When i push the VSA button, does VSA actually turn off, or is it ust TCS that turns off? I ask this because when i push the button to disable it, the VSA lght stays off, but if i slide the car or ebrake a corner, the light then comes on. Am i confusing the computer because its trying to stop the skid because the system is still on?

 

Ok you have an '03 TLS, good, the way this woks is the VSA light should be "OFF" at all times unless you push the VSA button, at this time the ! yellow caution light will come "ON" letting you know that your car's stability control was disable. VSA and TCS work together on the '03 TLS. Something is wrong with your car because you said that when you push the VSA button the light stays "OFF". Take to the dealer to have it check, also this is explained in the vehicle's manual.

 

the triangle with the exclamation point comes on when i push the VSA button, just like it should. But if i really get the car out of line, the VSA light comes on. i think its in the lower right of the instrument panel.

 

when you turn the car on the VSA is automatically enabled everytime. To disable it, just pres the button, and that will turn the trangle with the exclamation point on, letting you know that you disabled vsa.

 

bigman is right, VSA/TCS comes on automatically when you start your car. The button is to disable it, the light will come on and tell you its disable. If you never press the button and you get into a situation where VSA/TCS is used....the light will flash to warn you its being used. If you press the button and the light doesn't come on, take it to the dealer.

 

I seem to have sort of the samething too. When i drive over a pot hole sometimes, the triangle exclaimation point light flashes, or when i floor the car and the surface is bumply, the light fashes too. I always just thought the the car would know when u want it to turn off VSA when ur drifting or cornering. i guess i was wrong

 

Why would the car know to turn off VSA when you're drifting (and you can't do control drifts in a FWD car anyways)? its there to prevent that. Thats what the button is there for, so you can turn it off. You can't expect the car to read your mind do you?

 

Does the 1999 have TCS and VSA?

 

I think it does double duty - it flashed when it's working and solid when you push the button to turn it off.

 

I think you are all missing the point...

I would have to re-read the manual to be certain, I think that the VSA light (the amber letter light) comes on to indicate VSA system failure.... The amber triangle light indicates that the VSA system is working when it is intermitent.. and that it is disengaged when it is constantly on. In any case, to clarify your doubt. READ THE MANUAL. I know I wiill this afternoon... :-)

 

Let's put all this to rest check this site: https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/assets...man/2003tl.pdf
It will give you all the info on VSA. Page 61 and 206, 207 & 208.
Pay close attention to the part that said VSA AND TIRES SIZES.

 

No only TL-S have VSA, 99-03 TL-P have TCS.

 

What are the differences?

 

VSA includes TCS. VSA detects oversteering/understeering or skidding, it can reduce engine power, use % of the brake power to correct these. TCS just detects drive-wheel spin slippage and apply % of brake power to correct this.

 

i love "bumply" roads..

 

So when it flashed does it mean it's working or does it mean it's off? And i was just wondering if anyone esle had that exprience before.

 

if you hit a pot hole it flashed becuase the car detects that your wheel has "left the road" as it were. Same for flooring it on not so smooth pavement. That's why they tell newbies like me to turn it off before I wanna do a redlight race

 

When the excalamtion point is off, but starts falshing when you are driving, the vsa is doing its job and adjusting for traction and stabability.