The EPC light may come on your dashboard indicating a fault. ‘EPC’ stands for Electronic Power Control and is a system typically used by Volkswagen and their subsidiaries such as Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Porsche etc. If you are driving a VW or one of their subsidiary brands, you may see the EPC dashboard warning light.
Why is the EPC Light On?
There are many vehicle components that utilise the EPC and as such, diagnostic equipment is often required to trace the fault. An indication of the fault may be represented by the addition of other fault lights illuminating simultaneously. Typical faults related to the EPC light coming on are:
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- Throttle / accelerator pedal and body
- Brake pedal switch
- Traction control system, part of the stability program (ESC or ESP)
- Cruise control system
- Engine sensor faults
- Low battery charge
- Selecting neutral with ignition on and engine not running to push or tow the car
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Should I Drive with the EPC Light On?
Typically, the EPC light often relates to a faulty sensor or switch, but without any noticeable vehicle faults, it’s very difficult to know the cause of the EPC light illuminating. Issues range from a simple faulty sensor, to an issue that may cause further damage is the vehicle is driven for long periods.
It’s advised that immediate action is taken if the EPC light comes on, particularly if you notice a loss of power. ‘Limp mode’ may be triggered by your vehicle to restrict power output. This form of ‘safe mode’ helps to reduce potential damage.
I have had a diagnostic done on my Seat Ateca with a fault code of P20BDO0, what does this mean?
I have just purchased a 2016 Audi A1 1.0 tidied sportback.The car has covered 20k and has been standing for 15 months.It has been serviced and had a new mot.The ESP warning light keeps coming on and on one occasion the Amber engine light Your knowledge and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Peter,
Often ESP / ESC is disabled when there’s and issue with the engine because having it activated means it can often be triggered when you don’t want it to. Usually when the engine warning light comes on, a fault code is stored. You then use diagnostic equipment to read the fault code which should hopefully point you into the direction of the issue.
If the ESP problem is indeed a separate issue, it’s usually a fault with one of the wheel speed sensors. I’d start by looking at the engine fault, then hopefully ESP will sort itself out.