Most recent Honda vehicles come equipped with electronic stability and traction control systems like VSA, which are credited with greatly lowering the number of traffic accidents, especially in bad weather.
VSA light is one of the most critical warning signals on your dashboard. It is a yellow triangle with an exclamation point inside of it.
Have you ever come across the warning light with “VSA” while driving and wondered what it means? Keep reading as we explain the meaning of the VSA light in your Honda.
But, before we dive in, let’s understand what a VSA system means.
Table of contents
What is VSA?
VSA also known as Vehicle Stability Assist is a system that aids in maintaining proper vehicle handling during turns and keeps a driver from understeering or oversteering.
Several sensors are used by Vehicle Stability Assist to monitor the environment and take action to lessen the likelihood of sliding, and other loss-of-traction incidents.
Even on surfaces with a divided coefficient of friction, such as when one wheel is on ice and the other is on dry pavement– which would typically cause sliding, the VSA’s traction-control function aids in maintaining stability and permits the car to accelerate.
To assist in re-establishing the driver’s desired direction, the system limits the throttle and applies brakes to certain wheels.
Also, it helps to improve traction and maintains better driver control by automatically adjusting engine output and independently applying the brakes to each wheel.
What Does it Mean When VSA Light Comes On?
1. Blinking VSA Light on the Console
This flashing light only indicates that the system has engaged and is assisting the automobile in steering more safely. This light doesn’t indicate there is an error or an issue with your car, therefore you don’t need to panic when you see it on your dashboard.
The VSA system is a great tool for drivers, but it is not perfect. If you notice the light turning on frequently, you might be driving your car a bit too aggressively.
Signs of Activated VSA
- The accelerator would not boost engine power as much as you anticipate.
- Without you pulling your foot off the pedal, the engine output might decrease.
- The brakes could automatically apply, although this shouldn’t be too jarring or abrupt.
2. VSA Indicator Light
When you see this light on your console, it simply means there is an issue with the VSA.
If you notice the warning illuminates your console and remains lit, it shows that the system is ineffective and will not be functioning to protect you in hazardous situations.
Therefore, stop your car where it’s safe to do so, turn the engine back on, and continue driving.
However, if the light comes back on, we advise you to drive cautiously until the issue is resolved or better still schedule a service inspection to find the problem.
3. Permanent Activation Light
This warning light indicates that the system has typically been turned off via the console switch– if the VSA activation indication This light ought to go away after the system is restarted.
What Would Cause VSA Light to Come On?
1. Disabled VSA System
When you disengage the VSA intentionally or unintentionally, Most likely, the light will illuminate and remain illuminated.
This would mean that the traction and stability assistance your car requires will no longer be provided by the VSA system as a result.
Therefore, to alert you that the VSA system has been switched off, the VSA activation indication light turns on.
You might have to restart it in this scenario. Some cars have the VSA switch located at the left vent. The button is sometimes located on the center dash, to the left of the steering wheel.
2. Faulty VSA System
A broken VSA system is another potential reason the VSA light is on. You can use a code scanner to identify the issue. Note that not all code scanners can read codes for engines.
3. Car Tire Issues
If the VSA detects that one or more of your wheels are not turning at the proper pace, the VSA light will turn on. This mostly happens when your tires are not the correct sizes.
Also, it could be that your vehicle has low tire pressure. To identify if this is the case, check your tires with an odometer, after which you can call a mechanic for assistance.
4. Failed Wheel Sensor
When a wheel speed sensor fails to provide the proper signal, the VSA light will come on. When this happens, it means there is an issue with your ABS module.
However, using the proper code scanner is the most effective technique to identify this issue.
5. Damaged Traction Control System
The VSA light coming up can also be an indication that the traction control system may be having problems and needs to be checked.
However, despite the traction control system’s malfunction, the car may still be safe to drive in many circumstances.
How to Respond When the VSA Light Turns On
If the VSA light blinks, you often don’t need to take action because it only indicates that the VSA system is active.
However, if the light illuminates with other warning lights, you might need to purchase both the system and the system that the caution lights advise you to check out.
When the VSA light and the VSA indication light turn on, you must stop when it is safe and start the engine to reset the system. A Honda owner may easily reset the VSA light by following a few easy steps.
FAQ
How Can I Disable or Reset My Honda VSA Light?
Step 1
After turning off the ignition, remove the key. Jump pins 1 and 9 are then used.
Step 2
Turn the ignition to position 3 and press the brake pedal. The ABS light ought to turn on and then go. After that, you’ll let go of the brake pedal. The ABS light ought to turn back on. Put your foot on the brake once more and release it slowly.
Step 3
The ABS light should turn off; at that point, let up on the brake. How long does it take the ABS light to blink twice before turning it off again? If this occurs, you have successfully erased the error codes.
Step 4
Disconnect the key from the ignition and disconnect the jumper wires.
Read: Check Engine Light Went Off After a Week?
Conclusion
There are various reasons why the VSA system light is on. Primarily to demonstrate that the stability aid system of the car is engaged.
This system frequently engages in dangerous situations brought on by bad weather or a slick road surface.
When the VSA light and other warning lights turn on, it indicates a problem and might require the attention of a professional to inspect your car.