When you are driving your vehicle, you might have noticed a light blinking on your instrument panel, which gave a slight heartache and made you wonder what this is and why is it blinking suddenly?
So many questions arise whenever you see a new thing in your car, like should I stop the car or keep going? Or should I get it checked? Will it cost a lot? Don’t worry.
In today’s article, we will clear all your thoughts regarding VSC light and how to fix it and reset it.
What does VSC light mean?
VSC stands for Vehicle Stability Control. It is actually responsible for reducing the chances of skids and slips from your car.
It is in-built in Toyota cars and is highly useful to control stability and maintain traction by entirely stopping the power to reach the wheels; it applies brakes to all of the wheels at once to control your car, especially during snow or rain.
This system allows the driver to take sharp cuts during emergency situations and handle the car during skids.
This feature is made important in the USA since 2012 because it proved to be the reason behind reduced accidents during foggy and rainy weather, and there was a huge difference after 2012 in accidents.
The cars that have this in-built VSC system are Toyota Highlander, Sienna, Camry, Corolla, Prius, etc.
Why does the VSC light come on?
Whenever a VSC light is illuminated, it means that the traction control of the car is not working. Mostly when there is a problem with the O2 sensor or gas cap, then you can see a small light on your instrument panel near the steering, which indicates that there is some problem.
It can either be fixed when you tighten the gas cap or simply replace it, but sometimes the problem is something else.
It is advised to take your vehicle for a proper check-up to some auto store where technicians can determine the problem through reading codes, but it to be ensured that before you take your vehicle to the inspection, you have completed all the necessary steps to figure out the malfunction.
When should I use the VSC off button?
Sometimes when you carelessly drive, you just get your car stuck in mud or snow, then the driver needs to turn on both TRAC and VSC system to free your vehicle from that mud or snow.
TRAC is known as the traction control that is used to pull your car out when it gets stuck. You can turn off the TRAC by pushing and releasing the VSC OFF button if you want to turn it on again, then simply push the button again.
When the TRAC is off, then the TRAC OFF indicator lights turn on.
If you want to turn off both TRAC and VSC, then press hold the button for few seconds (3 seconds approximately); this way, both the indicators of TRAC OFF and VSC OFF will be seen. In the same way, you can turn on both by pushing the button again.
Another way to turn them on is to turn off your engine, on restarting the engine both TRAC and VSC lights will come on.
Read to know: 7e9 code for Different engines
Is it safe to drive when the VSC light is on?
As discussed above, VSC is an in-built feature that helps to manage shocks and brakes of the vehicle whenever you come across any emergency situation.
Whenever the computer detects a problem, a light shows up, indicating to get your vehicle checked.
The real question arises that is it safe to keep on driving the car when the VSC light is on or not?
There could be different reasons for the VSC light to illuminate. There could be a problem with the O2 sensor; it is safe to drive but not for a long time as the vehicle would not be getting right gas millage.
It’s doesn’t require any degree to repair the O2 sensors, it depends on your Toyota model whether they could be easily replaced or not. In a few of the cases, you would have to go under the vehicle, but some could be replaced under the hood.
Whenever you see the light lit up, so it’s better to take your vehicle to an auto zone or repair shop, they have a plug that reads codes, which later on determines whatever the problem your vehicle is facing. Otherwise, you always have an option for service.
How to fix VSC light?
Now, if your VSC light is not working or has broken, then you need to follow few steps to fix it at home. The VSC button is located near the steering wheel; depending on the model, its location can be a little bit changed.
- After you have found the button, stop driving; it’s better to park somewhere.
- You need to press that button and hold it for few seconds.
- Once the TRAC OFF and VSC OFF indication illuminates, it means that both the systems have turned off.
- Now pressing the button again would turn on both the systems and light will turn off, the systems are re-engaged now.
Sometimes the VSC OFF light doesn’t get off, and you can still see it lit; it could be because of some issues with your system.
The best way to fix it is to take it to the nearest Toyota service center; it is always best to get proper technicians for your car; they will determine the issue and fix it.
It is not too dangerous to keep on driving when the VSC OFF light is still on, but it’s the same in poor weather.
Read: 7e8 Code for Different Engines
VSC light Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander is another model of Toyota that is a sport utility vehicle. It has multiple comfort options and is an automatic car.
It also features an all-wheel-drive and has a tire pressure monitoring system, airbags for all the passengers, and a Vehicle stability control system as its safety options. It is known for its high safety standards.
When the vehicle stability control system is impeded, it causes the VSC light to come on on the dashboard. This warning light, appearing on your vehicle’s dashboard, can be reset by following few simple steps.
How to reset the VSC light?
The light appearing on your vehicle’s dashboard can be reset by following this repair guide.
Step 1: The first and foremost step is to turn on your vehicle’s engine and apply brakes, so the car doesn’t move on its own when you are working.
Step 2: The next step is to work under the hood; it’s better to work like that because otherwise, some cases also require to work under the vehicle.
You need to open the car’s hood and take a deep look at the engine compartment.
You need to look for the black colored air filter box that would be attached to the left side of the engine. It is in square shape and would have a large ribbed intake hose.
Step 3: Now you need to examine all the vacuum lines; to be accurate that must be small and black, it would be surrounding the air filter box.
Look for any disconnected lines if there are any then reconnect them. If any of the vacuum lines are loose, then tighten them.
Step 4: Now close the hood, and you can go back to your car to start your vehicle’s engine and drive the vehicle to see if VSC warning light is not showing on the dashboard anymore.
In case the VSC warning light still hasn’t gone even after driving the vehicle normally, move on to the fifth step.
Step 5: Again, turn off the engine and apply parking brakes to the vehicle and park it somewhere.
Now you need to open the hood again and disconnect the battery negative cable for a few seconds (approximately 20 seconds), use the right sized socket.
When you disconnect the negative battery cable like this, it helps to reset the vehicle’s computer and then clear the VSC warning light from your dashboard.
Final Thoughts
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) is an electronic system which is designed to maintain the stability and help the driver to control the vehicle during bad and emergency conditions.
However, it is not suitable for regular use and is not replaceable with safe driving practices. The factors that affect VSC are as follows:
- Speed
- Road conditions
- Weather
- Driver steering input
They tell whether VSC can be effective in avoiding and reducing the loss of control or not.
In this article we have discussed about VSC Toyota light, in the beginning, we discussed what it is and how to turn it off, then we discussed whether it’s safe to drive when the light is on or not, then we talked about how to fix it and then lastly how can we reset the warning light.
i like the way you explain it you kept it simple very helpful
But when i turn gear to d and start driving…vsc light is turn on again…which means its any sensor has problem?
does this apply to Toyota corolla?
Yes you can try it.
Great advice. It worked.