You must have seen a VSA button on the dashboard if you own a modern Honda vehicle. Other car manufacturers don’t have a system with this name, so Honda is unique.
But what does VSA stand for? Honda’s vehicle stability assist system is part of a traction control system. It can keep the car stable on slippery and frozen surfaces. This way, the system helps the car avoid flipping over and crashing.
Stay with us a little longer and read additional exciting information. You will learn how the system works and interacts with other safety systems. Also, we will cover the frequent question of why the VSA light may flash on the dashboard.
What Does VSA Mean on a Honda
VSA stands for Vehicle Stability Assist, a Honda version of the electronic stability control system. Its sensors detect when a wheel goes into a skid and loses stability. Then, the system jumps in and reduces power to the wheels with a skid problem.
There are different types of skids, and they are all the result of slipping. Rear wheels can lose traction with the surface, which is called fishtailing. Wheels can lose stability while cornering. They can even slip during acceleration or deceleration.
Vehicle stability systems are activated in all these situations to prevent further instability. The system can prevent a car crash or a rollover.
How VSA Works
VSA has a control unit that is always monitoring and measuring wheels and their rotation angles. Also, it follows the position of the acceleration and brake pedals. This way the system can predict the path and direction that the vehicle is going to take.
If the path is different from the path the system calibrated, the system is working to restore the car to its planned path. It is done with two systems: vehicle stability assist and ABS. ABS is responsible for slowing down the right wheel. Vehicle stability assist communicates with the engine control unit so the engine provides just enough torque.
How VSA Interacts With Other Systems in the Car
The vehicle stability assist system is in regular interaction with the ABS. They together keep the car’s stability in check. VSA checks how much torque each wheel needs and communicates with the engine. ABS, with its hydraulic modulators, slows down a wheel when needed.
Honda integrated a traction control system into its vehicle stability assist system, so they are working as one.
Also, it is important to mention the communication between VSA and an engine control unit. The vehicle stability system checks the angle of the wheels and sends info to the engine if it needs more or less torque.
VSA Warning Light On The Dashboard
Common problems that can trigger the VSA system indicator light to turn on revolve around tire problems. It can also detect problems with the system itself. Also, one of the top culprits of VSA lights turning on is the driver’s error when a driver disables the system manually with the button on the dashboard that will turn on the indicator light.
What Would Cause the VSA Light to Come On
Several causes are the main culprit for the problems with the VSA:
- The vehicle has tires of different sizes. If this is the case, the system will detect that. The system measures the number of rotations of each wheel. If it detects strange values, it will show an error.
- Low tire pressure. The system will see the same problem as with different tire sizes. If one tire has different pressure than the others, the VSA system will detect it. Then it will turn on the VSA light on the dashboard.
- The problem with the system. If the VSA light is constantly on, it can mean that there is a problem with the system itself and its components.
- Pressed VSA button. In that case, the indicator light will be constantly glowing. That can be checked by looking at the yellow triangle light at the VSA button. If the button is on, then the system is turned off. Press the button again to turn on the system, and the VSA indicator light will go away.
- The VSA system is working. If this is the case, it will trigger a blinking VSA light. When driving on slippery terrain the system tends to turn on if needed. That can be seen from the flashing VSA symbol on the dashboard.
What To Do When The VSA Light Comes On
First, check if the VSA light is glowing constantly or only blinking. If it is blinking, then the system is working. If it is glowing, check if the system is manually turned off. If so, press the button again to turn the VSA system indicator off.
If the light is still on, it can point out the problem with the VSA itself. You can continue to drive, and the vehicle will have normal braking abilities. But you should think about going to the mechanic. Without VSA, your car will not have extra stability enhancements granted by the system.
How To Remove Or Reset The Honda VSA Light
There is a simple procedure that needs to be followed step by step:
- Turn off the car and take the key out.
- Look for an OBD connector under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Short pins 4 and 9 with any stiff wire.
- Lightly press the brake pedal and turn the ignition to position 2 to light up the dashboard.
- The VSA and ABS light should turn off with the rest of the warning lights, and then release the brake pedal.
- The VSA/ABS light will turn on again. Lightly press and hold the brake .
- The light should go off again and then release the brake pedal.
- Keep looking at the VSA lights, and they should flash twice and then go off. That means that you cleared all the faults.
- Turn off the ignition switch and take out the key. Disconnect the wire jumper from the OBD connector.
If after step 7, the light is still on, repeat the process a couple of times to be sure.
If the light stays, that can point to a more serious problem. You should take the car for a service inspection to test and diagnose the problem.
Check Out Honda VSA & ABS Warning Reset – Simple DIY:
How Much Does It Cost to Fix VSA System
The usual suspect for problems with a VSA is a sensor malfunction. If the sensor can be repaired, that can cost between $80 and $90. Parts cost around $40, and the remaining goes to the price of labor.
If the sensor cannot be repaired, a new sensor costs between $200 and $250.
VSA System Malfunction
Several reasons can cause the VSA to malfunction. Usually, it is a problem with a component of the system or problems with wiring.
Common Causes
- Blown a fuse. There are two fuses for VSA, one in the engine compartments and the other under the dashboard.
- The wheel Speed Sensor is faulty. Each wheel has a sensor that gathers information about speed and driving conditions. If the sensor is faulty it will send the wrong information.
- Problems with wiring. If the wiring becomes loose, that can cause the VSA system light to turn on.
- Problems with an ABS VSA modulator. This part rarely breaks, but when it does, it will trigger a warning light on the dashboard.
What Does VSA Mean On A Car: FAQs
Is Driving With The VSA Light On Safe?
If the VSA light is on, it can point out the problem with the system. If the problem persists, then the car should undergo a mechanic checkup. VSA light itself will not pose a problem while driving, but the stability system will not work.
What Does Brake Hold Mean on a Honda Civic?
Break hold is a system when activated, automatically turns on the brakes when a car is not moving. That feature makes driving much easier when facing a city gridlock. The driver can take off the foot of the stop pedal and rest it.
What Does the Honda Pilot’s Snow Button Do?
Pressing a snow button activates snow mode. It is one of many Honda traction control systems. When activated, this system improves stability when accelerating on snow-covered roads.
Final Considerations
Vehicle stability assist is a nifty safety system. It can save your life when driving in dire weather conditions. It will keep your car stable on snowy and wet roads if you follow all the recommendations for driving in those conditions.
Often, this system’s indicator light can go off on the dashboard. Before you go to the mechanic, check the button for the activation of the system. Maybe you turned it off by accident. We included some tips on resetting this system, which is simple to follow.
If the problem persists, contact your mechanic. Yes, you can drive with a faulty VSA, but you will not have all the advanced safety features of this system. Keep your car in check, and drive safely!
