The Honda Civic Check VSA System warning message indicates something is wrong with the VSA system. This may include damages to VSA system components like the VSA control module, steering sensor, wheel speed sensor, etc.
If the warning light is triggered, we recommend parking the car when it is safe, switching off the engine, and restarting it. It should restart the system if it s a glitch. If not, one of the listed components has malfunctioned. However, several professionals identified the wheel speed sensor as the cause of the warning message.
In this article, I will examine the VSA system, the causes of the VSA check warning light, and also recommend professional tips to fix the warning message in your Honda Civic.
What is the Honda Civic Check VSA System?
If the Honda Civic checks the VSA system warning message, it shows something is wrong with the system itself. A warning light usually accompanies the warning message.
What is a Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system? The VSA system is a computer system in most modern Honda vehicles that ensures that the car has accurate handling, especially when cornering. It uses special sensors that monitor the conditions of the car when moving.
The VSA system uses a series of sensors, including the following.
1. Wheel speed sensors
The wheel speed sensors are present in all four corners of the vehicle. The sensor gives the system information on the conditions of the wheel and notifies when any of the wheels is spinning compared to other wheels.
2. Steering angle sensor
The steering angle sensor monitors and measures the steering wheel position angle and rate at which the steering turns.
Other sensors may include the Yaw sensor and the TPMS sensor. All these sensors feed the VSA system with information that allows it to activate the stability assist when needed.
Once the sensor picks up any unusual performance with the wheels and steering, that could cause the vehicle to lose control or skid. The system automatically directs the engine power to each wheel to correct and deliver accurate torque.
However, the system also encounters its share of problems due to the different components that it uses. When any of these components, like the sensor or electrical parts, gets damaged, the system will not function.
Once the system stops functioning, the vehicle’s computer system will notify the driver that something is wrong with the VAS system. This could be a warning that the Civic checks the VSA system or warning light.
Causes of Honda Civic Check VSA System
1. Damaged wheel speed sensor
The VSA system receives input from the wheel speed sensors from all wheels. Once the input is collected, it determines which wheels are losing traction.
Once the wheel sensor is damaged, information about the wheel will be hindered. It will further cause the VSA system to stop working. The vehicle computer system will pick up the issue with the VSA system and then trigger the check VSA system warning message.
2. Damaged wiring harness
The wiring supplies electric current to the sensors and other components of the VSA. It also helps communicate between one component, like the sensor with another component.
Once there is a problem with the wiring harness, then the VSA system will not be properly powered. This will cause the system to stop functioning, triggering the warning light and message.
Also, communication between various system components will be disrupted once the wires are damaged. For instance, damaged wiring may disrupt communication between the sensor and the VSA system.
3. Faulty control module
The VSA control unit is responsible for the control of all the activities of the system. Every information gotten from the sensor will pass through the module before a command is sent to execute stability assistance.
When the module is damaged, the system will seize to work anymore. Information sent to the module will not be processed, and stability assistance will not be executed. This will trigger a warning message or light to notify the driver of the problem.
4. Damaged steering sensor
The steering angle sensor feeds the VSA system with the vehicle’s wheel angle, turn rate, and other steering wheel information. When the sensor is damaged, it will send wrong information, which could affect the VSA system.
How to Fix a Honda Civic Check VSA System
The first thing you need to do when fixing the Check VSA System is a proper diagnosis. There are two major ways to perform a proper diagnosis. You could physically check all the components of the VSA system that could cause the warning message. This method could be time-consuming and stressful.
Another way to properly diagnose this issue is by using a diagnostic tool. This is faster; you only need to connect the tool to your vehicle and scan for associated codes. You could also test the sensors and run to get the exact damaged sensor.
Below is how you can fix the Civic VSA system.
1. Fix the damaged wheel speed sensor
The sensor is located in each wheel hub; you will need a diagnostic tool to get the exact damaged sensor. Run a test on each of the sensors. Any of them with a result of unavailable is damaged and needs to be checked.
Locate the sensor and inspect for damage to the doy, connector, or wire. If there is any noticeable damage to the sensor, you must have it replaced immediately.
2. Fix or replace the damaged wiring harness
To better understand the VSA wiring harness, you need to use the owner’s manual. The manual will give you a clear diagram of the wiring harness.
Once you can find the wiring harness that belongs to the VSA system, examine it for damages like broken connections, corrosion, and exposed wires. If you find any of these damages, do not try to fix the problem by joining connections; rather, replace the damaged wires.
3. Repair damaged control module
If you have a damaged control module, diagnosing and fixing the problem could be tricky if you do not have good mechanical knowledge. It is best to have the module properly diagnosed with the right tools by an expert and fixed.
4. Replace or fix a damaged steering angle sensor
The steering angle speed sensor can be found in the steering column, which is near the steering wheel. You could also test the sensor using a diagnostic tool to be sure the issue is coming from the sensor. Once you can confirm that the steering sensor is the issue, take out the sensor.
Once the sensor is removed, inspect it for any damages like the damaged sensor body, connector, and wires. If there is any serious damage to the sensor, have it replaced immediately!
Final Thoughts
The VSA system, just like other major safety systems in the vehicle, encounters its share of issues. When you encounter the warning message, check the VSA system on your Honda vehicle, it is best to take the warning seriously. A failing VSa system has other signs that could affect the vehicle’s driving conditions. The car may lose engine power, or brakes may malfunction.
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