VSC Light: What Causes It to Come On & How to Reset It

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A comprehensive guide on the vehicle stability control system
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The vehicle stability control (VSC) system is designed to prevent car crashes, improve handling, and minimize the odds that your car slides or skids. Basically, the VSC kicks on whenever your vehicle’s central computer detects one or more of your tires are not maintaining proper traction or if one or more of your tires don’t behave as intended based on what you’re doing behind the wheel. In this article, we’ll break down how the VSC system works, why the VSC light might come on, and what you need to do if something is wrong with VSC system.

What does the VSC light mean?

VSC is short for Vehicle Stability Control. In Toyota and Lexus vehicles, the VSC system is a safety function that helps your car maintain traction. The VSC light will come on when the VSC system is actively engaged, and means the system is working as intended.

Section 1 of 6:

Why does my VSC light turn on?

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  1. If the VSC light appears on your dashboard, it means that the system is working to help your vehicle maintain control and traction. The light should turn off as soon as the vehicle is back in line with the inputs of your steering wheel. This is completely normal and so long as the light goes away after a few seconds or minutes, you’ve got nothing to worry about. The system is working as intended. [1]
    • If the VSC light won’t turn off, the system may need to be reset.
    • If the VSC light is flashing, something is actively wrong with the VSC system.
    • If the VSC Off light is on, you need to turn the system on using the VSC system button.
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Section 2 of 6:

How do I turn my VSC system on or off?

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  1. Look for a VSC button next to the gearshift, on your steering wheel, or next to your steering wheel. You can tell if the system is off if you see a “VSC Off” light on your dashboard. If there are no lights on, the VSC system is active (which is normal). [2]
    • Don’t see the letters VSC anywhere? Some makes don’t put “VSC” on the button. Instead, the button will display the back of a car swerving. This is your VSC button.
    • If you still can’t find the button refer to your vehicle’s manual to find its location.
Section 3 of 6:

What is the VSC system?

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  1. In Toyota and Lexus vehicles, the VSC system helps your vehicle maintain traction and keep the tires fully intact with the road by automatically cutting power and/or applying brakes to certain wheels. It helps minimize the odds of a crash, prevents your car from hydroplaning when it’s raining or snowing, and gives you a better sense of control on the road. The VSC isn’t doing anything most of the time, but it will kick on whenever your vehicle detects you may be losing control of the car. [3]
    • The VSC system should be turned on all the time but not active all the time. If the VSC light is actively on for prolonged periods of time, the system needs to be reset.
    • In very rare circumstances, you may want to turn the VSC off if your vehicle is stuck in snow or mud. Sometimes, the traction requirements for the automated VSC system can make getting out of a stuck spot more difficult. [4]
    • The VSC system is only available on vehicles made by Toyota and Lexus. However, every other manufacturer has some version of this technology—it’s legally required on all cars these days. [5]
    • Like the automatic braking system (ABS) and traction control, a car’s VSC system is automated. It’s always “on” but it’s not active unless something happens to trigger the system to activate.
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Section 4 of 6:

Is it safe to drive with the VSC light on?

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  1. If the VSC light pops on temporarily and then goes off, it’s completely safe to drive. It’s also okay to drive if the “VSC Off” light is on so long as you aren’t driving in heavy rain or on a dirt road. If you are, pull over and locate the VSC button. Press it to turn the system back on. [6]
    • If the light is flashing, it indicates a serious issue with your vehicle’s VSC system. If you can, stop driving. If you can’t, go slow and be cautious.
Section 5 of 6:

Why is my VSC light flashing?

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  1. You can continue driving if you feel like you have control of the vehicle, but go slow and take your time. Take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can to get the issue inspected and repaired. [7]
    • If possible, take the car to the mechanic at a Toyota dealership. They’ll have specialized training in the VSC systems.
    • A flashing VSC light will almost always be paired with a check engine light and/or TRAC light (indication the traction control system is off).
    • VSC issues are often caused by sensor failure, electrical problems, or differential issues. Repair costs will run $250-1,000 depending on the source of the issue.
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Section 6 of 6:

Resetting the VSC System

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  1. Find the VSC button near your steering wheel or gearshift. Follow these steps to reset your VSC system if your VSC light is illuminated or seems to activate more often than it should: [8]
    • Park your vehicle somewhere safe and flat.
    • Press and hold the VSC button for at least 3 seconds.
    • Release the VSC button once the “VSC Off” and “TRAC Off” lights appear.
    • Wait a few seconds and press the VSC button again.
    • Once the VSC Off and TRAC Off lights go away, you’ve successfully reset the VSC system.

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      Tips

      • Every vehicle has a version of the VSC system. Brands outside of Toyota and Lexus refer to it as the electronic stability control (ESC) or electronic stability program (ESP), which is functionally the same thing. These systems are legally required on all modern cars. [9]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.fs1inc.com/blog/what-is-the-vehicle-stability-control-vsc-light-on-your-lexus/
      2. ↑ https://assets.sia.toyota.com/publications/en/om-s/OM24U4QRG/pdf/OM24U4QRG.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.fs1inc.com/blog/what-is-the-vehicle-stability-control-vsc-light-on-your-lexus/
      4. ↑ https://assets.sia.toyota.com/publications/en/om-s/OM24U4QRG/pdf/OM24U4QRG.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/electronic-stability-control/
      6. ↑ https://www.fs1inc.com/blog/what-is-the-vehicle-stability-control-vsc-light-on-your-lexus/
      7. ↑ https://www.lexusofgreenwich.com/blogs/3513/what-does-vsc-light-mean-on-a-lexus/
      8. ↑ https://assets.sia.toyota.com/publications/en/om-s/OM24U4QRG/pdf/OM24U4QRG.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/electronic-stability-control/

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