When the check VSA system warning light comes on, it indicates that there might be a problem with your VSA system, and you should take it to a car mechanic for inspection. The warning light might come on due to a fault with your brake switch, wheel speed sensor, yaw rate sensor, or VSA control module.
What Is a VSA System?
For people who drive an Acura, this should sound familiar. A triangular light symbol on the car’s dashboard features an exclamation mark within it. That is the VSA light. The VSA stands for Vehicle Stability Assistant and essentially is put in the car to guide traction on the road.
The VSA helps with two basic functions.
- It helps the car to stay on track when driving under precarious conditions
- It helps to bolster traction between the car tires and the road. It does this by either limiting the wheel slip rate or reducing the engine speed
What does it mean when the light comes on?
The previous paragraph stated that the VSA light is located on the dashboard – a triangular symbol with an exclamation mark within it. This light only comes on when the system is deactivated (this implies that you can willingly turn it on or off).
You obviously wouldn’t want to have one of the car’s in-built safety options off, so it serves as a reminder for you to switch it on.
However, there is “another” VSA light, a seemingly more important one. When this one comes on, it indicates whether or not there is a problem with the VSA system. This is known as the VSA system light.
It is imperative to pay attention to this because it helps to keep track of the condition of one of the most important safety technologies in the car. When this particular light comes on (it is located on the dashboard, too), it shows that it might just be time for you to start making repairs.
What might cause the VSA system light to go on?
As mentioned before, the VSA system deals with the guidance and control of the car and its traction during dangerous situations. It would only come on when issues related to these things are faulty or not in the best condition.
This is cause for diagnosis, either through DIY (if you’re handy enough) or by going to a mechanic. Things that might cause the VSA warning light to come on include:
A faulty brake switch
The VSA system is tied to the braking system of a car. How? When a car’s VSA system is on, the car’s stability becomes the first course of action. The vehicle maintains this by reducing the engine output and acceleration by making the braking system control each wheel of the car.
A vehicle’s brakes are connected to the brake light switch, a small component joining the pedal system. The brake light switch induces the brake lights to switch on when the brake is pressed and also to send a signal to the car’s control module that the brakes have been engaged.
This makes it imperative for the optimal functioning of most car systems, including the anti-lock brake, the push-button start, and the VSA. The VSA warning light will come on when the brake switch is faulty.
The cost of fixing a faulty brake switch is not that high and is probably the best outcome of a faulty VSA system. With parts and labor, you should expect to pay around $150.
Wheel speed sensor fault
It is a well-known fact that a VSA would not function well if one drives with uneven wheels. Why is this? Because the wheel speed sensor would be taken out of balance on readings. The wheel speed sensors are sensors that read and send the speed of the wheels and then send them back to the car’s control module.
A faulty sensor (or uneven wheels) would make the whole system hard to read and function appropriately. If the sensor cannot pick out a problem, the VSA wouldn’t know how to correct the problem either.
A wheel speed sensor failure will set you back around $200-$250.
Yaw rate sensor failure
As you can tell from this pattern, most VSA problems lie in the fact that there are these little sensors the system itself cannot function without; systems need to be fully optimized for it to correct and stabilize the car’s motion. The yaw rate sensor is one of these.
It helps to calculate and sense if the vehicle is in danger of slipping and sliding by noting the yaw rate. Without this system fully online, the VSA light would come on.
While not as common, a faulty yaw rate sensor is considerably more expensive to fix. For labor and parts, you can expect to pay around $700.
How to Fix the VSA System
Disconnect the positive cable from the car battery, and then hold down on the brake pedal to drain the car’s electrical system. This will reset the car’s central computer. Change the ABS sensor if the light comes back on.
Why Is the VSA System Important?
VSA helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces. It does so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes. The VSA may not function properly if tyre type and size are mixed.