Audi cars are equipped with quite advanced engine control technologies. The numerous computers control how all the units work together and provide smooth drive ensuring efficient fuel consumption and so on. But the complex computerized technologies sometimes surprise drivers with mysterious errors of dashboard like Audi EPC light.
The EPC light in Audi may flash along with the Check Engine light or with any other error, or flash without any companions. Today we'll discuss what this can mean and how to deal with the situation.
What's EPC system in Audi?
EPC stands for Electronic Power Control. The system will come into action when there is some danger for equipment. For example, if the system registers too high RPM, it will turn to limit the engine rotation level. So, it's the set of sensors and electronic blocks that has the purpose of saving the vehicle from damages caused by wrong ways of using the car. But usually, the light flashes when your Audi has some wiring or electric troubles. And unfortunately, this can mean literally anything.
What can Audi EPC light mean?
There are quite a lot of things it can actually mean:
- bad engine sensor signals;
- throttle failures;
- stop light failure;
- problems with engine;
- fails in cruise control system;
- ESP errors;
- ABS errors;
- brake pedal electronics;
- power steering failure
- wiring problems.
And this is not the full list of things that can initiate the EPC light flashing in Audi cars. Well, the best option is to have a broken stop light, so you better go out of the car and check it. But usually, the problems occur with some other electric equipment in the vehicle.
EPC light in Audi along with Check Engine
If you see both, EPC and Check Engine light on, the trouble is more likely to have occurred with engine sensors. It may be a throttle sensor or the temperature sensor. In this case, the engine electronics is likely to cut the power and maximum RPM, so the computer will hold down the engine and you will be able to move at low speeds only. This doesn't mean that something is badly broken, it only means that the computer turned on kind of emergency mode to avoid bad damages.
The wise thing to do in this case is to drive to a service station to check the vehicle. Once the service station worker uses the equipment for computerized diagnostics, your Audi will show the trouble code and you will know what happened with the vehicle.
EPC light in Audi flashes along with steering wheel pictogram
If you see the EPC light flashing along with a steering wheel pictogram in Audi, it's more likely that the vehicle has problems in wiring of power steering control system. Sometimes the trouble can be solved by reconnecting one bad connection, but you aren't expected to find it without special equipment. So the visit to service station is still inevitable.
How to reset or turn off the EPC light?
In most cases, the EPC light will go off once the problem is solved. It doesn't need any kinds of resetting or turning off. In majority of cases, if the EPC light is still on, the trouble hasn't been solved completely. Sometimes, the multiple wiring problems may occur, and this causes the EPC light flashing on after you successfully solved one problem.
Can I drive my Audi if EPC light is on?
Yes, you can drive the car further, but be very careful. Slow down, go to the right side of the road, listen to the engine work sounds and to other unusual sounds from the vehicle.
Usually, the EPC error light will mean some wiring and electric equipment problems. But if the issue is with brakes and other crucial systems, the further driving is not recommended. Although, you may carefully drive your car to the service station and then have it thoroughly checked.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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