Random EPC light and stalls

Tiny
BENKENT379
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 2.5L
  • 5 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
So, starting a few weeks ago, every now and again when the car was stopped it would stall. I was always able to just restart the car and continue on like nothing happened. Today, the same thing happened, however upon attempting the restart, it struggled cranking for a while and then eventually did start back up. When it did my EPC light came on, the car started idling at 1,000 (these cars normally idle at 680), and I could not rev past about 2,500 RPMs. The engine was also running slightly roughly and on stopping at a red light there was a sort of clicking noise. When I made it home, let it sit for a while, and then started it back up again everything seemed fine. Idle was back to normal, EPC light off, revved just fine. I checked for OBD codes and nothing. What is happening?

I should note that since purchase of the vehicle about 5 months ago, it has multiple EVAP leak codes, which have seemed to be just fine for now and have not caused any problems other than a slightly louder engine. Also, and I don’t know if this is related or an entirely seperate issue, the motor makes a sort of clicking/popping/tapping noise on harder acceleration. Somewhat comparable to something hitting a running fan blade, although I’m fairly certain it is not that fan and something in the engine.

Please help as I start a new job in two days and cannot afford to lose this opportunity! :((
Thursday, October 14th, 2021 AT 9:39 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
As I was reading through this the first thing that I thought of was an EVAP issue.

Here are some guides that will talk about this system so that we can be sure to be on the same page:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/evap-system-code-repair

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-emission-control-systems-work

What I would do is remove the purge valve and inspect it for a powder type substance that is clogging the valve.

If there is, replace it. If not, run through the info below on testing the valve.

Also, the EPC light means electronic power control system which normally is just the throttle body. It could mean other things, but I suspect you are having an issue with the throttle getting stuck.

I am attaching some info on testing the throttle control as it would be worth running through this. At a minimum we need to inspect the throttle bore for it being dirty.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please run through this info and let us know what you find. Thanks
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, October 15th, 2021 AT 2:15 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links