1998 AUDI A3 check engine

24-113


Electronic Engine Power
Control (EPC) (E-Gas),
checking

E-Gas system, function

For E-Gas, the throttle valve is not operated by a
cable from the accelerator pedal. There is no
mechanical connection between the accelerator
pedal and the throttle valve.
The position of the accelerator pedal is
communicated to the Engine Control Module
(ECM) via two sensors for accelerator pedal
position (variable resistances; stored in one
housing) that are connected with the accelerator
pedal.
The accelerator pedal position (driver's intention)
is a main input unit for the ECM.
Operation of the throttle valve occurs via an
electric motor (throttle valve actuator) in the
throttle valve control module. This is true across
the entire engine speed and engine load
spectrum.
The throttle valve is operated by the throttle valve
actuator according to the instructions of the
ECM.
With ignition switched on and engine off, the
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With engine running (under load), the ECM can
open or close the throttle valve independently of
the sensor for accelerator pedal position.
This means, for example, that the throttle valve
could be fully opened even though the
accelerator pedal has only been depressed half
way. This has the advantage of preventing
torque losses at the throttle valve.
In addition to this, it results in significantly better
values relative to emissions and consumption
under certain load conditions.
The required engine torque can be achieved by
the Engine Control Module (ECM) via the optimal
combination of throttle valve diameter and boost
pressure.
It would be incorrect to think that "E-Gas"
consists of only one or two component. E-Gas is
much more of a system containing all
components that contribute to recognizing,
controlling and monitoring the position of the
throttle valve, e.g. sensor for accelerator pedal
position, throttle valve control module, EPC
warning lamp, Engine Control Module (ECM).
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24-115

Electronic Power Control (EPC) warning
lamp in instrument cluster


Note:
The Electronic Power Control (EPC) warning
lamp -K132- is also called the fault light for power
accelerator activation.
"EPC" is an abbreviation and stands for
Electronic Power Control (E-gas).

Installation location of EPC warning lamp
Engine Control Module (ECM) checks all components that are important
for function of the E-Gas system after ignition is switched on.
The Engine Control Module (ECM) switches on the EPC warning lamp
after ignition is switched on. Shortly after engine is started, the EPC
warning lamp will go out. This requires, first of all, that the Engine Control
Module (ECM) does not detect a malfunction in the E-gas system and,
secondly, that activation of the lamp by the Engine Control Module (ECM)
is OK.
If malfunctions are recognized in the E-Gas system during operation of
the engine, the ECM switches on the EPC warning lamp in instrument
cluster. (These malfunctions are listed in the DTC table). An entry is made
in DTC memory at the same time.
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24-117

Function test of warning lamp

- Switch ignition on.


The EPC warning lamp must light up for
approximately 3 seconds if there are no
malfunctions stored in DTC memory that
relate to the E-gas system

A- Fault light for power accelerator activation
-K132- does not light up

- Connect VAG1598/31 test box at wiring harness
to Engine Control Module (ECM), do not connect
ECM Page 24
-19
.

- Bridge terminals 1 and 48 at test box using wires
from VAG1594A adapter test kit.

- Switch ignition on.


Warning lamp must light up.
If warning lamp does not light up:

- Switch ignition off.

- Remove instrument cluster:
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24-118

- Check following wire connection for open circuit
and short circuit to B+:

Test box
VAG1598/31
Socket
Instrument cluster

Terminal
48 Electrical Wiring Diagrams,
Troubleshooting & Component
Locations

- Repair open circuit or short circuit if
necessary.
If wire connection is OK:

- Replace Engine Control Module (ECM) Page
24
-23

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24-119

B- Fault light for power accelerator activation
-K132- lights up constantly

- Check DTC memory of Engine Control Module
(ECM) Page 01
-16
.
If no DTCs are stored:

- Connect VAG1598/31 test box at wiring harness
to Engine Control Module (ECM), do not connect
ECM Page 24
-19
.

- Remove instrument cluster:

Repair Manual, Electrical Equipment, Repair
Group 90, Instrument cluster, removing and installing


- Check following wire connection for short circuit
to Ground (GND):

Test box
VAG1598/31
Socket
Instrument cluster

Terminal
48 Electrical Wiring Diagrams,
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Troubleshooting & Component
Locations

- Repair short circuit if necessary.
If wire connection is OK:

- Replace Engine Control Module (ECM) Page
24
-23

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24-120

Throttle valve control module -J338-,
checking

The following components are located in the
housing for the throttle valve control module:

Throttle drive (power accelerator actuation) -
G186-. (This is an electric motor that is
activated by the ECM. This electric motor opens
the throttle valve against spring pressure.)
Angle sensor -1- for throttle drive (power
accelerator actuation) -G187-
Angle sensor -2- for throttle drive (power
accelerator actuation) -G188-

Note:
The housing for the throttle valve control
module must not be opened.
The angle sensors are designed as
potentiometers (variable resistances). They
communicate the position of the throttle valve to
the Engine Control Module (ECM) fully
independent of each other.
The potentiometers cannot be mechanically
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