Symptom guide
EPC light or "Drivetrain malfunction"? What to do
Both warnings mean the car has found a fault serious enough to protect itself, often by cutting power. EPC is the VW Group's version. "Drivetrain malfunction" is BMW's. Neither one is a light to keep clearing and ignoring.
Or call or text (813) 214-5744 · 9am–9pm · 7 days
Narrow it down
What it usually means
VW or Audi: EPC light and less power
EPC stands for Electronic Power Control, and it usually points to the throttle system. Common causes include the throttle body, the brake light switch and engine sensors.
EPC light, and the brake lights are acting up
If your brake lights aren't working, or won't switch off, the brake light switch is a well-known cause of the EPC light.
BMW: "Drivetrain malfunction. Drive moderately."
The car has found an engine or transmission fault and may limit power. Spark plugs, ignition coils, the fuel pump and the injectors are among the common causes.
The check engine light is flashing too
A flashing check engine light means an active misfire. Pull over when it's safe and switch off. Driving on can damage the catalytic converter.
This is a guide, not a diagnosis. Two cars with the same symptom can have different faults, which is what the scan is for.
Worth knowing
Before you spend money
- Reduced power is the car protecting itself. Get somewhere safe, gently.
- Don't keep clearing the code. It comes back because the cause is still there, and clearing it throws away useful data.
- Note what happened just before: hard acceleration, a cold start, heavy rain, a long climb. It all helps.
- Lots of warning lights at once? That's often low voltage. Start there.
By make
And every other make. The diagnostic is $125, and it goes toward your repair.
Questions
Asked about this one
Can I drive with the EPC light on?
Gently and briefly, to get home or somewhere safe. If the car is in reduced power, keep it off the interstate until it's been scanned.
Is EPC the same as the check engine light?
No. EPC is specific to the VW Group and mostly tied to the throttle system. It often comes on together with the check engine light, and both need a scan.
How much does it cost to find out what's wrong?
The diagnostic is $125, and it goes toward your repair if you have us do the work.
Other symptoms
More guides
- 01
Many warning lights at once
A dash lit up like a tree usually means low voltage, not five broken systems.
- 02
Brake pad warning light
What the brake pad light means on a German car, and why it can stay on after new pads.
- 03
Parking brake warning
Electronic parking brake fault? What usually causes it, and why rear pads are part of the story.
Still not sure what it is?
That's what the diagnostic is for. $125, and it goes toward your repair if we do the work.
Or call or text (813) 214-5744 · 9am–9pm · 7 days