Are you experiencing the VW EPC light car shaking? Well, you are not alone. We have received many questions about this topic. That’s why we are writing this article to help with your problem.
The EPC light links to multiple systems in your Volkswagen. As a result, when your car shakes, vibrates, or malfunctions, the light will come on to warn you of the error.
This article will help you diagnose the issue. We will also share some tips for dealing with the EPC light. Follow us to take action!
What Is The EPC Warning Light?
What does EPC light on Volkswagen mean? The EPC (Electronic Power Control) light illuminates whenever there is a problem with your vehicle’s power supply.
However, the electronic system in an automobile is complicated. So the EPC light also indicates serious issues in your VW throttle system, cruise control, and other components.
To avoid further damage, the EPC restricts throttle operation. Hence, a few more caution lights also turn on. For example, the “Check Engine Light” is the most typical indicator that the engine is malfunctioning.
The EPC has the ability to turn off the cruise control and stability systems, too. You may notice other related indicators light up on the dashboard then.
Like the “Check fuel fill inlet” sign on Ford F150, the EPC light turns on to remind you to check your car. So do not ignore it!
Why Is My VW EPC Light Car Shaking?
Your VW EPC may light when your car is shaking or vibrating. In this case, you must examine the brake pads, tires, engine, and fuel injection first.
Uneven Brake Pads
The rear brake pads wear out unevenly over time, affecting your vehicle’s overall braking performance. Then, it may shake when you press the brake pedal. The vibration may trigger the EPC light on the dashboard.
The cause of the uneven brake pads is the lack of lubrication. Sometimes, the pads wear out unevenly because they are prone to friction excessively.
The worn-out brake pads can lead to many consequences, such as a squeaking sound when applying the brake. Since this sound is noticeable, you can identify the issue soon.
Unbalanced Tires
Problems related to the tires don’t often affect your engine directly. Instead, they affect how your car performs on different terrains, such as ice and snow. However, in some cases, the unbalanced tires can activate your VW EPC light.
Unbalanced tires will cause your vehicle to shake. The entire mechanism inside gets affected. Besides, the vibration may even distort the functionality of some complex components, allowing the EPC light to interfere.
Engine Failure
Your engine will degrade with use. Although the EPC light can’t recognize an old or new engine, it can detect the problems in your car’s performance. So pay attention to the VW EPC light rough idle to confirm the case.
If you notice the EPC occurrence with a high frequency even when your car isn’t vibrating, check the engine. The EPC light stops when you replace the old engine with a new one.
Fuel Injection Issue
The fuel injector is important to your car’s performance. Hence, the EPC will light if the injection system has any problems. In the worst cases, the fuel injection failure even causes fire damage. That’s why the EPC tries to deactivate the mechanism.
Damaged Driveshaft
The driveshaft of a VW connects the transmission to the rear wheels. It absorbs shock and prevents damage to other components in your car.
Your car will vibrate forcefully if the driveshaft gets broken or goes out of balance. When you speed up, you can easily feel the vibration.
Symptoms Of The EPC Lighting
The above reasons make the EPC light and shake. But the light may affect other parts of your car and impact its operation directly. For example:
Throttle Operation
The EPC light connects to the throttle system. So when the light malfunctions, this mechanism will suffer.
The throttle regulates the airflow inside your car’s engine. If it fails, the gas/fuel ratio will become faulty. Then, your car will stop because the engine doesn’t receive enough energy to run it.
Stability And Cruise Control
As the names imply, these systems are in charge of the stability and cruise control of your car. Without support from them, your car can’t run smoothly. And it’s the EPC light that discourages them from working.
Other Warning Lights
All of those issues will lead to engine failure. Some other parts of your car will malfunction, too. In this case, they turn on multiple warning lights to inform you of your VW’s current condition.
What To Do With The VW EPC Light Car Shaking?
There won’t be a standard solution for dealing with the EPC light. Yet, you may quickly address the issue’s root cause using the diagnosis and remedies listed below.
Step 1: Use A Scanner Tool
Luckily, you can detect most issues related to the EPC light by OBD1 and OBD2 codes. You need to plug in the scanner and then wait to determine whether your VW is having difficulties.
Keep in mind to review the information offered by OBD beforehand and to check the error codes. Only then can you determine and resolve the culprits faster and easier.
However, the OBD can’t handle the agents inside the mechanism. In this case, you need a more advanced scanner to diagnose.
Step 2: Physically check the car components
As aforementioned, your VW EPC light may have problems for multiple causes. Hence, you need to check all the possible cases to determine the root.
Most of the time, you have to contact a qualified mechanic to fix the issue. Ask him to check the throttle and brake system first because they are the most likely causes.
How To Reset The VW EPC Light?
Sometimes, you can solve the EPC light issues by resetting the light. The instructions for VW EPC light reset are as follows:
- Start your car normally.
- Turn off the car, then restart it.
- Once your engine runs, press the gas pedal down.
The steps above may reset the sensor. Then, it can respond to the condition of the throttle system correctly. However, if the reset process can’t help, you must examine the electrical connections.
How Much Is It To Fix A VW EPC Light?
Depending on the real cause of the VW EPC light coming on, VW EPC light car shaking cost might vary considerably.
The EPC light has a close connection with the throttle control system. It also links to other parts. But generally, you have to check the issue first.
For example, if the sensor causes the VW EPC light problem, you just need to replace the sensor, which costs from $50 to $200, depending on the model and make of your VW.
However, if the throttle body is the cause, the repair cost will be higher, from $500 to $1,500.
Can You Drive With The VW EPC Light Car Shaking?
When the EPC light turns on, you can keep going. However, the EPC system may interfere with or deactivate some parts of your car to maintain integrity.
The system will nonetheless assist the car in driving as normal by ensuring the operation of vital parts. But, in actual use, we advise against driving in this condition. If you don’t find a remedy for the issue soon, the risk of danger may increase.
The instability of the car right now also has a significant impact on steering and control issues. You won’t be able to manage the vehicle well without these features.
Conclusion
The VW EPC light car shaking may indicate a problem with your car’s throttle system or vibration. Since the shaking results from various issues, such as unbalanced tires and faulty brakes, you need to check them carefully to find the right solution.
A mechanic can help diagnose the underlying cause of the problem. Then, he will recommend the treatment your car needs to recover.
Do not let the EPC light issues ruin your trip and decrease your Volkswagen’s performance. If you have any problems with your VW, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for help.
Thank you for reading!
