2000 Volkswagen Passat EPC Light

NYEGGIE

MEMBER
2000 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
219,000 MILES

I bought a Pasat wagon used 2.8 GLX 4motion. The EPC ligth just came on and the car was hesitating and stalled. I was able to turn it back on and drive it home. I went out and bought a new purge valve and replaced it. I want to know if this will solve the problem and what does the EPC mean.

2 Replies

EXOVCDS

MECHANIC
1,883 POSTS

I know this is an old post, but in case someone else is reading this.

EPC = Electronic Power Control

EPC means that there is no gas cable between the gas pedal inside
the vehicle and the throttle body in the engine.

The Engine Computer (ECM) uses a signal from the gas pedal inside
the vehicle to adjust the throttle in the engine via a small electric
motor.

A fault in the system can prevent the throttle from opening, causing
loss of power or starting/stalling issues.

Scanning of the ECM for codes can help in diagnosis of faults.

A purge valve is part of the emissions system that helps lower HC
emissions into the atmosphere. Although a purge valve can cause
starting issues (especially after fueling), the ECM is able to
adapt fuel mixture quantity when the valve sticks open or closed
to help prevent driveability issues. And usually is not the cause
of an EPC illumination.

Thomas