What Is VSC System? Its Function, Light And Causes

“Vehicle Stability Control,” or VSC for short, is the stability control system that Toyota employs in its cars. Stability control is a feature that helps your vehicle maintain control and traction by limiting or eliminating the power that is provided to the wheels.

It works by instantly pressing the brakes on up to three wheels. The system aims to keep your car moving in the direction you want it to go. Since 2012, it has been a legally required safety feature, at least in the United States. Your Toyota’s stability control is off when you see VSC OFF.

In this reading, we’ll explore what VCS is, its function, what its light means, what causes it, and how to reset the VSC light. We’ll also get to examine the difference between VSC Light and TRAC OFF.

Let’s get started!

What Is Vehicle Stability Control?

The Vehicle Stability Control system automatically applies brake pressure to each wheel, preventing skidding and loss of control. When it determines that the direction of the steering wheel does not correspond with the vehicle’s path, it will also modify engine power if required. This technology is particularly helpful during abrupt swerves or on slick roads.

What Does the VSC Light Mean?

The VSC light is a yellow signal on the car dashboard that signals an issue with the electronic body stability system. Toyota and Lexus have included this light as an active safety feature in various models, and it is typical of Japanese automobiles.

The system can increase convenience and safety when driving. The VSC system can detect and apply the proper braking forces to keep the vehicle stable whether it brakes, accelerates, or makes an emergency turn.

What Causes the VSC Light to Come On?

Any of the following may be the reason why your car’s VSC came on:

System Failure

When the vehicle stability control system stops working, the VSC light will come on. Your dashboard’s VSC light serves as a warning when there is a problem with the VSC system. The VSC system is operating properly if the light is off or just briefly illuminates when you start your vehicle.

Steering Angle Sensor Malfunction

The purpose of the steering angle sensor is to measure the wheel’s rotational angle. Any damage to this sensor may result in the light turning on because the VSC system utilizes the tire angle to determine if the vehicle is moving in the direction you are steering.

Wheel Misalignment

One common cause of the VSC light turning on is a wheel that is out of alignment. When one or more wheels become misaligned due to potholes or failing to slow down for a speed bump, the VSC system may be impacted. It is common practice to include wheel alignments as part of the recommended maintenance plans for vehicles.

Inadvertently Pressing the VSC Button

The majority of cars have a button that lets you disable the VSC system. The light will turn on, and the device will shut off if you inadvertently bump the button while driving. All you need to do is push the button to turn the system back on if you think this is what happened.

Bad Wiring

The sensors in your car convey data to the computer using wires. In the event that one of those wires breaks, the VSC light may illuminate. A warning light may also illuminate due to blown fuses or improperly placed cables. It might be challenging to identify a wiring problem unless you have a lot of knowledge about automobile electrical systems.

Anti-lock Brake Malfunction

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and vehicle stability control (VSC) in your vehicle are interdependent; therefore, any malfunction in one system may have an impact on the other. This includes a problem with any of the ABS sensors on your car’s wheels.

Engine Problems

The VSC indicator may also illuminate if you have engine problems, such as a misfire or other technical issues. The engine may shake due to a misfire, which would cause the VSC indicator to illuminate. When the VSC and Check Engine lights illuminate simultaneously, it indicates that there is an engine issue.

Related: What is a brake light switch? Its diagram and how It works

How To Reset VSC Light in a Car

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you reset the VSC light:

Check for Issues

Before resetting the VSC light, ensure no issues are causing the light to illuminate. Common causes include a loose gas cap, low tire pressure, or a faulty sensor. Diagnose and address any identified issues before resetting.

Locate the OBD-II Port

The VSC light can be reset using an OBD-II scanner. Locate the OBD-II port, usually found under the dashboard near the driver’s side. Plug the scanner into the port to start resetting.

Connect and Power On

Once connected, turn the ignition key to the ‘On’ position without starting the engine. This powers the scanner, allowing it to communicate with your vehicle’s onboard computer system.

Scan for Codes

Use the scanner to scan for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the VSC system. Note down any codes displayed, as they may indicate issues affecting the VSC.

Clear DTCs

Navigate through the scanner’s menu to find the option to clear or reset DTCs. Select this option to clear the codes stored in the system, including those related to the VSC light.

Verify Reset

After clearing the codes, turn off the ignition key and disconnect the OBD-II scanner. Restart your vehicle to see if the VSC light remains off. If the issue persists, there may be an ongoing problem that requires further diagnosis.

Professional Assistance

If you’re unsure about performing the reset yourself or if the VSC light continues to illuminate after resetting, seek assistance from a qualified mechanic. They will conduct a thorough inspection using advanced diagnostic tools to detect and resolve the issue.

VSC Light Video

VSC Light vs Trac Off

The VSC light and TRAC OFF light are related to vehicle stability and traction control systems, but they serve different functions.

The VSC light indicates a potential issue with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, which is designed to maintain stability and prevent skidding or loss of control during turns or on slippery surfaces. Addressing this problem is crucial for the VSC system to operate effectively.

The TRAC OFF light signifies that the traction control system has been manually turned off, which helps prevent wheel slippage during acceleration by adjusting power delivery to the wheels.

Some vehicles have a switch or button that allows the driver to disable the traction control system, but it is generally recommended to keep it enabled for regular driving conditions.

The VSC system focuses on overall vehicle stability, while the Traction Control system specifically addresses wheel slippage to improve traction.

If both the VSC light and TRAC OFF light are illuminated simultaneously, it could indicate a fault in the shared components or systems between the VSC and traction control. It is advisable to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified technician to diagnose and resolve the underlying issue.

FAQs

When to Turn Off the VSC?

The vehicle stability system can be turned off while driving; however, it is generally safer to keep it engaged. If you find yourself stuck in sand, mud, or snow, you may need to disable the system temporarily. This will allow you to spin your wheels on a surface with better traction.

Is It Safe To Drive With Your VSC Light On?

Driving with the VSC light on is not a good idea, but it may be safe. It is safer to drive with your VSC system turned on and operating correctly, with a few very specific exceptions. According to statistics, stability systems in cars can reduce the probability of fatal single-vehicle crashes by 50% and fatal multiple-vehicle crashes by 20% for both cars and SUVs.

Should you decide to operate your vehicle with the VSC engaged, exercise extreme caution by lowering your speed and avoiding forceful braking. When driving on icy or wet roads, you run a higher risk of being involved in a serious accident; therefore, make sure to keep the VSC system on.

How Do I Turn Off VSC?

To turn off Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) on a Toyota or Lexus, you can press and hold the VSC button for a few seconds. The VSC button is usually located near the steering wheel or gear shift.

How to turn off VSC on a Toyota

  • Make sure the car is stopped and in park
  • Find the VSC button, which has the same icon as the VSC light in the gauges
  • Press and hold the VSC button for a few seconds
  • The VSC OFF and TRAC OFF indicator lights will come on
  • To turn the systems back on, press the VSC button again

How to turn off VSC on a Lexus

  • If the “Check VSC” error message appears, the VSC system has been turned off
  • Schedule a service appointment to check the system

VSC is an important safety feature that helps keep your vehicle stable in all driving conditions. However, you might want to turn it off if your wheels are stuck in mud or snow. This allows you to rock the car back and forth to get unstuck.

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