Electronic Power Control, or more simply EPC, is electronic control of motor power. This system does not exist by itself; it works in conjunction with other systems. Together they optimize engine performance.
The advantage of cars with the EPC system:
- Fuel economy. Cars with the installed system have average fuel consumption.
- The system has an adjustment function. The car owner can independently adjust the sensitivity of the sensors to suit his requirements through a special program on his laptop.
- Compact and ergonomic. The system is quite compact and can be installed on any car.
Today, the EPC system is installed on Volkswagen, Skoda, Mercedes and Audi cars.
Reasons for the error
If the EPC indicator lights up on a Volkswagen Polo car, you must first notice in what cases this happens. The possible cause of the error depends on this:
- The light is constantly on. This is a sign of permanent, detectable failure. But if the engine is running, then it is advisable to drive a short distance and see how the car behaves. Owners of Mercedes cars note that the EPC lights up when the battery charge is low.
- The light alternately lights up and goes out. This is a signal that one of the contacts has come loose and the system cannot operate normally. During such an error, problems with the engine are possible; it either runs unstably or even starts and stalls.
- The light comes on during idle, and goes out when the engine is turned off. Most often this means that the throttle body needs to be replaced.
Using the system also has some features that uninitiated car enthusiasts may mistake for a mistake:
- Click. When starting the engine in a car with an EPC system installed, a characteristic sound appears - a click.
- Slight vibration in the engine area.
This is not an error or breakdown; such signs should not bother you.
This is a strange name "EPS system"
Probably, no one needs to explain what ABS and ASR systems are today: almost all cars are equipped with them. But the EPS system, although patented in 1959, remains optional and not included as standard.
EPS is a vehicle stability control system that combines the functions of ASR and ABS. Automotive engineers were able to implement this system only after sufficient development of the car's electronics. Serial installation of the EPS system began only in 1995, and the Mercedes-Benz CL 600 coupe became the first car with such equipment, and after some time the EPS system appeared on all S and SL-class cars. And only from 2014 it is planned to introduce this option into the basic equipment of each car.
What to do if the EPC icon on a Volkswagen Polo lights up. Troubleshooting
In most cases, the EPC icon lights up if there are problems with the brake pedal, the so-called “frog”. If everything is fine with the pedal, then diagnostics will be required.
The easiest and most reliable way to eliminate the problem of the EPC indicator coming on is to diagnose the car. Service station specialists can use special programs to find out the error code. Each standard problem/breakdown has its own code and, accordingly, a decryption for it. This is the most accurate and fastest method.
You can purchase such a program yourself - on the official website or in specialized stores. But you can take a roundabout route and try to find the cause of the error yourself. In this case, as they say, you will have to act by trial and error.
What do owners of cars with EPS need to know?
First of all
it is necessary to understand that, in addition to the high efficiency of the stabilizing device, it does not completely exclude the occurrence of emergency situations. In addition, the driver is required to pay close attention to the road, the choice of surface, speed limits, and the like.
During operation, there is a small, but still possible occurrence of disturbances in the electric power steering program, which can be signaled by an indicator on the panel. When a signal or other significant change appears in traffic, go to a diagnostic center and do not try to fix the problem yourself.
- This is due to the fact that restoring the operation of the entire complex of devices that provide more reliable control of the steering and chassis assembly requires not only special knowledge, but also the use of appropriate equipment.
Awareness of computer programming is also important as glitches in the control unit structure can occur from time to time. In addition, with independent repairs, no one can guarantee that, in general, there will be no repeated violations, and new ones will not appear in the incorrect version.
For motorists who have not previously used EPS, this may be an unsettling clicking sound when starting the engine. Most often, this is how the stabilizing device is activated and this is the norm.
In addition, while driving, you can feel some vibration, which is not really noticeable, but a very attentive driver can feel it near the hood. This phenomenon, in addition, should not be considered a malfunction, since it confirms the operation of the rudder stabilizer.
In some situations, the EPS system can make driving difficult and, based on this, is sent to turn off from time to time, for example, if the car is blocked or moving at low speed on loose soil. When the EPS stability program is turned off, it does not affect the operation of the anti-lock brake system or ABS.
At the moment, almost all modern cars are equipped with EPS complexes, especially since in some countries of the world the presence of a dynamic stabilization device is as necessary an attribute of reliable movement as a seat belt.
See what you need to diagnose your car using your laptop, perhaps doing it yourself.
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Exclamation mark on the instrument panel
Common Mistakes
The codes and their interpretation will be the same for all Volkswagen cars, be it Polo or Sedan.
The most common mistakes:
| Climate control | |
| Errors 510, 511 | These are malfunctions of the temperature sensors in the central and, accordingly, in the foot compartment. |
| Errors 311,313 | problems with the temperature sensor in the panel or in the air supply duct. |
| Engine | |
| P0016 | says that the engine shafts are positioned incorrectly relative to each other. |
| 722 | The oil pressure sensor or its wiring is faulty. |
| R2002 | indicates that the particulate filter has become unusable |
| Wiring | |
| U111300 | an error that occurs when there is a problem with the wiring. |
| 588 | Malfunction of contacts responsible for airbags. |
| 532 | occurs when there is a simultaneous high electrical load, most often in traffic jams. What to do when it occurs? Restart the engine, reduce the load on the network. Then you should check the battery charge and all its wiring. If the error occurs systematically, the battery will most likely need to be replaced. |
Features of self-diagnosis of VW models
On the dashboard of Volkswagen cars, when problems occur, the EPC (Electronic Power Control) indicator lights up. Diagnostics allows you to obtain an error code, which should be compared with the table value, identifying the malfunction and making a decision on how to correct it. You can do this in a timely manner, restoring the car’s performance before the problem leads to more serious consequences, by contacting a car service center immediately after the light comes on.
If you have the appropriate software, you can try to decrypt it yourself. To do this you will need a laptop, a special adapter and a program. Typically the software comes with the kit itself.
Special programs
Of all the existing programs for car diagnostics, the most common are:
- Vasya Diagnostic. This is a Russian-language program that is suitable for all operating systems. Works with all connectors and cords.
- VCDS is the original version of the Vasya Diagnostic program. Works only with a specialized cord.
- VAG EEPROM Programmer is a highly focused program with a small set of options.
- VAG K+CAN is an improved version of the previous program.
- VDS-PRO is a program that works only with MS-DOS. Powered by a special cord.
This is a small list of common diagnostic programs. In addition to them, there are programs that diagnose a narrow area - electrical, transmission, etc. Such programs perform detailed analysis and are highly accurate.
Information displays on the dashboard for technical messages and warnings.
In recent years, in all modern cars, manufacturers have begun to install information displays in the dashboard, which are designed primarily to provide the driver with more detailed information about the car, as well as about the many operating systems in the car. Typically, this information screen is installed in the car in the center of the dashboard.
In the car market nowadays, there are a huge number of cars that are equipped with a similar screen; this screen is capable of displaying various information about errors, various warnings, etc. signals.
Polo 1.6 CFNA - EPC+Check Engine lights up
As soon as I stop driving around Voronezh-Moscow, I’ll change to a Passat))
25 thousand + work), and I only have 1.5 days of time + I couldn’t find an official dealer in Pskov (the closest ones are only in St. Petersburg, Novgorod, Smolensk and Tver!), how are repairs done here?)). In short, just in case, I asked for an electrician (there’s a workshop behind the hotel fence), who looked at the errors for 500 rubles: P2279 - leaky intake system P1504 - air intake system, leakage detected. After that, I bought a file, a degreaser, cold welding (while the shops are open), and began to remove the throttle valve. Happened. But I forgot the tester at home, and it’s too late, there’s nowhere to get it. In general, I ground off the plastic to expose the contacts in the sensor board housing, cleaned it, assembled it, made a couple of test laps in the parking lot - it was fine, I started parking - it didn’t help, in short. What else can you do? If you don’t take into account the periodic inconveniences at traffic lights, is it possible to go back? (
700 km). I will repeat in detail the current symptoms: 1 — Check is constantly on. 2 — After turning the key (as it should), the EPC light comes on, but after starting the engine it goes out (as it should) 3 — After another 15 seconds, the EPC light comes back on and the speed increases
up to 1200 4 — The car practically does not react to pressing the gas pedal 5 — I also noticed that the device does not display what speed is on. 6 — In my opinion, the indicator for disabling directional stability has stopped lighting up (looks like a “slippery road” sign), although the light itself is working (it lights up when starting). Problem after restarting the engine
50/50% of cases may or may not repeat (i.e. you can drive normally, accelerate, etc.). Who can tell me what? I expect to start back at noon and figure out how dangerous it is? (the roads will most likely be empty, New Year is just around the corner)) Thanks in advance!
Epc Sensor lights up
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#1 Sofia
- Participants
- 647 messages
- Female gender
- City: Moscow, Strogino
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#2 oraleks
- Gender: Male
Roomster 1.4 + WRU 2013
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#3 island
- Gender: Male
- City: Adygea
The check is a burning engine. And the EPC can light up for many reasons; mine caught fire because of burnt-out rear lights. Maybe after fiddling with the fuses something came loose, it needs to be diagnosed.
and even because of stops.
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#4 Sofia
- Female gender
- City: Moscow, Strogino
those. Could this also happen due to a frayed fog light wire? Why doesn't the car drive? Is it because of the light bulbs?
So, the feet are burning, all 3, brightly and confidently. I just ran and checked. There is only one version left - burnt out fog lights. Maybe it was short somewhere? there the wire frayed under the eyelash of the right fog light, on the sharp edge of the piece of iron to which the radiator is screwed. Like so.
Post edited by Sofia: January 12, 2014 - 14:48
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#5 A_ST
- Gender: Male
- City: Irkutsk — Moscow
Happy by default! (and don’t mess with my settings - they are password protected!)
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#6 Sofia
- Female gender
- City: Moscow, Strogino
if anything, here is a “list” of Ruma’s dashboard lights. As you can see, in addition to EPS there is also a traditional “check”.
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#7 A_ST
- Gender: Male
- City: Irkutsk — Moscow
Which of these icons is the traditional “check”?
Below left is a yellow silhouette of an engine.
cool. Now I looked in my manual for the “decoding” of these icons. EPS - control of the electronic fuel supply control system "check" (or engine silhouette) - exhaust emissions control system
that is, it turns out that both light bulbs are tied to a very narrow range of faults.
Happy by default! (and don’t mess with my settings - they are password protected!)
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#8
- Gender: Male
Roomster 1.4 + WRU 2013
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#9 Sofia
- Female gender
- City: Moscow, Strogino
Below left is a yellow silhouette of an engine.
cool. Now I looked in my manual for the “decoding” of these icons. EPS - control of the electronic fuel supply control system "check" (or engine silhouette) - exhaust emissions control system
that is, it turns out that both light bulbs are tied to a very narrow range of faults.
That's it! The silhouette of the engine is not a “check” at all. I found out about this, and I’m glad you found out too.
They brought the computer and looked at it. The specialists arrived in Opels and Chevrolets, but they couldn’t decipher our codes. Help me decipher or throw at me the electrical circuit of our car.
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#10
- Gender: Male
Post edited by oraleks: 14 January 2014 - 18:20
Roomster 1.4 + WRU 2013
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#11 Gek
- Gender: Male
- City: Altai
They brought the computer and looked at it. The specialists arrived in Opels and Chevrolets, but they couldn’t decipher our codes. Help me decipher or throw at me the electrical circuit of our car.
So it seems that the errors are written there anyway 18265 P1857 Load signal: error message from the engine control unit and more specific 17070 P0686 Main relay => -J271: short circuit to ground I double-checked the error code here Interpretation of VAG protocol error codes (Audi, Skoda, Volkswagen). (in Russian)
Sofia, have you definitely rechecked all the fuses (both under the hood and in the cabin)? What about the fogs, have they been fixed?
Post edited by Gek: 14 January 2014 - 18:37
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#12 A_ST
- Gender: Male
- City: Irkutsk — Moscow
The silhouette of the engine is exactly the so-called check, or, to be more precise, “check-engine”.
Happy by default! (and don’t mess with my settings - they are password protected!)
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#13 Sofia
- Female gender
- City: Moscow, Strogino
So it seems that the errors are written there anyway 18265 P1857 Load signal: error message from the engine control unit and more specific 17070 P0686 Main relay => -J271: short circuit to ground I double-checked the error code here Interpretation of VAG protocol error codes (Audi, Skoda, Volkswagen). (in Russian)
Mercy. I don’t understand it very well, I sent the links to the master, he’ll figure it out.
And if you find out what the error is, where should you go to correct it? Where is the main relay?
Sofia, have you definitely rechecked all the fuses (both under the hood and in the cabin)? What about the fogs, have they been fixed?
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#14 Gek
- Gender: Male
- City: Altai
. It was late in the evening, it was raining, you couldn’t see anything. The fog light fuse has blown. The rest were not checked. .
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#15 Sofia
- Female gender
- City: Moscow, Strogino
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#16
- Gender: Male
Roomster 1.4 + WRU 2013
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#17 Kindertiger
- Gender: Male
- Orenburg
All fuses are normal. The fog lights were fixed. The error is not erased, the car does not drive. What to do?
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#18 Kizilkum
- Gender: Male
If nothing helps at all, finally read the instructions
and it says the following:
The electronic accelerator pedal warning light (Electronic Power Control) lights up for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on. If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engine or lights up/starts flashing while driving, there is a malfunction in the engine control system. The emergency program selected by the engine management system allows you to get to the nearest service center at low speed.
Post edited by Kizilkum: January 19, 2014 - 06:29
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#19 Sofia
- Female gender
- City: Moscow, Strogino
If nothing helps at all, finally read the instructions
and it says the following: in other words, you have a problem either in the accelerator pedal, or in the accelerator damper, or in the electronic module that controls this very damper
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#20 Sofia
- Female gender
- City: Moscow, Strogino
I gave it to the Skoda Club service. They've had the car for three days and haven't figured it out yet.
Before that, they dragged the car to the dealers on the computer. diagnostics 800 rubles diagnostics + half a day of those killed just like that + a call from the technician “let’s pay another 3200 rubles and we’ll call the wiring.” They refused, took the car and drove it to the Skoda garage. I'm still without wheels and in standby mode.
Many thanks for the effective help, moral support and care to our teammate Natali-167.
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