What is EPS in a car? Features of the system and principle of operation

A modern car is “stuffed” with electronics. The undeniable advantage of this is the ease of self-diagnosis, because the car can inform the driver about most faults immediately at the moment they appear. It is clear that an excess of informers does not make the life of a motorist any easier, because several light bulbs that light up at the same time can unsettle him. One of the most confusing instruments is the EPC. Questions are often asked about EPC: what is it in a car, why is this indicator needed and is it possible to do without it.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, not all automakers supply their cars with it. VAG and Mercedes cars . From the moment they began to be equipped with electronic throttle valves, the concept of Electronic Power Control . This is an electronic control of engine power, which, in combination with other systems, helps optimize engine performance. If you don’t yet know what it is about Audi EPC, now is the right time to get to know it.

If we consider it from a purely physical point of view, then it does not exist as a system, because the warning lamp signals malfunctions that directly affect traction control. Often the warning light comes on due to a faulty brake pedal sensor.

What does the EPC icon mean on the car dashboard?

The vehicle's instrument panel may display various types of messages indicating that one of the components is not working correctly or that the vehicle is malfunctioning. One of them is the EPC - Electronic Power Control indicator. But in what cases can an EPC error appear on the dashboard?

Electronic Power Control (EPC) is a computerized ignition and engine control system used in VAG (better known as Volkswagen Group) vehicles.

Many car owners, seeing an indicator on the instrument panel, confuse it with an error in the ABS or ESP system, the latter of which is responsible for the car's road stabilization system (vehicle stability control system). ABS and ESP are anti-skid systems that protect the vehicle from loss of traction during driving and braking. As for the EPC warning light, for many this abbreviation on the dashboard remains a mystery. In fact, this illuminated EPC warning indicates problems in the car associated with power failures .

Photo: automobileglobe.com

Unfortunately, an EPC error can mean almost anything, including significant problems ranging from incorrect values ​​​​from engine sensors to a brake light failure or an error in the coolant temperature sensor. Typically, to determine the cause of the failure, it is necessary to use a diagnostic computer or a special diagnostic application installed on a smartphone, which must be connected to the vehicle's diagnostic connector.

It is noteworthy that the EPC indicator is found mainly on Volkswagen cars or cars manufactured by the VW Group - for example, the EPC signal badge is found in Seat, Audi and Porsche cars. By the way, it is in these cars that the EPC indication is completely independent of the “Check Engine” indicator. What does this mean?

For example, inoperative brake lights on Volkswagen vehicles will not result in a “Check Engine” indicator appearing - instead, an EPC icon will appear on the dashboard, since the brake light bulbs are not connected to the engine management system. And this is correct, since the light bulbs do not affect the operation of the engine. Alas, not all Volkswagen cars have such a separate display. In many cars, the ECP indicator can mean either a minor problem with the light bulb or a problem with the engine sensors.

Modern technical breakthrough

Depending on the manufacturer, EPS is equipped with different functional schemes. Regardless of the brand, the purpose of creating the unit is to improve safety while driving. Basically, electronics allow devices to function. The system is able to adapt to any road conditions and driving style - this is the main advantage. Everyone has heard about it, but not everyone is familiar with the topic, and what EPS is in a car needs to be understood in detail.

1. The composition includes road surface sensors, a control unit, and speed analyzers. If security is violated, sensors let the motorist know about it and take action.
2. The analyzer’s task is to transmit a danger signal and adjust movements in accordance with the information received.
3. The developers also thought about the driver: a stabilization device limits the direction of fuel to the engine cylinders, slowing down the speed. One or simultaneously all disks begin to slow down.

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.

Basic device and basic functioning

The combination of elements runs on software for vehicle stability. The device includes an electric power steering wheel, plus control parts. Until now, people were only familiar with power steering. In 1990, car enthusiasts learned what EPS is in a Honda car. Here it played the role of an additional factor to the anti-lock brake. Then, in this regard, automobile corporations experienced a lull in development until the design was resumed.

What is EPC in a car?

Not all car owners can answer this question. This confirms that they are not even aware of its features. The presence of an EPC system in a car provides the following advantages:

• you can save fuel. A car equipped with this system has average fuel consumption;
• makes it possible to configure and adjust the system yourself. The driver can independently increase or decrease the sensitivity of the sensors;
• Due to its compactness, it can be used in various modifications of cars. Domestic manufacturers are in no particular hurry to implement EPC, which cannot be said about European concerns.

A little history

It is difficult to overestimate the role of the EPS system in stabilizing the vehicle. The design includes two sets: ASR, ABS. In fact, the systems cannot be called very new, because their history is closely intertwined with the “birth” of computer technical capabilities used in the automotive industry. Why was this “know-how” not immediately appreciated? It's all about its cost: now it is more accessible. The first car to participate in the experiment with the implementation of the EPS system in a car was the Mercedes Benz CL600. This happened exactly 20 years ago, which gave buyers of geldings the opportunity to feel greater comfort and safety on the roads compared to other road users.

Subsequently, C-class owners did not wonder what EPS was in a car, because it was already provided for in their car configurations. Most of today's models are equipped with these developments.

Physical meaning

Fortunately, not all motorists have to puzzle over this lamp, but only owners of cars developed by the VAG concern (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda) and Mercedes. Since the introduction of electronically controlled throttle valves on these cars, the concept has emerged:

Electronic Power Control - electronic control of engine power, together with other systems necessary, in particular, to stabilize the car - simultaneously with selective braking of the wheels, for example, the car also reduces engine speed.

Thus, physically EPC does not exist as a separate system - the warning lamp indicates malfunctions that specifically affect the performance of traction control. Moreover, this applies not only to actuators (primarily the electromechanical throttle), but also to sensors: very often the cause of the EPC warning lamp coming on is a failure of the brake pedal sensor (information about the start of braking is perceived by the EPC as a signal to reduce power to a maximum).

How does the stability control system work?

As mentioned above, the EPS system is a complex of anti-lock and traction control systems, coupled with additional sensors and functions and, among other things, high processor speed. Special devices monitor the speed of the car, read signals from the position of the accelerator pedal and steering wheel, and control the direction of movement. All information goes to the on-board computer, including data on lateral accelerations, as well as drift orientation.

At the factory, the settings for the stabilization system to come into effect are set: either after the start of a skid, or at the moment of loss of traction of the wheel with the road. The EPS system signals the computer to slow down the engine speed and apply the brakes to one of the wheels. If your vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled manual transmission, the system can adjust the transmission and downshift the engine.

Let's look at the principle of operation of the ESP system in the event of a skid. If the rear axle drifts, the brake of the left front wheel is activated, which follows a larger turning radius. In case of demolition of the front part of the car, the ESP system gives the command to brake with the rear wheel running along a small skid radius. If the traction of all four wheels with the road is lost, ESP acts according to the situation: it is able to independently analyze the situation (the speed of the on-board computer processor is 1/20 of a millisecond) and apply the brakes with the necessary wheels, reacting to changes in the road situation.

If you have problems with your engine and need advice from a highly qualified specialist, contact Spetssplav-Stroy LLC. The company provides high-quality engine repairs.

EPC errors by model

The Volkswagen AG group of automobile companies, which includes the Skoda automobile concern, has unified error codes for all its cars, regardless of model. Moreover, the Skoda EPC error codes will be similar for the engine power management systems of VW, SEAT and even Audi cars. At the same time, some numbers will never appear on the screen of diagnostic equipment due to the lack of systems and sensors corresponding to them on the car.

Depending on the code of the most common errors for the Skoda brand, the breakdown may be as follows:

• for codes from 00001 to 00003 - in control units of the brake system, repeaters or gearbox;
• 00042 and 00043 – in parking lamps;
• 00046 and 00047 – in the headlight washer electric motor;
• from 00048 to 00054 – in temperature sensors;
• 00060 – in fog lights;
• 00079 – in the system for automatically turning on the interior lights;
• 00120–00123 – in the illumination of car thresholds;
• 00164 – in the system that controls the operation of the battery;
• 00194 – in the mechanism that blocks the removal of the key from the ignition switch;
• 00218 – in the outside air sensor;
• 00282 – in the speed motion sensor;
• 00300 – in the oil temperature control sensor;
• 00316 – in the lamp illuminating the rear of the car;
• from 00438 to 00441 – in sensors that determine the fuel level in the tank;
• 00461 and 00462 – in the control elements for electric seat drives;
• 00463 – in the operation of the audio system;
• from 00966 to 00968 - in the fuse or direction indicators;
• from 01280 to 01285 - in the active safety system, which is responsible for the timely opening of the airbags.

These and many other errors, the list of which for the Yeti, Fabia and other Skoda products reaches several thousand items, are checked at a car service center, after which a conclusion is issued and, if necessary, the vehicle is repaired. However, even if the cause is not a breakdown, but, for example, a disconnected contact, the service station will detect such a problem faster than the motorist himself can do it. And if a breakdown is detected, work to eliminate it, especially in cases where the warranty period for the car has not yet expired, the work must be carried out by specialists with the appropriate equipment.

To ensure that errors in Octavia A5 and newer models appear as rarely as possible, it is worth periodically undergoing technical inspection

You should also pay attention to the appearance of the EPC signal. After all, if problems such as a flat tire or replacing consumables can be completely solved on your own, then maintenance of the electrical part of the vehicle should be carried out only at the highest level

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.

What do owners of cars with EPS need to know?

of all

it is necessary to realize that, despite the high efficiency of the stabilizing device, it does not completely exclude the occurrence of emergency situations. The driver is also obliged to pay close attention to the road, the choice of surface, speed limits and even then.

During operation, there is, although a small, but still possible, the appearance of violations in the electric power steering program, which can be signaled by an indicator on the panel. If a signal or other significant transformations occur while driving, go to a diagnostic center rather than try to fix the problem yourself.

This is due to the fact that restoring the functionality of the entire complex of devices that provide more reliable control of the steering complex and chassis requires not only special knowledge, but also the use of appropriate equipment.

Awareness of computer programming is also important, since from time to time failures in the structure of the control unit are likely. In addition, with independent repairs, no one will be able to ensure that repeated violations in the aggregate will not occur, and in a bad case, new ones will not appear.

For motorists who have not previously used EPS, a peculiar clicking sound when starting the engine may cause concern. Most often, this is exactly how the stabilization device is activated and this is the norm.

Also, some vibration may be felt during movement, which is actually not noticeable, but a very attentive driver can hear it not far from the hood. Moreover, such a phenomenon should not be considered a malfunction, since it confirms the functioning of the steering stabilizer.

In some situations, the EPS system can complicate movement and, based on this, it should be turned off from time to time, for example, if the car is stuck or moving at low speed on loose soil. The disabled EPS stabilization program does not affect the operation of anti-lock brakes or ABS.

At the moment, virtually all modern cars are equipped with EPS systems, especially

, in some countries of the world the presence of a dynamic stabilization device is as necessary an attribute of reliable movement as
seat belts
.

Look at what is needed to diagnose a car via a laptop, and probably do it yourself.

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Video - combination of directional stability VSC + EPS on Lexus ES:

Required reading:

• How to learn to feel a car after completing training at a driving school
• The design and principle of operation of a manual gearbox (MT)
• Objective and subjective requirements for a driving instructor
• Stealing a license plate from a car can now lead to imprisonment for up to 4 years.
• International driver
• Driver candidates will need to pass three exams and probably in traffic police cars
• Male and female car

Lexus ES. Combination of directional stability VSC + EPS

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Its advantages

Some novice motorists are confident that additional power steering is not such a critical feature that can

influence reliable driving, but this is far from the case.

The presence of EPS in transport guarantees:

• savings on average fuel consumption
  . This is due to the specifics of the launch of the aggregate, which provides for the consumption of energy only in those situations, at a time when there is a change in the current direction or a turn. This feature is one of the main advantages of EPS devices when compared with a hydraulic booster, which is always in working condition;

• settings and the ability to regulate. The set is regulated by certain parameters, in other words, it is possible to reduce the sensitivity to maneuvers. In addition, there is the possibility of complete shutdown;

• comfortable and reliable vehicle
  . The program allows you to control the steering complex of mechanisms, regardless of the collected speed;

• preventing a sequence of emergency situations arising due to poor quality of road surfaces. In more than 30%, the EPS system helps eliminate major accidents due to imperfections in the road surface. This information was taken experimentally, at a time when cars equipped with electric power steering were tested in conditions close to extreme;

• application in various modifications of cars. Despite the fact that the popularity of the EPS system in the Russian Federation is still gaining ground, most European concerns are actively using the device in the assembly. Of course, not only vehicles that run on fuel, but also electric vehicles need a steering stabilizer.

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, did 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 Volkswagen Polo

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:

1. Fuel economy. Cars with the installed system have average fuel consumption.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. Click. When starting the engine in a car with an EPC system installed, a characteristic sound appears - a click.
2. Slight vibration in the engine area.

This is not an error or breakdown; such signs should not bother you.

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.

Common Mistakes

The codes and their interpretation will be the same for all Volkswagen cars, be it Polo or Sedan.

The most common mistakes:

Special programs

Of all the existing programs for car diagnostics, the most common are:

1. Vasya Diagnostic. This is a Russian-language program that is suitable for all operating systems. Works with all connectors and cords.
2. VCDS is the original version of the Vasya Diagnostic program. Works only with a specialized cord.
3. VAG EEPROM Programmer is a highly focused program with a small set of options.
4. VAG K+CAN is an improved version of the previous program.
5. 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.

Check engine light on reasons – Volkswagen Polo sedan Club

Most car owners learn what Check Engine means only after they receive this error. The check engine light is on for reasons – there are a huge number of them. Sometimes it is possible to determine what exactly went wrong only with the help of computer diagnostics using special professional devices.

Let's start with the theoretical points. If you translate “check engine” into Russian, it means “check the engine.” If you see this lamp on the dashboard, it means the engine is not in order. The ECU reports the occurrence of such a problem.

The ECU counts the number of engine revolutions, determines the quality of the fuel and how it is consumed, controls engine starting, and much more. If you do not have sufficient technical knowledge, then you will not be able to understand the causes of the breakdown.

Common Mistakes

The codes and their interpretation will be the same for all Volkswagen cars, be it Polo or Sedan.

The most common mistakes:

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.

People's assessment

Car enthusiasts were very enthusiastic about the creation of a steering and chassis control adjustment system. Gradually, consumers began to get used to the innovation, significantly increasing the number of sales in the car market. The designers did not waste their working time, trying to modernize the system and come up with something more useful and economical. Corrections were made to the manufactured products. The most effective in this regard include the EPS systems of Mercedes.