Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
VSA Modulator-Control Unit Update: Procedure
- MVCI - Connect
1. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode. 2. Connect the MVCI to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
NOTE: Update can not be done when the HDS is connected to the MVCI.
3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle. If it does not communicate, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting - Refer to: DLC Circuit Troubleshooting (2014 2015) or DLC Circuit Troubleshooting (Without CAN Gateway) (2016) or DLC Circuit Troubleshooting (With CAN Gateway) (2016) or DLC Circuit Troubleshooting (With CAN Gateway) (2017 2018) or DLC Circuit Troubleshooting (Without CAN Gateway) (2017 2018) or DLC Circuit Troubleshooting (2019 2020)
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- VSA Modulator-Control Unit - Update
NOTE:
- Use this procedure when you need to update the VSA modulator-control unit.
- Make sure the HDS and the MVCI unit have the latest HDS software version.
- Before you update the VSA modulator-control unit, make sure the battery in the vehicle is fully charged, and connect a jumper to the battery (not a battery charger) to maintain system voltage.
- Never turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode or ACCESSORY mode, during the update. If there is a problem with the update, leave the vehicle ON mode.
- To prevent VSA modulator-control unit damage, do not operate anything electrical (headlights, audio system, brakes, A/C, power windows, door locks, etc.) during the update.
- To ensure the latest program is installed, do a VSA modulator-control unit update whenever the VSA modulator-control unit is replaced.
- You cannot update a VSA modulator-control unit with a program it already has. It will only accept a new program.
- High temperature in the engine compartment might cause the VSA modulator-control unit to become too hot to run the update. If the engine has been running before this procedure, open the hood and cool the engine compartment.
- DTCs stored in memory are cleared when the VSA modulator-control unit is updated.
- If you need to diagnose the MVCI because any error message is indicated on the MVCI display during the update, keep the vehicle in ON mode when you disconnect the MVCI from the data link connector (DLC). This will prevent VSA modulator-control unit damage.
If the software in the VSA modulator-control unit is the latest, disconnect the updating tool from the DLC, and go back to the procedure that you were doing. If the software in the VSA modulator-control unit is not the latest, follow the instructions on the screen.
NOTE: If the VSA modulator-control unit update system requires you to cool the VSA modulator-control unit, follow the instructions on screen. If you run into a problem during the update procedure (programming takes over 15 minutes, status bar goes over 100 %, immobilizer indicator flashes, HDS tablet freezes, etc.), follow these steps to minimize the chance of damaging the VSA modulator-control unit:
- Keep the vehicle in the ON mode.
- Connect a jumper battery (do not connect a battery charger).
- Shut down the updating tool.
- Disconnect the updating tool from the DLC.
- Reboot the updating tool.
- Reconnect the updating tool to the DLC, and try the update procedure again.
- VSA Sensor Neutral Position - Memorize
- Steering Angle Sensor Neutral Position - Clear
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.