Volkswagen Repair: EPC light on dashboard, drive axles, powertrain control

Question
Hi there i have recently purchased a VW Golf 02 reg 1.6 16v Hatchback Manual. only done 26k miles. it runs beautifully but on the dashboard prior to ignition the letters EPC light up on the dashboard. i was wondering if this was a serious issue.
the light goes out once the car is running and so is only visible for around 5 seconds. i have looked in my manual but i think the manual may be a bit dated as i cannot find anything on this issue. the car has just passed its MOT so i didn't think there was any serious issue but ive asked a few people and no-one can tell me what it means really.

I have looked on a few forums and anyone who seems to have this light seems to break down soon after seeing it. is this only an issue if the light stays lit up once the car is in motion?

thankyou for any help you can give me

Lewis

Answer
Hi Lewis;
The letters "EPC," stand for "electronic powertrain control."  My understanding of this system is limited, but I believe it is supposed to help a driver maintain control of the vehicle in an emergency situation, by modulating, or attenuating engine power, and also providing any, and all available auxiliary power to help apply the brakes, and, in the case of automatic transmission vehicles, relays messages to the transmission control module to reduce, and/or, increase the torque at the drive axles to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle.
The only time this light makes any real difference is IF it stays on, and moreover, IF the vehicle has an automatic transmission.
I hope this explanation is complete enough to answer your questions about this system.  I will review some other material for my own edification, thanks for the question.
Good luck.