{"id":4592,"date":"2022-11-09T08:41:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-09T08:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.automotiveguider.com\/?p=4592"},"modified":"2022-11-10T06:42:20","modified_gmt":"2022-11-10T06:42:20","slug":"can-low-oil-cause-epc-light","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.automotiveguider.com\/automotive-guides\/can-low-oil-cause-epc-light\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Low Oil Cause EPC Light?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every car has what\u2019s called an electronic power control, or EPC, light. If this light comes on while you\u2019re driving, it means there\u2019s a problem with your car\u2019s electronic throttle control system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, your car\u2019s computer is telling you that there\u2019s something wrong and you need to get it checked out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what could cause your EPC light to come<\/a> on? Can low oil cause EPC light?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, an excessively low amount of oil can cause your car’s Electric Power Control (EPC) light to glow. This is a way to notify the driver of a potential problem.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, I’ll discuss how low oil can affect your car, other reasons that can cause the EPC light to come on, and what you should do if your EPC light comes on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"VW<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Can Low Oil Cause EPC Light?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If the amount of oil in your car is too low, it can cause your car’s EPC light to come on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The oil level sensor is located in the oil pan and when the level of oil gets low, the sensor sends a signal to the computer to turn on the EPC light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, if the EPC light is caused by low oil, you’ll also find the oil change light on to help you diagnose the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintaining a proper oil level is crucial for both your car’s engine<\/a> and lubricated parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without enough amount of oil and lubrication, there will be more friction, and the car’s parts will start to wear and tear. This in turn can lead to damage to the engine in a long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EPC light, although annoying, helps you avoid such potential damage by notifying you when the oil level is low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if your EPC light comes on, make sure to check the oil level and top it off if necessary. Other than that, here are a few other reasons that can cause your EPC light to come on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can Cause The EPC Light To Come On? 9 Basic Reasons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Electric Power Control (EPC) light is not limited to low oil and there are many other reasons that can cause it to glow. Here are seven different problems that can cause the EPC light to come on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Failed throttle body<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The throttle body is responsible for controlling the amount of air that goes into the engine. If it’s not working properly, it can cause all sorts of problems, including triggering the EPC light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, a dirty or failed Mass Air Flow<\/a> (MAF) sensor (responsible for measuring the amount of airflow going into the engine) can also cause the EPC light to come on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Broken ABS ring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The ABS ring is located on the wheel and helps the computer to measure the speed of the wheels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since it’s placed underneath your vehicle, it’s susceptible to collecting dust or damage. If it’s damaged or broken, it can cause the EPC light to come on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there’s a problem with ABS rings, you will also notice the ABS light glowing on your car’s dashboard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, while driving at low speeds and braking harder than usual, you might hear a banging noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malfunctioning of the motor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In case there’s an issue with the motor that controls the electronic throttle body, it can cause the EPC light to come on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the motor is causing the problem, it may result in a few others issues such as trouble driving or odd noises and smells coming from the car<\/a>. It could also lead to an oil stain or a clogged cooling system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, gas consumption might go up significantly, as well as you would notice a drop in engine power<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Replacing the motor can be expensive so getting it fixed should be your top priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Problem with traction control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Traction<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although it’s not very common, a problem with the traction control system can also cause the EPC light to come on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there’s something wrong with the traction control, you’ll notice that your car is slipping or fishtailing when you’re trying to accelerate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, while going over bumps, you might hear a rattling noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faulty cruise control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your car uses the same throttle position sensor (TPS) for both the cruise control and EPC system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if there’s an issue with the TPS, it can trigger both systems and cause the EPC light to come on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A faulty TPS can cause other problems as well, such as the cruise control not working properly or the car jerking when you’re accelerating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Damaged ABS sensor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As I’ve mentioned before, the ABS sensor is responsible for measuring the speed of the wheels. If it’s damaged or not working properly, it can cause the EPC light to come on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first way to tell that there is an issue with the ABS sensor is by checking if the light on the dashboard is illuminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it is, then you know that there is definitely an issue with your car’s ABS system. Now, if the sensor itself is broken, you may feel a pumping sensation in the brake pedal<\/a> when depressing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Power steering failure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This might be a little hard to digest but a power steering<\/a> failure can also cause the EPC light to come on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A power steering failure can be marked by a number of things, such as an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel, vibrations in the steering wheel, or difficulty in turning the wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faulty fuel sensor or low engine oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another common reason for the EPC light to come on is a faulty fuel sensor or low engine oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A faulty fuel sensor can cause a number of problems, such as the car stalling<\/a> or jerking. Additionally, you might also notice that your gas mileage has gone down significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for low engine oil, it’s pretty self-explanatory. If the oil level is low, it can cause all sorts of problems, including triggering the EPC light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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