What is VSA on Acura?

What is VSA on Acura?

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VSA or Vehicle Stability Assistant is an automated driving system for keeping you safe during hazardous driving conditions.

When the VSA light switches on, the TL needs attention for smooth running.

What is VSA on Acura?

“It is an automated system that helps you keep in control in those less than ideal driving conditions that persist almost everywhere.”

It has 2 main functions – 

  • Cornering Control – Your TL’s Vehicle Stability Assistant helps you to control directions that you intended to go to
  • It controls 2 things basically, Over Steering and Under Steering
  • Traction Control helps in getting the Traction for your Acura
  • The VSA system limits the wheel slip rate, which increases the Traction
  • It also lowers the engine speed to accomplish the above task

Vehicle Stability Assistant VSA and different Lights meaning – 

As with any vehicle, there are some warning lights associated with the VSA system.

VSA System light – 

VSA is the system indicator light.

If the light stays on, it means that there is some problem associated with your VSA

When the light illuminates again, Acura recommends reaching a safe place to restart the engine.

And finally, if the light does not illuminate, that means it’s time to diagnose the issue from a shop.

Triangle with an exclamation point – The VSA light simply indicates that the VSA system is now activated.

It also means your vehicle is now safe to go.

If the light switches on for a longer duration, it means the system is switched off.

In practicality, it is quite easy.

A button is there on the dash with VSA written on it

Once you press the VSA and see if the light turns off.

However, if it remains on after the above step, then it is an underlying problem.

Related Questions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1.) What is the meaning of the triangle light with an exclamation point?

Answer: The warning light is most often represented by an exclamation mark inside of a triangle.

So, the color can be either yellow or red, and it will typically also have text that warns what the problem is in this case, such as low oil pressure.

However, if you see something other than these colors, then don’t worry about them just yet!

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Q2.) What could be the one possible reason for the VSA light illuminated in Honda?

Answer: This generally means and shows an underlying problem with the Honda

Vehicle’s VSA or the Vehicle Stability Assist.

  • The VSA helps in stabilizing the vehicle during the rough cornering
  • It assists if the car turns out way more than desired
  • The system also assists in accurately maintaining Traction on loose and slippery surfaces.

So, it is a good practice to visit the associated service center.

Q3.) Should VSA be turned on or off?

Answer: Well, by default, VSA is turned on

Every time you start your car, it is turned on automatically.

Because even if you turned it off the last time, you did the process, you will find it turned on.

So, when should one turn off the VSA?

According to the accredited owner manual, one should only switch off VSA in the following 3 scenario

  • Car Stuck in Sand
  • Car Stuck in Mud
  • Or Car Stuck in Fresh Snow

Q4.) What is the function of a VSA modulator?

Answer: The vehicle stability assist system (VSA) helps to stabilize the vehicle during the cornering processes.

The VSA is mostly activated by a process known as the VSA Activator blink.

In some models, a slow sound is also heard from the modulator.

Q5.) How do Honda VSA works?

Answer: VSA works by taking full control of some particular aspects.

  • Automatically regulates the functions of certain beneficial aspects
  • A VSA system indicator light switches on because of the same Vehicle Stability Assist program.

Q6.) What does it mean when the VTM 4 light comes on again?

Answer: The VTM or Variable Torque Management System, 4WD system.

The VTM transfers and also assists in changing the amount of engine torque to the rear wheels.

Because further down the line, it will assist in the best traction conditions possible to the rear wheels.

  • Press the VTM 4 button to engage
  • When the light comes on after pressing the button, then wait for few seconds
  • To get unstuck, just apply some light pressure on the accelerator pedal.

Q7.) What does it indicate if a VSA light comes on the Acura TL?

Answer: Indicator light, nothing to worry about if not staying on for long

  • The light simply indicates the System Indicator Light
  • If it stays on for long, it is pretty common to understand that a possible and underlying problem is coming
  • If the light comes off sudden, follow proper safety protocols
  • As per Acura, one must move to a safe place and restart their engine
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Q8.) What is the process to reset the ABS

Answer: Some basic pointers will assist you in resetting the ABS

  • Begin by disconnecting the positive cable from the car’s battery
  • Hold down the brake pedal for some time
  • The above step is mandatory as it will remove and drain the car’s electrical system
  • This will also reset your car’s central computer
  • Last but not least, change the ABS sensor if the light ever returns back

Q9.) What does the VSA light convey on the 2007 Honda Pilot?

Answer: VSA is the Vehicle Stability Assist system and includes traction control as well.

The indicator symbolizes that the system is operating properly at this time.

Potential Malfunctions and even if switched off is shown as well.

Q10.) What is the best procedure to turn Vehicle Stability Assist on and off in your Honda?

Answer: Before starting, you must know some quick tips

Here are some to-dos?

  • VSA system on Honda gets automatically turned on in Honda simply when you switch on the ignition
  • This holds even if you switched the engine off previously
  • For turning off the VSA system, begin by locating the VSA Off Button
  • The button is situated right to the left of the steering wheel
  • Press the button
  • A clear VSA off light comes on the dash

Q11.) Should we drive the car with a VSA light on?

Answer: No

Taking absolute caution is necessary when it comes to driving a car without a VSA light on

Because this show an underlying problem with the VSA system itself

While it is otherwise absolutely safe to drive normally but the VSA will not be there to assist you in those tough and rigid conditions

So, the recommended method is to fix the problem first.

Q12.) How to fix the VSA light?

Answer: Take full precaution and first turn off the engine where the system is safe and then do this

  • Reset your system by restarting the engine
  • Watch the VSA system indicator during this point.
  • If the indicator is on or is coming back again and again while driving, visit the Acura dealer
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Q13.) What does the yellow triangle on the dashboard mean? 

Answer: It is popularly known as Stability Control System; the symbol consists of an emergency mark

An exclamation symbol sign is there in a triangle in a yellow/ amber tint.

Q14.) How to switch off the VSA light, and what are the benefits of switching It off?

Answer: When VSA is off, all the traction control is lost.

This allows the wheels to spin with more conviction, especially at lower speeds.

  • Locate the VSA off button, which is usually near the steering
  • Press and hold the VSA button until a small beep comes
  • The VSA indicator light switches off, a clear indication that the Vehicle Support Assist is not assisting now.

Q15.) What are some common TL VSA light on causes

Answer: Acura has a list of all the diagnostic trouble codes.

  • Use a good code scanner.
  • Take to a local parts store and let them scan for you.
  • Scan the ABS control unit, Engine Control Unit, and the Steering Control
  • The cheaper code scanner will only read the engine, though it is fine most of the time.

Sensors and Verdict 

There are 2 sensors that VSA or Vehicle Stability Assistant uses.

The first is the Steering Angle Sensor.

  • VSA uses this sensor to determine accurately if the vehicle is pointed in a proper direction or not
  • If the sensor is faulty, a VSA light will come on.

Wheel Speed Sensor WSS 

The WSS is responsible for regulating the wheel speed and sends it back right into the computer system.

  • If one of the wheels rotates slower in comparison to others and not in coordination with the steering, VSA corrects it instantly.
  • If the sensor is faulty, then it can no longer send a signal to Acura’s VSA system.
  • This will lead to the VSA light being switched on for a long and even the ABS light as well.

The VSA or Vehicle Stability Assistant is hence of paramount importance to the vehicle.

It assists the vehicle and helps provide the proper Traction and control of your vehicle.

One can switch it off for certain situations, as stated above.

I hope you have gained some good insights so far

Thanks for reading!