Helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces. It does so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
■VSA Operation
When VSA activates, you may notice that the engine does not respond to the accelerator.
You may also notice some noise from the hydraulic system. You will also see the indicator blink.
VSA may not function properly if tire type and size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA indicator comes on and stays on while driving, there may be a problem with the system. While this may not interfere with normal driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
VSA cannot enhance stability in all driving situations and does not control the entire braking system. You still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate for the conditions and always leave a sufficient margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA system is generally known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The system also includes a traction control function.
■VSA OFF Button
This button is on the driver side control panel.
To partially turn the VSA features on and off, press and hold it until you hear a beep.
The traction control stops fully functioning, allows the wheels to spin more freely at low speed. The VSA OFF indicator will also come on.
To turn it on again, press the
(VSA OFF)
button until you hear a beep.
VSA is turned on every time you start the engine, even if you turned it off the last time you drove the vehicle.
With the button
pressed, your vehicle will have
normal braking and cornering ability, but VSA
traction and stability enhancement becomes less
effective.
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier to free it with the VSA temporarily switched off.
When the button is pressed,
the traction control
function becomes less effective. This allows for the
wheels to spin more freely at low speed. You should
only attempt to free your vehicle with the VSA off if
you are not able to free it when the VSA is on.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to switch VSA on again. We do not recommend driving your vehicle with the VSA system switched off.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the engine compartment while system checks are being performed immediately after starting the engine or while driving. This is normal.