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.
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!
When does it light up?
The EPC indicator lights up when any problem is detected with the on-board electronics and sensor response to mechanical faults. Often, the warning light indicates:
- malfunctions of various sensors (pressure and tightness of the intake manifold, cooling, temperature, cruise, climate, light, rain, knee, etc.);
- bypass problems;
- malfunction of the throttle valve unit;
- the presence of “gaps” in the cylinders;
- valve combustion;
- problems with crankshaft rotation;
- failure of the throttle servo drive;
- low/high signal of the gas or brake pedal;
- malfunctions of passive safety systems, etc.
It is impossible to determine the problem by eye. When you connect a computer or smartphone, the system itself will display the error number. Then it remains to see what it means.
There are also non-standard situations. For example, an EPC error on an Audi indicates a malfunction of the crankcase pressure sensor. But in fact, he's fine. It turned out that the filler cap was not tightened properly after adding oil (until it clicks). There was an air leak in the system and the pressure in the crankcase was below normal, which led to the warning lamp being activated. But this is an exceptional case.
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.
FAMILYSERVICE › Blog › Useful article about EPC for VAG owners
EPC - what is it in a car?
One of the indisputable advantages of introducing the maximum number of electronic units into the design of a car is the ease of self-diagnosis - the car can inform the driver about most faults immediately at the moment they appear. But, of course, no one will turn the instrument panel into something like an airplane cockpit - and in some cases you have to regret this, trying to decipher on your own the meaning of the indicators that light up on the dashboard. Perhaps the most confusing thing for the driver is the EPC indicator, which is proven even by search engines: this abbreviation provides links to many forums dedicated to discussing the same question: “EPC - what is it in a car?” Well, let's try to figure it out.
About types of codes
The error designation indicates problems with airbags, particulate filter devices, camshaft or crankshaft meters, and rotary sensors. Coding of such a series confirms power system failures. There is no reason to worry when you see a light come on when you start the ignition. In this position, the electronic stabilization device is activated to indicate its operating status. Stable burning of the lamp - here you have to involuntarily think about “illnesses”. Periodic switching on/off indicates interruptions in contacts.
EPC Volkswagen Polo Sedan
Volkswagen POLO The check light is on. The owner of a Volkswagen POLO contacted the Pobeda specialized car service center. The “check” lights up for various reasons.
Is this made by VW or not? Replaced the valve and everything went away! Search titles only. Marelli, it’s a pity that they can’t be swapped, although it may be possible, but you need to know what signals from it go to the ECU, or if they exist at all, maybe it will be possible to swap another DZ with a CFNA motor. I look in the BZ, the throttle valve can’t come to an end -since there is nothing to break at all!
CHECK ENGINE and ESP on VW Polo came on. Then it went out. What was it? | Page 2 | Club Volkswagen Polo sedan
So I came across a year and four months of driving with a mileage of km with the problem of the EPC and Check light coming on... Who has encountered the problem, please write down what caused your light to come on? That came a year and four months away with mileage km, the problem of a lit EPC and Check … Who faced the problem of what comes on unsubscribe you? Last week the ESP and the check light came on, I somehow went to the station, they told me to change the BDZ-r. I barely made it home and decided to clean it myself.
Long story short, I took it off, it was dirty, cleaned it, installed it, drove it for a week and again the check and ESP light came on. Hello guys! In short, I took it off, it was dirty, cleaned it, installed it, drove it for a week and again the check light came on and ESP on the forum polosedan described in detail the independent repair of the BDZ. Mine also broke down - I did everything. In the evening I was getting ready to go on business, I started the engine and then, surprise, the car started to blink, the check light came on and the ESP mileage was 38 km, I barely made it to the parking lot, before this I drove during the day without any problems!
The reason was the simplest: at the temperature outside, every button in the fuel filter froze, I changed the fuel filter the next day right in the parking lot, and lo and behold, a miracle, the car whispers, the check lamps and the ESP went out!
It was the same thing, I was diagnosed by the officials - replacing the BDZ, the price of the issue plus the work, I sent them, now I’ll clean it myself, and then we’ll see, the price of the BDZ on the Internet is from to , fuck... tell me what happened in general, the EPS lights up and the revs are at and does not respond to pressing the gas, as if the engine is warming up, but it happens while driving, and so, here are the results of the diagnostics: as the OD told me, there weren’t enough fuses for everything, they installed them and everything was ok.
Which ones I didn’t understand... The rubber seal on the coil broke and the check light was on, but the car accelerated with failure. If you have one, take a look at the coils. And of course it’s difficult to determine without scanning errors.
Marelli, it’s a pity that they can’t be swapped, although it may be possible, but you need to know what signals from it go to the ECU, or if they exist at all, maybe it will be possible to swap another DZ with a CFNA motor. I look in the BZ, the throttle valve can’t come to an end -since there is nothing to break at all!
Source: https://avtognostika.ru/volkswagen/oshibka-epc-i-check-volkswagen-polo-xetchbek
