EPC light and oil consumption?

Tiny
BARSKY9
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
  • TURBO
  • 109,000 MILES
The EPC light is illuminated pretty frequently, but especially if I take to higher RPMs. I am also burning a lot of oil. There is no visible leak (dripping on floor) and the local mechanic doing oil change did not find any leaking. I have had spark plugs changed and general maintenance on the vehicle has been kept up to date.
Monday, February 13th, 2023 AT 9:54 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

The EPC light (electronic power control light) can indicate several things. By chance, have you scanned the computer to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes?

Have you noticed any blue smoke from the exhaust? If you open the air filter box, is there any oil in it? If there is, have you checked the crankcase oil separator which functions as a vent? (See pic below)

Let me know. Also, I looked up oil consumption. VW considers a half quart of oil used in 600 miles acceptable. Let me know if you are using more.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Monday, February 13th, 2023 AT 4:19 PM
Tiny
BARSKY9
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you. I replaced the spark plugs. 1 and 4 were oil covered, but after replacement the EPC light has not gone on. I am concerned that there is a broken seal, forgive my ignorance, and worried that it would be very expensive to repair.
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 AT 3:23 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Could you take a couple of pics of the end of the spark plugs that were in the engine? I would like to see how much oil was on them.

I just did a little checking and found six technical service bulletins related to oil consumption testing. That leads me to think there have been a lot of concerns. Otherwise, it wouldn't show up with the bulletins. You may want to contact a VW dealer and ask if there are oil consumption related to your vehicle. It's a thought at this point.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 AT 6:49 PM
Tiny
BARSKY9
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Here are picks. After 20 miles the EPC light went on again.
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Thursday, February 16th, 2023 AT 7:41 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

They do look oil fouled. How much oil does it use? Is it more than a half quart within 600 miles? If it is, contact a VW dealership and explain your concerns to see if there are any recalls or other notifications.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, February 16th, 2023 AT 6:22 PM

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