You probably have seen a VSC symbol (a car slipping) in your car, but you need to know what it means. So this article is for you whether you have that symbol on a button on your car’s dashboard or want to know what it means. This article will explore what VSC means on a car and all the things you might want to know about VSC.
Car manufacturers today provide so many options in a car for maximum performance and driver satisfaction. Each car component works hand in hand to ensure comfort while driving. VSC is one such component in cars. Let’s discuss more the function of the VSC button on your car’s dashboard.
Short on Time – Here’s a Quick Summary
VSC stands for Vehicle Stability Control. It is one of the many accessories in the car that keep you safe while driving on the road. The VSC symbol is found in Toyota and Lexus cars. The VSC light will turn on if there’s any issue with the VSC system.
What Does VSC Mean?
Understanding what different vehicle’s particulars mean comes down to several questions. What VSC means on cars is one such question. We will break it down for you in this section.
VSC is an acronym for Vehicles Stability Control, a car stability control system. Mostly, Toyota and Lexus have this system in their vehicles.
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A stability control system in a vehicle is responsible for maintaining the vehicle’s traction and control in harsh conditions by minimizing/completely cutting power sent to wheels.
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A VSC system helps balance engine speed and brake to avoid skidding. So whether you drive in heavy snow, rain, or slippery terrains, the VSC system helps to keep your car in control.
The Mechanism Behind VSC
Another car system is traction control, which maintains the car’s stability during acceleration. The VSC system and traction control regulate engine speed and brakes when needed.
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The terms VSC and Traction control are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. While they both fulfill the same purpose, they function in different situations.
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Toyota and Lexus cars typically have sensors on all four wheels. According to Toyota, these sensors communicate with the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). The PCM consists of ECU (Engine Control Unit) and TCU (Transmission Control Unit). Also, the ECU system works with the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to modulate brakes to control wheel rotation.
If the wheel sensors detect any slippery surface, they will alert the PCM and ABS to regulate the transmission, the engine, or the brakes to help combat the slip. This is how the VSC system works in cars.
This table provides information about what could go wrong with the VSC and how to reset it.
Reasons for VSC Light On
Resetting VSC
Reasons to Turn the VSC Off
I accidentally turned on the light.
Press the VSC button to turn it off.
Stuck in snow or mud
Engine-related issues
Odometer reset
Offroading
Faulty ASR, DSC, or ESC
Hard reset
Driving on track
ABS issues
Using OBD 2 Scanner
Malfunctioning VSC
Continue reading the article to get detailed information.
What Triggers the VSC System?
There can be several reasons for your VSC light to come on. For instance, you might have accidentally pushed the VSC button. If this is the case, you can quickly resolve it by pressing the VSC button.
If the lights don’t come off, you may have problems with other systems working simultaneously with the VSC system.
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If you found your VSC light on, it means your VSC system is currently off and won’t work until you turn off the light.
Let’s discuss the issues that might be triggering the VSC system.
Engine Issue: Engine-related issues can also prevent the VSC system from working properly and make the VSC light come on. If you find the check engine light and VSC light turned on, there might be an issue with your engine. Engine-related issues can be as simple as a loose cap.
Faulty ABS System: The ABS helps measure your tire speed while driving and sends that information to the PCM. If it detects slippery wheels, the PCM helps decide how to maintain car control. If ABS works properly, it will let VSC work since both functions together. As a result, the ABS and VSC warning lights will come on.
Malfunctioning ASR & DSC: The traction control is also known as ASR, which is short for acceleration slip regulation. Any malfunctioning in the ASR will cause the ASR to come on, showing TRAC OFF, which means the traction control isn’t working.
On the other hand, DSC is short for dynamic stability control that works with the VSC. This system works while driving on rough or unstable roads and helps the wheels spin to get a better grip. Faulty DSR won’t work and will affect the functionality of VSC.
ESC Issues: This is another system working with the VSC system. ESC is electronic stability control that gets active in sudden sliding or losing traction. Malfunctioning ESC won’t work and won’t let VSC work, either.
How to Reset VSC Light?
As mentioned earlier, there can be different reasons for your VSC light to flash on your dashboard. However, you can turn the light off and get your VSC system working by following the below methods.
Press the VSC Button
If you accidentally turn on the light, follow the steps to turn it off.
First, stop your car.
Locate the VSC button in your car.
Press and hold the button until you see TRAC OFF and VSC OFF lights come on on your dashboard.
Press the button again to turn the light off.
This will turn the VSC light off, and the VSC system will start working. If this doesn’t work, you can also try turning off the engine and turning it on again.
These methods may not work if there’s a problem with your VSC system. However, you can try resetting it.
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Never reset the VSC system if any other warning light is on, such as the ABS light. If this happens, there might be an underlying issue you need to get fixed by a mechanic.
You can use the following methods to reset the VSC light.
Hard Reset
Before doing this, keep in mind a few precautions.
Remove any accessories you might be wearing, such as jewelry, rings, watches, etc.
Keep your hands and everything dry while touching the battery.
Work indoors if it’s raining.
Be extra careful if there is widespread greenish-white powder, which may lead to corrosion.
Now follow these steps.
Please park your car in a dry place and turn it off.
Open its hood.
Disconnect the battery terminals.
Leave the terminals disconnected for 10 to 15 minutes, then reconnect them.
Turn on your car and check if the VSC light is gone.
Odometer Reset
Odometer resetting is the simplest method you can try.
Turn your engine key to ACC or press the Start button.
Press the odometer until it reads your car’s mileage.
Switch off the car for a minute or two.
Turn on the engine again and press the odometer simultaneously.
Check if the VSC light has turned off.
Using a Code Scanner
If none of the above methods work, you can use an OBD 2 scanner to fix the issue. The OBD 2 scanner reads the code and tells you about the issue.
If you need to learn how to use a code scanner, consider visiting a mechanic and getting the issue checked.
Conclusion
This article has provided all the necessary information about the VSC on a car. Always ensure the VSC system works correctly to save yourself from hazardous situations. As soon as you see the VSC light on, try turning it off using the above methods. If something else works better for you, you should visit a mechanic to ensure your safety and your vehicle’s maximum performance.
There can be several reasons for the VSC light to come on. These include engine-related issues, faulty ABS, Malfunctioning ASR or DSC, or ESC issues. Sometimes the reason could be as simple as accidentally pressing the VSC button.
It is usually safe to drive your car with the VSC light on while driving in normal conditions. However, if you’re driving in harsh conditions, such as poor weather, slippery roads, etc., we recommend you be cautious while driving.
A flashing VSC light may indicate slipping tires. The slip indicator will flash to indicate that VSC or traction control is functioning to regain traction. If the light remains on, it could mean there’s a fault in the VSC/TRAC system.
You can turn off the VSC system during the following situations.Stuck in Snow or Mud
Offroading or Driving on Uneven Terrain
Driving on a Track
VSC is Malfunctioning
