VW EPC Light Car Shaking  – Causes & Fixes

Last updated on February 9th, 2024 at 06:34 pm

If you own a Volkswagen vehicle, you may have experienced the frustrating and potentially concerning the issue of the VW EPC light car shaking.

The EPC, or Electronic Power Control, warning indicator is designed to alert the driver to problems with the vehicle’s electronic throttle control system. When this light comes on, it can be accompanied by a shaking or vibrating sensation in the car, which can affect the vehicle’s performance and handling.

In this article, we will delve into the causes of the VW EPC light coming on and the car shaking, as well as provide some potential fixes for these issues.

It is important to address any problems with the EPC light as soon as possible, as they can lead to more serious issues if left unchecked. So, it is necessary to find out the root cause of the problem and fix it as soon as possible to avoid any future inconvenience

What’s Causing Your VW EPC Light Car Shaking

Faulty Ignition Coil

One potential cause of the VW EPC light coming on and the car shaking is a faulty ignition coil. The ignition coil is responsible for converting the low voltage from the car’s battery into the high voltage needed to create the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine.

If the ignition coil is not functioning properly, it can cause the EPC light to come on and the car to shake.

How To Fix It

To fix the problem, the mechanic will first diagnose the issue to confirm that the ignition coil is the cause of the EPC light and car shaking.

They will then replace the faulty ignition coil with a new one. It is important to use a high-quality replacement ignition coil to ensure that it functions properly and does not cause any further issues.

The Rear In Brake Pads Are Uneven.

If the rear brake pads on your Volkswagen are unevenly worn, it can cause the EPC light to come on and the car to shake. This is because the uneven brake pads can cause the brake rotors to become warped or out of balance, leading to a shaking sensation while driving.

How To Fix It

To fix this issue, the uneven brake pads will need to be replaced. It is important to replace both the driver side and passenger side brake pads at the same time to ensure that they are evenly worn.

If only one side is replaced, it can lead to uneven wear on the new brake pads and potentially cause the EPC light and car shaking to return.

In addition to replacing the brake pads, the mechanic may also need to address any other underlying issues that may have caused the uneven wear. This may include replacing the brake rotors or other worn or damaged components.

The Defective Engine Mount

If the engine mount on your Volkswagen is damaged, it can cause the EPC light to come on and the car to shake. The engine mount is responsible for securing the engine to the frame of the vehicle, and if it is damaged or broken, it can cause the engine to move around excessively. This can lead to a shaking or vibrating sensation while driving.

How To Fix It

To fix this issue, the damaged engine mount will need to be replaced. This is a job that should be performed by a mechanic, as it requires the removal of the engine and the installation of a new engine mount.

In addition to replacing the damaged engine mount, the mechanic may also need to address any other underlying issues that may have caused the engine mount to fail. This may include checking for other damaged or worn components, or performing repairs to the engine or frame of the vehicle.

Unbalanced Tires

If the tires on your Volkswagen are unbalanced, it can cause the EPC light to come on and the car to shake. This is because unbalanced tires can lead to a vibrating sensation while driving, as they are not evenly distributed around the axis of the wheel.

How To Fix It

To fix this issue, the tires will need to be balanced. This is a job that should be performed by a mechanic, as it requires specialized equipment and knowledge.

In addition to balancing the tires, the mechanic may also need to address any other underlying issues that may have caused the tires to become unbalanced. This may include checking for problems with the wheels, the suspension, or the steering system.

Faulty Fuel Injector

If the fuel injector in your Volkswagen is faulty, it can cause the EPC light to come on and the car to shake. The fuel injector is responsible for injecting fuel into the engine, and if it is not functioning properly, it can cause issues with the fuel-to-air ratio, leading to a shaking or vibrating sensation while driving.

How To Fix It

To fix this issue, the faulty fuel injector will need to be replaced. This is a job that should be performed by a mechanic, as it requires the removal of the fuel injector and the installation of a new one.

In addition to replacing the faulty fuel injector(s), the mechanic may also need to address any other underlying issues that may have caused the fuel injectors to fail. This may include checking for problems with the fuel pump, the fuel filter, or the fuel lines.

Damaged Or Out Of Balance Driveshaft

A damaged or out-of-balance driveshaft can cause your Volkswagen’s EPC light to come on and can also cause the car to shake or vibrate while driving. The driveshaft is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels. If the driveshaft is damaged or out of balance, it can cause the car to shake or vibrate while driving.

How To Fix It

To fix this issue, the damaged or out-of-balance driveshaft will need to be repaired or replaced. This is a more complex repair that should be performed by a mechanic.

Worn Out/Tired Engines

A worn out or tired engine can cause your Volkswagen’s EPC light to come on and can also cause the car to shake or misfire. The engine is the most important part of the car and is responsible for generating power to drive the vehicle.

If the engine is worn out or tired, it may not be able to generate enough power to run the car smoothly, which can cause it to shake or misfire.

How To Fix It

To fix this issue, the engine will need to be repaired or replaced. This is a major repair that should be performed by a mechanic.

Before repairing or replacing the engine, it is important to diagnose the issue properly to ensure that the engine is indeed the problem. This can be done using a diagnostic tool or by performing a visual inspection of the engine.

If the engine is repairable, the mechanic will need to identify the cause of the wear and repair or replace the damaged parts. If the engine is not repairable, it will need to be replaced with a new or rebuilt engine

How To Fix The EPC Warning Light? Step By Step Guide

If the EPC warning light comes on in your Volkswagen, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible to help ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.

Here is a step by step guide on how to fix the EPC warning light:

  1. Check the owner’s manual: The first step is to consult the owner’s manual for your Volkswagen. It may provide information on what the EPC warning light means and how to fix the issue.
  2. Scan for codes: You can use an OBD-II scanner to scan the vehicle’s computer and retrieve any diagnostic codes that may be causing the EPC warning light to come on.
  3. Based on the trouble codes and any other symptoms you are experiencing, determine the root cause of the problem and take appropriate action to fix it. This may involve replacing a faulty part or performing a repair.
  4. Clear the code: After the problem has been fixed, use the diagnostic tool to clear any error codes from the vehicle’s computer. This will help reset the EPC warning light and ensure that it is no longer being displayed.

It is important to note that fixing the EPC warning light may require the help of a mechanic, especially if the problem is complex or if you are unable to identify the cause of the issue.

A mechanic will have the knowledge and tools to properly diagnose and repair the problem, helping to get your Volkswagen running smoothly again.

How To Prevent VW EPC Light Car Shaking In Future

To help prevent the VW EPC light and car shaking from occurring in the future, it is important to follow a regular maintenance schedule and address any issues as soon as they arise.

Some specific steps you can take include:

  1. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule: Consult the owner’s manual for your Volkswagen to determine the recommended maintenance schedule and follow it closely. This may include regularly changing the oil, replacing the air filter, and performing other routine maintenance tasks.
  2. Keep an eye on your tires: Regularly check the air pressure in your tires and make sure that they are properly inflated. Low air pressure can lead to a variety of issues, including a shaking or vibrating sensation while driving.
  3. Monitor your brakes: Have your brake pads checked regularly and replace them as needed. This will help ensure that they are evenly worn and that the brake system is functioning properly.
  4. Watch for engine issues: If you notice any problems with the engine, such as a rough idle or misfiring, have them repaired as soon as possible.

By following these steps and performing regular maintenance, you can help prevent the VW EPC light and car shaking from occurring in the future and keep your vehicle running smoothly.

FAQS

Q: Can You Drive A VW EPC Light Car Shaking?

A: It is generally not recommended to drive your Volkswagen for an extended period of time after the EPC light comes on, as it can indicate a problem with the vehicle’s powertrain or engine management system. Continuing to drive the vehicle may cause further damage and could potentially be dangerous.

Q: How Much Does It Cost To Fix The EPC Light On VW?

A: The cost to fix the EPC light on a Volkswagen will depend on the specific issue that is causing the light to come on. Some problems may be relatively simple and inexpensive to fix, while others may require more extensive repairs and be more costly.

For example, replacing a faulty ignition coil or fuel injector may cost a few hundred dollars, while rebuilding or replacing an engine may cost several thousand dollars. It is difficult to provide a specific estimate for the cost of repairing the EPC light without knowing the underlying cause of the problem.

To get a better idea of the cost to fix the EPC light on your Volkswagen, it is recommended to have the vehicle checked by a mechanic and to get a repair estimate.

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