VSA Light on (TCS)

Tiny
CHARLIE GR
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 ACURA TL
  • 3.2L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 240,000 MILES
What does the VSA Light mean and do?
Wednesday, June 17th, 2015 AT 7:42 AM

21 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It means vehicle stability assistance and if light is on you probably have a wheel speed sensor that is out here is a video to show you how to get the codes and tell which one is bad so you can replace it.

https://youtu.be/rTtAnsOlZU4

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Wednesday, June 17th, 2015 AT 9:43 AM
Tiny
RICK PROM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 ACURA TL
  • 130,876 MILES
What is the VSA light stand for, and my car idles is jumping from 900rpms to about 2000rpms and will only stop when I put it in gear. Thank you any help you can share with me
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
VSA stands for Vehicle Stability Assistance. If it is flashing or on, you need to have the computer scanned to identify trouble codes. As far as the idle, I would recommend checking the idle air control valve. First, however, have the computer scanned to identify what caused the light to come on. Most parts stores will scan it for free.
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RCBUCK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 ACURA TL
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 172,000 MILES
Problem with going into D4, TCS light is on. Check ATF fluid, down a quart after having it checked and topped off past month. Added fluid -TCS light turns off and easily goes into gear. Seems like lack of fluid causing the TCS light to come on and when low enough, fails to go into gear. No puddle of fluid on garage floor. Where is it going? How can I fix the problem?

Also-Check Engine light has been on for the past year. Mechanic (non-acura) said the catalytic converter did not need to be replaced. Does this have anything to do with problem above?

Thanks
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi rcbuck,

You need to retrieve the Diagnostic Trouble Code to know what is causing the CEL to show.

The loss of ATF is something puzzling as if there are any leakages, it would definitely drop to the floor.

However it does not have to be a puddle. It could only be a few drops as any leakages can be blown by the moving air under the vehicle and dispersed. A visual check under the vehicle would be able to ascertain this.
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BIGRIGSTRAPER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 ACURA TL
  • 150,000 MILES
Engine trouble code p1399 and po301- po306 stays on I replaced 2 coils the car runs great but code keep coming back cant get smogged because engine trouble codes p1399 andpo301-po306 keep returning after I cleared them I found 2 obvious coils that were bad and I replaced them what a difference is it possible I missed one, and tcs light stays on
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
P0301-Cylinder #1 misfire
P0306-Cylinder #6 misfire
P1399-No listing P0139 maybe? Secondary heated O2 sensor-slow circuit response.

Check the plugs and wires if so equipped. Rent or borrow a compression tester and check the compression of each cylinder. It should be around 150-160PSI, with no more than a 15% variance highest to lowest.

See if the TCS switch can be turned off. Use a meter or test light to see if it's shorted internally.
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ACURATL1999
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 ACURA TL
  • 3.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 111,345 MILES
Check engine light stays on. But TCS light comes on when it is cold in morning, but after driving ten minutes when car warmed up turn car off. Turn it back on light goes off but engine light on still. Every morning only in winter time or when it is cold outside.
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Hello,

We need to start by checking the codes for the check engine light and then run the ABS system codes here is a guide and a video to help.

https://youtu.be/rTtAnsOlZU4

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RALLVERI
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2001 ACURA TL
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 101,000 MILES
Our car's Check Engine light is on, and the TCS light goes off and on. A code reader keeps giving us code 740. The lock-up and linear solenoids tested good. The transmission fluid has been changed. And the external filter (on top of tranny) has been changed. The internal tranny filter has not been changed. Any ideas why we still get those dash lights and the 740 code? Car seems to shift smoothly.
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi rallveri,

Here are the diagnostic procedures.

DTC P0740: PROBLEM IN LOCK-UP CONTROL SYSTEM
NOTE:

Keep these replacement solenoid valves on hand:

Torque converter clutch solenoid valve
A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C

1. Check whether the OBD II scan tool indicates another code.

Does the OBD II scan tool indicate another code?

YES - Perform the troubleshooting flowchart for the indicated code(s). Recheck for code P0740 after troubleshooting.
NO - Go to step 2.
NOTE:

Do not continue with this troubleshooting until the causes of any other DTCs have been corrected.

2. Measure the line pressure.

Is the line pressure within the service limit?

YES - Go to step 3.
NO - Repair the hydraulic system as necessary.

3. Replace the torque converter clutch solenoid valve. See Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Valve Test.
4. Replace the A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valve C.

5. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and reset the PCM memory by removing the BACK UP fuse in the passenger's under-dash fuse/relay box for more than 10 seconds.

6. Using the scan tool, check to be sure that the engine coolant temperature is 176 ohmF (80 ohmC) or above.

7. Calibrate the engine idle control system in the PCM, see PCM Idle Learn Procedure, and drive the vehicle at 55 mph (88 km/h) for more than one minute.

8. Recheck for code P0740.

Does the OBD II scan tool indicate code P0740?

YES - Replace the transmission and torque converter.
NO - The system is OK at this time.
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RALLVERI
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the quick and thorough reply. We will go through all the steps you mentioned. Can you guide me to some simple instructions for testing the line pressure? That's the only step I'm not sure about.
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
You're welcomed.

Here are the testing procedures.

PRESSURE TESTS
Special Tools Required

"Â A/T oil pressure gauge set 07406-0020400 or 07406-0020401
"Â A/T pressure hose, 2210 mm 07MAJ-PY4011A
"Â A/T pressure hose adapter 07MAJ-PY40120

1. Before testing, be sure the transmission fluid is filled to the proper level.

2. Raise the front of the vehicle, and make sure it is securely supported.

3. Set the parking brake, and block rear wheels securely.

4. Allow the front wheels to rotate freely.

5. Warm up the engine (the radiator fan comes on), then stop it and connect a tachometer.

6. Connect the oil pressure gauges to each inspection hole securely, and do not allow dust or other foreign particles to enter the holes.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_PressureGauges01Acura32TLFig190_1.jpg



7. Start the engine, and run it at 1,500 rpm in the [
P ] or [ N ] position.

8. Measure line pressure at line pressure inspection hole (A) in the [ N ] or [ P ] position.

NOTE:
Higher pressure may be indicated if measurements are made in shift lever positions other than [N ] or [P ].

9. Shift to the [ 1 ] position, and measure 1st clutch pressure at the 1st clutch pressure inspection hole (B) and 1st-hold clutch pressure at the 1st-hold clutch inspection hole (C).

10. Shift to the [ 2 ] position, and measure 2nd clutch pressure at the 2nd clutch pressure inspection hole (D).

11. Shift to the [ P ] position, then press the brake pedal and hold it.

12. Shift to the [ 2 ] position, and release the brake pedal (the transmission should be in 2nd gear).

13. Press the accelerator very slowly to increase engine speed to 2,000 rpm gradually over 10 seconds, then hold it at 2,000 rpm for the remainder of the tests.

14. Shift to the [ D3 ] position (the transmission will shift to 3rd gear), and measure 3rd cluth pressure at the 3rd clutch pressure inspection hole (E).

15. Shift to the [ D4 ] position (the transmission will shift to 4th gear), and measure 4th clutch pressure at the 4th clutch pressure inspection hole (F).

16.
Shift to the [ D 5 ] position (the transmission will shift to 5th gear), and measure 5th clutch pressure at the 5th clutch pressure inspection hole (G).

17. Shift to the [ R ] position, and measure 5th clutch pressure at the 5th clutch pressure inspection hole.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_PressureGauges01Acura32TLFig191_1.jpg


18. Reinstall the sealing bolts with new sealing washers, and tighten the bolts to the specified torque.

TORQUE:
18 N.m (1.8 kgf.m, 13 Ft. Lbs.)

NOTE:
Do not reuse the old sealing washers.

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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TYSTEPH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 ACURA TL
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,000 MILES
I have a 1999 Acura 3.2TL & my TCS Light is on? What is this & how do I get it fixed? I was told it was the "Traction Control System" light?
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi tysteph,

Yes, that is the Traction Control System indicator light.

Is the Check Engine Light indicating ads well?

You would need to retrieve the trouble code to understand what caused it.

Autozone provides free scanning services for CEL. Get it done and let me know the exact trouble codes.
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
212008386
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 ACURA TL
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
I was driving on freeway and Check Engine and TCS lights came on at the same time. TCS light goes off and on sometimes but Check Engine has been continuously illuminated for over a week now. I had trouble codes checked at Autozone and they are P0420 and P0401. The car is running fine. What could be the problem? Thanks!
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:16 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
P0401
its an EGR code
they had a service bulletin on the subject
to clean the EGR port and installing a new EGR pipe KIT
KIT # P/N 06175 P8E-A00

do this 1st clear codes and drive if code P0420 come back
should have the catalytic converter check and suspect its bad and need to be replaced
good luck
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Monday, October 19th, 2020 AT 5:16 PM (Merged)
Tiny
D ROBERT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1996 ACURA TL
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
The lights come on a few minutes after car is started & stay on. Will it damage the car driving it like this. Laid off & can't afford major repairs. Help, please!
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Tuesday, October 20th, 2020 AT 1:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi d robert,

The indicators lights coming on indicates the ABS system has a fault and has been disabled. It is not going to damage anything so you can continue to drive vehicle but it must be noted that the ABS (Antilocking Brake) system is not working.

Get a scan done to retrieve the trouble codes to understand what is causing it.
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Tuesday, October 20th, 2020 AT 1:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ACURATL1997
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 ACURA TL
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 147,500 MILES
TCS light continue on and stay on until. What could be wrong.
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Tuesday, October 20th, 2020 AT 1:05 PM (Merged)

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