What does it mean when the VSA light is on?
2 Answers
When the VSA light is on, it indicates that the vehicle's electronic stability control system is turned off. The reason for the VSA light being on could be due to accidental operation by the driver. Normally, the VSA system is in the 'on' state (i.e., functioning properly). If the VSA light suddenly turns on, it is likely because the driver is unaware of the system's function and has manually switched the control panel button to the 'off' position. In this state, the VSA system is manually deactivated. To turn off the VSA light, simply press the function button back to 'on'. If the VSA light is on due to a hardware malfunction, the driver must take the vehicle to a repair shop for inspection.
When I saw the VSA light on the dashboard illuminate while driving, I immediately tensed up, as this thing is crucial for driving safety. VSA is Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist system, and the light coming on means it's not functioning. I've encountered this situation a few times myself—most often because the wheel sensors were clogged with mud or snow, and once due to a loose wiring connector. Normally, if this light flashes while driving, it's a normal indication that the system is working to prevent skidding. But if the light stays steadily on, you need to be cautious: the car is particularly prone to skidding during turns, and it's even more dangerous in rainy weather. My advice is to first pull over, turn off the engine, and restart it—sometimes temporary glitches can be resolved this way. If that doesn’t work, head to a repair shop immediately to read the trouble codes. Don’t hesitate over the cost of diagnostics—safety comes first. Oh, and when washing your car, remember to rinse behind the wheel hubs to reduce the chance of sensors getting clogged with dirt.
