I was wondering if someone could explain to me how to work my VSA system. I read the manual, but I am still confused. When I press the VSA button, the orange "!" lights up in my guage cluster. Am I supposed to leave it on like that when I driving around normally? Any help in explaining the whole VSA is greatly appreciated.

 

I don't own a Type S but from what I remember about the VSA system, just start your car and drive like you normally would. When you press the VSA button and the light on the guage cluster lights up, that means VSA is *OFF*. Same goes for TCS. Just drive and TCS and VSA will do everything it's supposed to when it's supposed to.

 

just remeber to turn it off when racing:p

 

Check this link out I think it will answer all your questions

http://www.acura.com/about/abo_end_vsa.asp

 

So when the **! triangle** is on that means the the VSA is **off**. I didn't know that this whole time I thought when the VSA light was on that is when VSA was engaged.

Mr
03 ABP TL-S
New Jersey
Mr_@yahoo.com

 

Well it's a little confusing since Acura decided the lights should do double-duty. Here is a break-down of the lights and how to read them. First, note that there are *two* VSA lights on the dashboard:

1. VSA Status Light: This is the exclamation point located in the backlight amber triangle in the right-most gauge pod, between the fuel and temp gauges

2. VSA Trouble Light: This is the red, three-letter "V S A" light located in the left-most gauge pod, under the tachometer.

So here's how you read them:

VSA Status Light is:

Off: System is on and monitoring vehicle dynamics, but not actively engaged (when you first start the car, this is the default state of the light and system)

Blinking: System is actively engaged in trying to control wheelspin on the car

On: System has been turned *off* by pressing the button on the left side of the dash marked "VSA". VSA will remain off until toggled back on by pressing button again. Shutting the car off will also reset the VSA system to its default "on" state when starting again (light will be off)


VSA Trouble Light:

Off: System is functioning normally. No malfunctions noted.

On: System has detected a malfunctioning component. VSA has been shut *off* by the computer and will remain so until diagnosed and reset by the dealer. This condition may also cause VSA Status Light to come on, also indicating system is off.

Note that both VSA lights come briefly on as part of the dash light self-test when you first start the vehicle.

Why Acura chose to have a solid "on" status light mean "off" is beyond me.

 

well the reason for a solid light "on" meaning that vsa is "off" is pretty simple...its not safe to drive with vsa off.

vsa is meant to protect you in extreme cases where the car may be skidding uncontrollably, or similar instances. while it is a good idea to take the vsa off for racing, under normal driving conditions you should always have vsa on. the big bright "!" is an easy reminder that you are putting yourself in a potentially dangerous situation by having the vsa manually turned off.

kinda reminds me of the lexus guy who took off his traction control, armor-alled up his whole tires, then went driving in the rain. vsa is meant to save your life, and your car.

 

This whole time I have been doing it the opposite way. I should read the manuel sometimes.

HAHAHAHA.... I remember that guy. At first I thought he was making it up but then he started to get defensive.

Mr
03 ABP TL-S
New Jersey
Mr_@yahoo.com

 

Since I don't have the TL Type S but do have the TL & the way I use to explian the TCS or TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM LIGHT was like this. When the light is ON the system is OFF.
When the light is OFF the system is ON.
The light will blink or flash ON when the sytem is activated & detecting wheel spin.