VSA System Symptom Troubleshooting Index (2014 2015 2016)

2018 Acura MDX BaseSECTION VSA System Symptom Troubleshooting Index (2014 2015 2016)

When the vehicle has one of these symptoms, check for VSA diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with the HDS. If there are no DTCs, do the diagnostic procedure for the symptom, in the sequence listed, until you find the cause.

Symptom  Diagnostic procedure  Also check for 
HDS does not communicate with the VSA modulator-control unit or the vehicle Troubleshoot the DLC circuit - Refer to: DLC Circuit Troubleshooting (2014 2015) or DLC Circuit Troubleshooting (Without CAN Gateway) (2016) or DLC Circuit Troubleshooting (With CAN Gateway) (2016) Power and ground at the VSA modulator-control unit.
ABS indicator, brake system indicator, VSA indicator, or VSA OFF indicator does not come on at start-up (bulb check)

1. Do the gauge control module self-diagnostic function - Refer to: Gauges Self-Diagnostic Function (2014 2015), or Gauges Self-Diagnostic Function (2016).

2. Update the VSA modulator-control unit if it does not have the latest software . If the VSA modulator-control unit was updated and the symptom is still present, replace the VSA modulator-control unit .

 
VSA cannot be turned OFF

1. Check for TPMS DTCs, and troubleshoot and repair those first - Refer to: or How to Troubleshoot the TPMS,

2. Symptom troubleshooting - Refer to: VSA System Symptom Troubleshooting - VSA cannot be turned OFF .

3. Update the VSA modulator-control unit if it does not have the latest software . If the VSA modulator-control unit was updated and the symptom is still present, replace the VSA modulator-control unit .

 
VSA OFF indicator does not go off

1. Do the VSA sensor neutral position memorization 

2. Do the gauge control module self-diagnostic function - Refer to: Gauges Component Location Index (2014 2015) or Gauges Component Location Index (2016) .

 
ABS indicator, brake system indicator (red), VSA indicator, and brake system indicator (amber) do not go off

1. Check for F-CAN DTCs, and troubleshoot and repair those first - Refer to: F-CAN Circuit Troubleshooting (2014 2015), or F-CAN Circuit Troubleshooting (Without CAN Gateway) (2016), .

2. Symptom troubleshooting - Refer to:

VSA System Symptom Troubleshooting - ABS indicator, brake system indicator (red), VSA indicator, and brake system indicator (amber) do not go off (2014 2015), 

VSA System Symptom Troubleshooting - ABS indicator, brake system indicator (red), VSA indicator, and brake system indicator (amber) do not go off (Without CAN Gateway) (2016), 

VSA System Symptom Troubleshooting - ABS indicator, brake system indicator (red), VSA indicator, and brake system indicator (amber) do not go off (With CAN Gateway) (2016), 

VSA System Symptom Troubleshooting - ABS indicator, brake system indicator (red), VSA indicator, and brake system indicator (amber) do not go off (With Auto Idle Stop System) (2016), 

 
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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.