the drive train. Limp-in mode aims to get the car to the repair shop or home.
What can cause an Audi EPC light to turn on?
If the EPC light turns on your Audi, it would most likely be the throttle system malfunction. However, there are other reasons for the EPC light turning on your Audi, such as:
throttle valve contamination
traction or cruise control system failure
malfunction of the accelerator pedal and its electronic control
malfunction on the mass air flow sensor
failure of the brake switch or engine electronics
blown brake light fuse
a broken light bulb
impurities in the fuel
Can I drive my Audi with the EPC light on?
Short answer - yes, you can continue driving your Audi. However, driving to the service center would be best as this warning light should not be underestimated even though its color is not red.
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If the root cause is a malfunction of the throttle system, you may feel that the engine speed fluctuates or shuts down while driving. You may also have a problem starting your Audi altogether, so it is advisable to solve it as soon as possible.
How to fix the Audi EPC light?
The fix for the EPC light on your Audi highly depends on the problem, though let's summarize the possible fixes:
cleaning or replacing the throttle body
not using cheap fuel from questionable gas stations (applicable when the impurities in the fuel caused the problem)
replacing one of the faulty sensors, such as the mass air flow sensor, engine speed sensor, and others
replacing the brake light switch, blown fuse, or broken light bulb
recharging or replacing the low battery
If there's a failure in electronics, and you think one of the sensors might be causing the issues, we recommend getting your car checked first via car diagnostic.
How to extend the lifespan of the throttle valve on your Audi?
An effective way to extend the lifespan of the throttle valve on your Audi is its regular maintenance. Bear in mind that the lifespan of the throttle body varies, but the rough estimate is around 150 thousand kilometers (90 thousand miles).
In addition to a defect in the electronics of this part, it can also become clogged with dirt - in this case, regular cleaning of the throttle valve will help. If cleaning does not help, the throttle valve needs to be replaced. You can have it replaced at your service center.
My Audi does not start while the EPC warning light is constantly on
In this case, you should try the following solution - remove the key, lock the car, unlock it, and try to start it. We don't guarantee it will work, but it's worth trying.
Audi EPC reset
In addition to the mentioned problems, a situation may arise when the EPC light in your Audi lights up randomly. In this case, you can just reset the EPC light. You can do it in your garage with an OBD scanner or in any car repair shop.
Before resetting the EPC light, it is necessary to know whether it is a random error or one of the abovementioned problems.