EPC warning light - car shakes violently - ideas?

**wildcat333** · 01-25-2013 06:29 AM

From a cold start this morning (14 degrees F), it started ok. Then started shaking. The EPC light came on, as did what I always thought was the ESP light (the 2 sqiggles that go on yellow when the ESP goes on when you lose traction or control). Car violently started shaking for about 15 seconds. I killed the engine. Let it rest. Same thing happened after the next start. I killed it. Same thing, but I decided I had to get to work, and drove it here. The sqiggly line (ESP) and EPC lights went away. Now I just have a CEL on my dash.

Obviously I need to get it scanned, which I will do.

In the meantime, any thoughts, suggestions, or links to similar threads to help me?

Thanks in advance.

**NoR32** · 01-25-2013 06:38 AM

this just happened to me last saturday! it was a coilpack. Audi Roadside Assistance said it was ok to drive if light warning lights are Yellow/amber but if they turn red then stop imediatly and call thm back.

**NoR32** · 01-25-2013 06:40 AM

Basically one cilynder is missfiring

***Stubek*** · 01-25-2013 07:00 AM

coil pack most likely

**wildcat333** · 01-25-2013 07:30 AM

Ugh! I hope that is all. I have 3 spare working coilpacks.
Is there an easy way to tell what might be the misfiring cylinder? I do not have VAG-COM. Hopefully my local indy Audi shop will be able to easily diagnose this for me.

**ECS Tuning-Audi** · 01-25-2013 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by wildcat333

Ugh! I hope that is all. I have 3 spare working coilpacks.
Is there an easy way to tell what might be the misfiring cylinder? I do not have VAG-COM. Hopefully my local indy Audi shop will be able to easily diagnose this for me.

All you need is a code reader. If you have a CEL on it can read the code back to you.

We have basic scanners available below. I'd highly suggest picking one up so you can read codes at your convenience.

Click HERE to order or for more information.

Jason

**DoThisMyWay** · 01-25-2013 09:10 AM

It could also be a crank position sensor. I had one intermittently fail and the engine had rough idle followed by a CEL. When it went out completely, the engine would not start.

**Operator** · 01-25-2013 09:34 AM

I'll add to the coil pack crowd.

**wildcat333** · 01-25-2013 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by Operator

I'll add to the coil pack crowd.

I hope so, man.
I'm out of town this weekend (not using my car).
I'm getting it checked on Monday. I'll report back then.
Thanks for the comments guys.

**konarider94** · 01-25-2013 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by ECS Tuning-Audi

All you need is a code reader. If you have a CEL on it can read the code back to you.

We have basic scanners available below. I'd highly suggest picking one up so you can read codes at your convenience.

Click HERE to order or for more information.

Jason

or if you have an android phone just pick up a bluetooth obd2 adapter and buy the torque app all for ~$20

**wildcat333** · 01-25-2013 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by konarider94

or if you have an android phone just pick up a bluetooth obd2 adapter and buy the torque app all for ~$20

have iPhone

**FraggyA4** · 01-25-2013 10:54 AM

Other possible problem could be crankshaft sensor. Check out this DIY http://www.a4mods.com/index.php?page...eedsensor.html

**DoThisMyWay** · 01-25-2013 11:03 AM

^Way easier on the 2.0T.

**FraggyA4** · 01-25-2013 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by DoThisMyWay

^Way easier on the 2.0T.

Where is it on our cars?

**wildcat333** · 01-25-2013 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by DoThisMyWay

^Way easier on the 2.0T.

is there a DIY out there for this?

**DoThisMyWay** · 01-25-2013 11:16 AM

I don't know of a DIY but from the top, the sensor is just behind the oil filter housing. Stick your hand back there and you'll feel a wire and that's it. It's held in the block by a hex bolt and the connector is right there as well. No taking off the belly pan or moving the coolant tank.

**FraggyA4** · 01-25-2013 11:22 AM

here is the part on genuine audi http://genuineaudiparts.com/parts/20...kshft%20sensor

**DoThisMyWay** · 01-25-2013 11:38 AM

Yeah, this POS.

I would get codes for the CPS and had a couple instances of bad idle but I inadvertently broke it while I was cleaning up some oil from a busted gasket between the block and the oil filter housing. The wire is flimsy and it will cause internment issues later. My car wouldn't start because of it and it could have been worse if it left me stranded somewhere.

**Hypn0t1q79** · 01-26-2013 02:12 PM

Your Not alone Wild Cat. My car was did them same thing 2 days in a row but it would only come on if the car had been sitting for 5-10 minutes, once id start driving and it would go out. but my cel never came on. I just chalked it up to being really f'ing cold out.

**crewjones** · 01-28-2013 09:34 AM

I've been having the same problem, cars violently shakes this past week since it's been frigid outside. I just chalk it up to the oil still being sludgy from the cold temps or maybe some misfiring in the cylinders. Once the car warms up to temp, then it idles fine.

**wildcat333** · 01-28-2013 04:33 PM

My flight home got delayed due to freezing rain.
So couldn't get my code read today.
Hopefully in the next couple days.
I'll keep this thread updated.

Sent from my iPhone via Tapatalk.

**wildcat333** · 01-29-2013 06:28 PM

My check engine light disappeared today by itself.
I think I'm still going to get it scanned to see if there is a hidden stored code somewhere.

**slvrb7** · 01-29-2013 06:40 PM

if you have rough idling after starting in the cold and you have a 6mt try throwing it in to gear right after start up leave for a few then back to neutral helps on the rs4's.

**wildcat333** · 01-29-2013 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by slvrb7

if you have rough idling after starting in the cold and you have a 6mt try throwing it in to gear right after start up leave for a few then back to neutral helps on the rs4's.

thanks for the reply, but I have Automatic-Tiptronic.

**slvrb7** · 01-29-2013 06:48 PM

try it on yours too why not wouldnt hurt but yeah sounds like you have a bad coil you could just buy one more coil and replace all 4 since you already have 3.

**wildcat333** · 01-31-2013 07:29 PM

Update:

Shop found an intermittent throttle valve controller code.
Reset throttle body angle and numbers to normal or stock numbers.
Shop cleared out the codes.

Car runs fine.

**Danny25ss** · 12-12-2016 04:18 AM

Happened Thursday,

Going down the freeway. Lost power and shook like I blew a tire. Limped it home as only couple miles and was leaving a smoke trail like you wouldn't believe.

Turns out the #2 injector failed.

Audi service said they have seen this happening more and more and only for #2.