VSC Light: What It Means and How to Reset or Fix It

Your heart always tends to skip a beat when you notice a new light is on in your instrument panel.

Then you usually ask yourself a bunch of questions that you don’t have answers to: Was this light on before and I just didn’t notice? Can I keep driving? How do I fix this? Will it be expensive? One light that comes on quite a bit for many Toyota owners is the VSC OFF light.

Well, here’s what the VSC light on your car means and how to fix it.

What is the VSC?

VSC is also known as the electronic stability program (ESP) or dynamic stability control (DSC). It’s a system controlled by your car’s computer that uses automatic braking of individual wheels to keep your tires moving in the direction you’re steering.

The system is designed to help you maintain control of your vehicle by preventing the tires from spinning out.

• The VSC system can automatically brake on up to 3 wheels at a time.
• In the US, manufacturers have been required by law to include VSC systems in cars since 2012. If your car was made before that, it’s possible it doesn’t have a VSC.
• The VSC system uses sensors to monitor the wheel speed sensors, steering angle, and yaw rate to compare the vehicle behavior with driver input.
• Any malfunctions trigger the VSC light on the dashboard to alert the driver.

What does VSC light mean?

VSC light is a signal on the dashboard of a car that indicates a failure of the electronic body stability system, and its color is usually yellow. It is commonly found in Japanese cars and is an active safety system offered by Toyota and Lexus in their models.

This system can improve the safety and convenience of driving. When the vehicle makes an emergency turn, accelerate or brake, the VSC system can quickly sense and take appropriate braking measures to ensure that the vehicle remains stable.

In normal cases, the VSC light is off, indicating that the Vehicle Stability Control is working properly. When you see the VSC light on your Toyota or Lexa, it indicates that the vehicle’s electronic body stability system is experiencing problems.

This can be caused by faulty sensors, problems with the braking system, lack of tire grip, or other failures related to stability control. When the VSC light is on, you should pay attention to the stability of the vehicle and send the vehicle to a professional technician for inspection and repair in time.

In addition to the VSC light, some Toyota and Lexus models are also equipped with the VSC Off light. VSC Off light indicates that you have manually disabled the electronic body stability system.

When the VSC Off light is flashing, it means that the VSC system is disabled or faulty. You may choose to turn off the VSC system manually, for example in certain driving conditions, such as when driving on low-grip roads, you may choose to turn off the VSC system for better traction.

However, turning off the VSC system can reduce the stability and handling performance of the vehicle, so you should drive cautiously and check and repair the VSC system as soon as possible to ensure safe driving.

It should be noted that if the VSC system fails and the VSC Off light comes on, you should send the vehicle to a professional technician for inspection and repair as soon as possible.

Under normal circumstances, the VSC system and VSC Off lights should be kept off while driving to ensure the stability and safety of the vehicle.

What Causes the VSC Light to Come On?

Step 1. System Failure.

The VSC light turns on when your car’s stability system fails. The VSC light is on your dashboard to warn you when there’s an issue with the VSC system. If the light is off or only comes on briefly when you start your car, the VSC system is working correctly.

Step 2. Anti-lock Brake Malfunction.

The VSC and anti-lock braking system (ABS) in your car work together, so if there’s a problem with one, it can affect the other. This includes a malfunction in any of the ABS sensors in the wheels of your car.

The VSC and traction control lights can turn on at the same time. These two safety features use some of the same systems, including your car’s ABS. When you see the VSC and the TRAC OFF lights come on, it indicates a problem with the components these systems share.

Step 3. Wheel Misalignment.

A wheel going out of alignment is a common reason the VSC light turns on. Hitting a pothole or not slowing down for a speedbump can cause one or more wheels to go out of alignment, which can affect the VSC system. Regular wheel alignments are often part of recommended vehicle maintenance schedules.

If your VSC light comes on and you suspect it’s due to your car’s wheel alignment, pay attention to how it handles.

Signs of a misaligned wheel are a crooked steering wheel while driving straight, a sensation of being pulled to one side, squealing tires, and uneven tire wear.

Step 4. Faulty Steering Angle Sensor.

The steering angle sensor is designed to detect how far the wheels have turned. Since the VSC system uses the tire angle to determine whether the car is heading in the direction you’re steering, any damage to this sensor can cause the light to come on.

When you’re driving, if the steering seems “loose” or unresponsive, it can signal that there’s a problem with the steering angle sensor.

The check engine or traction control lights may also light up when there’s an issue with the steering angle sensor.

A faulty sensor can also cause your car to pull to one side.

Step 5. Faulty Wiring.

Your car uses wires to send information from the sensors to the computer. If one of those wires is broken, you may see the VSC light come on. Improperly installed wires and blown fuses can also cause a warning light to illuminate.

Unless you have extensive experience dealing with automotive electrical systems, it can be difficult to track down a wiring issue.

When you’ve ruled out other problems, take your car to a mechanic to determine whether the wiring is faulty.

Keep in mind: A blown symptom is typically a symptom of something else that’s causing the fuse to overload.

Step 6. Engine Issues.

If you have issues with the engine, like a misfire or other mechanical problems, they can also cause the VSC light to come on. A misfire can cause the engine to shake, triggering the VSC light. If you see the Check Engine and VSC lights come on at the same time, it’s a sign that there’s an engine problem.

If the engine misfires, you may notice your car accelerates slowly or shakes during acceleration. It can also have a rough idle.

Engines misfire for various reasons, including a clogged fuel injector, faulty oxygen sensor, or bad spark plug.

Step 7. Accidentally Pressing the VSC Button.

Most cars are equipped with a button that allows you to turn the VSC system off. If you accidentally bump the button while driving, the system will turn off, and the light will come on. If you suspect this is what happened, all you have to do is turn the system back on by pressing the button again.

Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact placement of your VSC system’s reset button.

If the light comes back on after you have turned the system back on, try to rule out other causes or take your car to a mechanic.

How to turn off VSC Light?

The VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system is an important safety feature designed to enhance your vehicle’s stability and control.  It is not recommended to turn off the VSC system unless there are specific circumstances that require it, such as certain off-road situations.

If you still wish to turn off the VSC system, please note that the process may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle.  Here are some general steps that may apply:

• Locate the VSC Button: Look for a button or switch typically located on the dashboard or center console of your vehicle.  The button may be labeled “VSC,” “VSC Off,” “TCS” (Traction Control System), or have an icon representing the VSC system.
• Engage the VSC Off Mode: Once you find the VSC button, press it or toggle the switch to engage the VSC Off mode.  The VSC Off light on the instrument panel will illuminate, indicating that the VSC system is turned off.
• Confirm Deactivation: Some vehicles may require you to confirm the VSC system deactivation by following prompts on the vehicle’s display or using additional buttons on the steering wheel.

Remember that turning off the VSC system may affect your vehicle’s stability and control, especially in hazardous driving conditions.  It is recommended to only disable the VSC system if you have a specific need for it, such as when driving on loose surfaces like sand or deep snow.

Additionally, keep in mind that the VSC system will usually reactivate automatically once you turn off the vehicle’s engine and restart it, or when the vehicle surpasses a certain speed threshold.

How To Fix And Reset The VSC Light?

The VSC light comes on when there is a potential issue with the VSC system or related components.  Resetting the VSC light typically involves addressing the underlying problem that triggered the light in the first place.  Here are some steps to help fix and reset the VSC light:

• Diagnostic Scan: The first step is to have a diagnostic scan performed on your vehicle.  This can be done at a certified repair shop or dealership.  The scan will retrieve error codes from the vehicle’s onboard computer, providing information about the specific issue causing the VSC light to illuminate.
• Identify and Repair the Problem: Once the error codes are retrieved, a qualified technician can diagnose the problem based on the code information.  The issue could be related to sensors, ABS components, traction control, or other VSC system components.  The technician will conduct a thorough inspection to identify the root cause of the problem and perform the necessary repairs.
• Clearing the Error Codes: After the repairs have been made, the technician will clear the error codes stored in the vehicle’s computer system.  This process resets the VSC light and other related warning lights.  Clearing the codes typically requires professional diagnostic equipment.

Resetting the VSC light is usually done after fixing the problem that caused the VSC light to come on, rather than simply resetting the light. This ensures that the VSC system and associated safety features function properly, maintaining optimal vehicle stability and control.

The cost of fixing the VSC light can vary significantly, ranging from relatively inexpensive repairs to more expensive ones.  As an estimate, repairs related to sensors or minor electrical issues may cost a few hundred dollars.  However, if major components need to be replaced or extensive repairs are required, the cost can increase substantially.

VSC Light and TRAC OFF  

VSC is a feature that helps you maintain control of your car in challenging situations. The system automatically adjusts the engine, transmission, and brakes as needed. Traction control operates similarly to VSC by adjusting the engine speed and brakes to manage slippage.

Traction control helps maintain control of the car during acceleration, but it doesn’t assist with cornering. There is no significant difference in how they work but in when they work. 

The TRAC OFF light is a signal in Toyota and Lexus models that tells you if the Traction Control system is on or off. When the light is on, the Traction Control system is turned off. The Traction Control system (TRAC) is an important vehicle feature that helps maintain stability.

It prevents the wheels from spinning too much when accelerating, especially on slippery surfaces. There are several possible reasons for the TRAC OFF light to appear. Sometimes, a trigger can be intentional, while other times, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that requires attention.  

VSC Light and Check Engine Light 

It is common for the check engine light to come on with the VSC and ABS lights in Toyota or Lexus vehicles. The check engine light means there’s a problem with the engine. Sometimes, a problem may stop the VSC system from working correctly.   

There are various reasons why your check engine light may be on, and one of the simplest explanations could be a loose gas cap. If your gas cap is tightly closed, you must use an OBD-2 scanner to identify the problem. 

FAQs.