I was driving and then my EPC light came on causing the car no to accelerate at all. I pulled over, shut off, then turned it back on and it was good. Now, this happened 2 months ago and it keeps happening. What could be the problem? Would it be expensive to fix? What should I tell the mechanic to look at first. Please help...THANKS!!

-VMAN 2000 Audi TT Quatro -

 

what the hell is an epc light?

is that the check engine light or the traction control light?

 

no... its in the rpm gauge area... im pretty sure your experiencing limp mode... actually yea im quite sure... um other guys im sure will advise how to get out of it because im still cloudy on that subject but yea, im pretty sure its limp mode meaning your max boost is 5psi...

side note to other guys... 3.2s dont ever hit limp do they..

 

3.2 - Not overboost induced limp...
I'm sure it has some other anti-retard feature though.

 

the EPC light has to do with traction control it is using the brakes with out your conscent to slow down one or more wheels it beleives is loosing traction.

Now

 

The EPC light is Engine Protection C... something... ESP is for traction.
Had this same exact thing happen to my TT, as what you described.
Turns out my intercooler had a fair amount of oil in it. The oil was being pushed up into my throttle body causing the IAT sensor to get coated in oil.
Tell your mechanic to drain the intercooler and clean it with some throttle body cleaner.
Then tell him to clean off the IAT sensor which is located directly off of the intake manifold, just after the throttle body.

Since draining my intercooler and cleaning everything up this problem has been solved.
I also did this myself (EDIT(myself meaning I didn't pay anyone, but was given advice from Nathan; while working with my grandfather)), much easier when you have access to a lift.
Don't let your mechanic tell you, you need to buy a new sensor. You won't need to pay for anything but labor, and maybe the cleaning sprays.


Edited for my editor...

 

Oh yeah forgot to add that even when you hit limp, there is still SOME throttle response.

 

i have the same problem right now...it came on twice in the past two weeks and im afraid it will come on again...i just dont want to waste my money and buy something i dont need ..

 

You don't need to buy any parts.
Just pull the bumper off, take the pass. side headlight out (on a 180), disconnect the intercooler, and drown the intercooler in throttle body cleaner.
Then you get to watch all the oil run out. I sprayed it until the fluid ran clear.
Then just clean the inside of the surrounding plumbing and IAT sensor (use electrical cleaner for the sensor).

 

I soooooo beg to differ