EPC light when accelerating

JUAN PUEBLA

MEMBER
2010 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
100,600 MILES

I was driving around town today all day just fine, then when I start to head home my EPC light comes on. The light only comes on when I move from a complete stop and it turns off after one second like as soon as the clutch engages. I stop again and move the light comes on for one second then goes. The car drives just fine normal idle no stalling or anything. The car was getting misfire on cylinder 2 and 4. I changed the spark plugs and coil packs CEL went away (added information just in case). Is this something I should be worried about since it is so sporadic and from what I can tell has not affected drive ability?

Wednesday, May 8th, 2019 AT 2:58 PM

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,101 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

To be honest, you should scan the computer to see if there are any codes stored. Otherwise, it is going to be a guessing game. Since it isn't staying on, I have a feeling there may be a loose connection or damaged wire. The EPC (electronic power control) basically sends a signal to the ECM (engine control module) and the ECM is what triggers the light. With that in mind, I would suggest that you check and confirm there is no problem with the wiring at the EPC. It is located under the hood/top of firewall.

See the attached picture for location.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Wednesday, May 8th, 2019 AT 6:20 PM

JUAN PUEBLA

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks for the answer! So today I went and ran some codes I got P0304( cylinder 4 misfire) then I got p0341 (Camshaft position sensor A circuit range/performance (Bank 1 or single sensor]). I went and replaced the camshaft position sensor still getting check engine light and EPC. It was recommended to me to do a carbon cleaning. Any other suggestions or ideas?

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Thursday, May 9th, 2019 AT 1:46 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,101 POSTS

Welcome back:

I have to be honest, I don't see what that will help. Are you still getting the 304?

Based on your original description, it sounds like it is a wiring issue. However, at 100,000, a cam sensor code and a misfire could even be related to the timing chain. Has it been replaced? It may be stretching.

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, May 9th, 2019 AT 6:08 PM

JUAN PUEBLA

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks again! So today I went out to drive the car around maybe 10 minutes EPC light will flash and stay on then turn off. I go back home and check the wiring to the best of my knowledge didn't see anything out or loose. So I go to turn the car on and it doesn't want to crank even though I just drove it! I attached a video of me trying to turn the car over and it shutting off.

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Friday, May 17th, 2019 AT 11:19 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,101 POSTS

Welcome back:

It's trying to start but won't stay running. If you hold your foot down on the throttle, will it stay running? Also, has anything ever been done with the timing chain?

Let me know.

Joe

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Friday, May 17th, 2019 AT 7:35 PM

JUAN PUEBLA

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Update: After trying to mess around with the car I decided to tow it to a shop, the car would run but I didn't want to do any possible damage. They inspected the timing chain and it appeared to be fine along with all the other components. They ordered an OEM camshaft positioning sensor since I bought mine from AutoZone (Duralast Brand). They are also a little confused, so hopefully it is a simple fix!

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Tuesday, May 28th, 2019 AT 8:01 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS