EPC light on a car dashboard. - parlanteste/ShutterstockYour car dashboard has several warning lights, with each having its own meaning. For instance, the check engine light, which you'll find on almost all car dashboards, typically lights up when there's an issue with the catalytic converter or the spark plug. Similarly, there's an EPC (electric power control) light, which is mainly found in cars under the Volkswagen Audi Group. It indicates that there's an issue with one or more computer-controlled systems or sensors of your vehicle.When you switch on the ignition, the ECM (engine control module) checks if all engine components are functioning properly. During this process, all the warning lights of your vehicle, including the EPC light, are illuminated. If the ECM detects an issue with any computer-controlled system or sensor, the EPC warning light will be illuminated after you turn on the engine. The ECM will also store a diagnostic trouble code related to the problem that was found in its memory. The code can be used by the technicians to easily detect the exact issue that is triggering the EPC warning light.Read more: 8 Basic Car Maintenance Skills Every Person Should KnowWhat would cause the EPC light to come up?Dashboard of a Volkswagen car. - Apenasumph/ShutterstockSince most components in modern vehicles are controlled by computers instead of a wired connection, there can be multiple reasons that could trigger the EPC warning light. Some of these reasons are: issues in the throttle system, cruise control system, traction control or stability control system, issues with the engine speed sensor, or malfunctioning of the air intake or mass airflow sensor.AdvertisementAdvertisementIssues in the fuel meter, battery, crank, or brake light switch can also trigger the EPC light. Because the problem can be with any computer-controlled component of your car, it's better to take it to a technician rather than manually trying to solve the issue. Depending on what's causing the EPC light to turn on, you might notice some issues in your car's performance. For instance, the car might fail to accelerate above 40 mph, or you might feel that your car is shaking while you're driving it. In addition to these, you might also experience problems like the car failing to cross 4000 rpm or the infotainment screen not receiving power.Should you drive your car with the EPC lights on?A car technician checking his tablet. - Hispanolistic/Getty ImagesWhen the EPC light is illuminated, the very first thing you should do is take your car to a technician, rather than ignore the light and take it on a ride. There's a high possibility that when the ECM activates the EPC warning light, your vehicle will be put into limp mode.Limp mode is a setting that engages when your car detects a serious issue. It reduces the engine power and stops less crucial systems like media touchscreens from functioning at their full potential. Even if your car doesn't go into limp mode, you should carefully drive your vehicle at a slow speed when the EPC light is on and take it to a technician.However, there may be situations when your vehicle becomes undrivable when the EPC light is illuminated. It may be because the engine is failing to start, or the car is not accelerating at all. In such situations, you'll need to call the nearby service station to get your car towed and transported there.AdvertisementAdvertisementWant the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google.Read the original article on SlashGear.
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