VSA Light Honda: What Would Cause It To Come On?

The development of modern automotive technology is accelerating. Nevertheless, while autonomous and electric vehicles are grabbing all the headlines, features that make gasoline-powered automobiles safer and more enjoyable to drive frequently receive less attention.

The Honda VSA is one of the best examples of this technology’s current level of advancement. VSA, or “Vehicle Stability Assist,” refers to the computer system of a Honda. The vehicle stability aid system is activated when the VSA light is on.

The system indication light is another name for it. The system can have a problem if both the VSA and the check engine lights remain on.

What Is The VSA System On Honda?

Every new Honda has a stability assist system that helps maintain handling when turning a bend. Your Honda will feature a VSA system, an Accord, or an Odyssey. A Honda computer system ensures the tires have traction when driving. Different grips on car wheels improve wheel spin, traction, and stability to reduce wheel slide.

In essence, it aids with the driver’s ability to keep control. It is activated in inclement weather when the roads are slick and uneven, and it aids in maintaining smooth acceleration when you are driving on various surfaces.

Moreover, it is turned on when the car is turning too quickly. It also works with the traction control system and the steering angle sensor to determine if the vehicle is being driven in the direction you want to go. Grip control is enhanced by automatically adjusting the engine speed while applying each brake for each tire.

VSA Symbol On The Dashboard

Car dashboard with warning lights on.

The dashboard’s vehicle stability assist light is a yellow triangle with an exclamation point inside.

What Causes The VSA Light To Come On?

There are various reasons why the VSA system light is on, primarily to demonstrate that the stability aid system of the car is engaged, which provides your vehicle with the help it needs. The light can switch off if left on for a long time. You can determine if there is a problem and why the VSA light is on by running a diagnosis.

The two most frequent reasons for a Honda VSA light are driving with low tire pressure or accidentally pressing the VSA button. Moreover, it might be brought on by a broken ABS wheel speed sensor, steering angle sensor, or ABS reluctor ring.

The most frequent reasons for a Honda’s VSA light are described below.

1.     Unreliable Components

If neither of the above causes is causing the VSA light to remain on, your problem is generally due to a failed part. Only a scanning inspection and car diagnosis will reveal what component is to blame for a malfunction.

The following components are some typical ones that could turn on your Honda’s VSA light:

  • Steering angle sensor failure
  • Wheel speed sensor for ABS
  • Reluctor ring for ABS

2.     Tire pressure too low

The same issues will arise when driving with the incorrect wheels or tires as when operating with low tire pressure in one or more tires. The VSA warning light could turn on due to the reels spinning at various speeds. As a result, it’s crucial to check your tire pressure frequently and to always drive with the proper tire pressure.

Close up of mechanic’s hand checking the air pressure of a tire in auto repair service.

3.     Faulty tires

The VSA system will identify an issue if the wheels aren’t turning at the same rate. The VSA light typically blinks and then turns off if there is only a traction problem. But, if the wheels aren’t aligned properly, the system might detect the constant rotational imbalance. As a result, the system light will continue to be on.

4.     Switch Turned Off

The VSA light will be on if the system has been switched off. The system can typically be turned back on at any moment by pressing the button on the console. However, some people prefer to turn it off while driving in specific circumstances.

It’s also conceivable that you unintentionally switched the system off. If so, pressing the button will restart the system, which should cause the light to go off.

Is It Safe To Drive With The VSA Light On?

Driving is safe even when the VSA light only indicates the system is on. There can be an issue with other systems in your car if the light comes on along with other warning lights.

  • If the VSA indicator light is illuminated, the system is malfunctioning and must be examined by a mechanic.
  • A systemic issue may also be present when both the check engine and the other lights are illuminated.
  • The VSA light can flash, showing the system is turned on and activated.

What To Do When The VSA Light Comes On

In most circumstances, if the VSA light illuminates, nothing needs to be done. Simply put, it indicates that the VSA system is active and turned on. You should get the system in addition to the system that the warning lights advise checking out if the light comes on along with other warning lights.

You must stop when it is safe and restart the engine if the VSA and VSA indicator lights come on. Honda owners can easily reset the VSA light by themselves because it is straightforward.

To fix the VSA light on your Honda, you must ensure that the VSA button was not mistakenly depressed. Also, you want to confirm that all tires have the proper tire pressure. You must run a diagnostic scanner over the trouble codes to continue the diagnosis.

Automotive repairman is scanning car settings.

1.     Check out Professional Mechanic

It’s time to trust the specialists when you’ve completed all the diagnostic procedures and fixes you feel confident performing. To diagnose the issue, you only need to invest one hour.

In addition, it’s recommended to put your trust in a nearby shop if the repair could be easier for your knowledge. As a result of your ignorance, you don’t want to break anything else unintentionally.

2.     Fix Faulty Wiring or Connectivity

Any of these systems’ faulty wiring symptoms will be identical to those of a defective sensor. You can inspect the wiring and connectors if there are any evident flaws. Finding the issue could be challenging unless something is incorrect. It might be advisable to go to the following step because of this.

3.     Changing the wheel speed sensor

The wheel speed sensors relay data about the vehicle’s speed to the computer. The VSA system can believe there is a problem if the sensors provide inaccurate data to the computer and shut down.

The ABS may experience issues when a wheel speed sensor malfunctions. As a result, the dashboard may also display an ABS light. Also, ensure the ABS reluctor rings are in good condition and have no cracks.

4.     Sensor for Steering Angle: Reset or Replace

A steering angle sensor is directly mounted to the steering column in modern automobiles. You should reset or replace this sensor if the code scanner identifies a problem. The module must receive the steering angle information from this sensor to provide on-road stability.

For most reset processes, the steering wheel must be turned to either side and back to the center. The service handbook for your model contains instructions on how to do this. A replacement can be required if a reset is ineffective.

5.     Scan Codes

You should utilize your code scanner to determine what’s wrong if the switch or tires cannot turn off the light. You must select a device that works with the VSA because not all code scanners can read it.

Reset the codes first, of course. After that, test drive the car until the light turns back on. You can now read the most common codes programmed into the system. You can fix whatever is causing the issue by utilizing this knowledge.

6.     Inflate and check tire pressure

The next thing you should do is ensure your car’s tires are inflated to the recommended tire pressure. Moreover, make sure that all of the wheels and tires are the same size. Also, confirm that the tires have uniform wear throughout. This is due to the possibility of a VSA warning light appearing on your dashboard if the wheels’ rotational speeds change.

7.     On/Off Switch

Always try to activate the system as your first course of action. Try to press the VSA button you can find on your automobile. The VSA switch is frequently located on the console of cars. Consult the owner’s handbook if you need help finding it.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The VSA System?

The VSA system repair typically costs between $80 and $90. The average price for Honda is this amount. Costs for labor range from $38 to $48, and parts cost about $43.

Conclusion

Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist feature and the VSA light indicate Acura vehicles. You must be able to diagnose it because it can appear to detect common occurrences or to warn you of a problem. Handling may be affected if the VSA system is turned off.

When the VSA light on your Honda car first appears, there’s no need to freak out. It might be as straightforward as the system has to be reactivated. Even if an issue prevents the system from functioning, you can typically diagnose and fix it quickly. Get rid of that annoying warning light so you can drive with better traction the next time.

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About Matthew Webb

Hi, I am Matthew! I am a dedicated car nerd! During the day, I am a journalist, at night I enjoy working on my 2 project cars. I have been a car nerd all my life, and am excited to share my knowledge with you!