Warning lights on a Honda can be intimidating, and can negatively impact its resale
or trade-in value, inspection costs, or in some states even disable power sliding rear doors.
Whenever the VSA and ABS lights remain illuminated, this indicates something may
be amiss with the stability control system. Your computer could have stored trouble
codes that must be cleared out.
Brake Fluid Low
ABS and traction control lights differ from brake lights in that they can only be
activated by certain parts of your system, typically the brake fluid level sensor and
parking brake. Meanwhile, the traction control system uses dual hydraulic circuits to
increase pressure to keep your car from spinning on slippery roads.
Wheel speed sensors may become dirty or damaged, compromising their
functionality and thus the traction control system. These sensors send signals to the
ABS/VSA module which determines if additional or reduced power should be sent to
each wheel.
The steering angle sensor is a crucial component of an ABS/VSA module and should
not send incorrect signals into your system, activating Traction Control and ABS
lights as a result of dirt, corrosion or bad sealage issues. A mechanic may need to
clean either or both the steering angle sensor or ABS reluctor ring in order to fix this
problem.
Wheel Speed Sensor
If the VSA and ABS lights are illuminated, this typically indicates an issue with one of
your wheel speed sensors. This sensor plays an essential role in helping ABS and
Traction Control work efficiently by signaling which wheels need brakes or traction
controls to improve your handling on different terrains. When slippage occurs,
usually blinking will occur briefly before going away once tires have gained traction again.
However, if a sensor provides inaccurate information to the computer, a warning
light will illuminate and inform you something is amiss. Since ABS and ESC work
hand in hand with each other, problems with wheel speed sensors will impact both
systems at once. An analog or Hall effect sensor converts magnetic signals into
digital output; for assistance on troubleshooting this issue bring your vehicle in for
servicing with a certified mechanic who will check both sensors and reluctor rings for
signs of damage.
ABS/VSA Control Module
The ABS control module continuously monitors wheel speed sensors. If it detects
that one wheel is spinning faster than others during braking, it may temporarily
reduce pressure to prevent skidding of tires. If this light remains illuminated for any
length of time, this could indicate an issue in its control module.
If the wheels appear worn-out or there is a malfunction in the sensor that feeds
information into the module, this could indicate either that they need replacement or
that something in your VSA system isn’t functioning correctly – in either case, take
caution while driving until you have it resolved.
Before investing in an ABS/VSA modulator that could cost upwards of $1700 without
labor costs, it is wise to first address all emission-related engine error codes and
replace spark plugs as this should ensure proper functioning of traction control and
ABS systems, along with resetting any warning lights on your dashboard.
Vehicle Speed Sensor
So that ABS, traction control and speedometer can function correctly, the Powertrain
Control Module and ABS computer must know the actual vehicle speed; they
generate this data through reading wheel speed sensors.
There are various issues that could impede the signal strength of a wheel speed
sensor signal. Sensors themselves could become damaged or develop corrosion on
internal circuitry or external wiring and connectors; metallic debris from worn-out
rotors or drums could get stuck to their surfaces and create an air gap around their
sensors, leading to false readings.
If your ABS light comes on in your car, disconnect its positive cable from the battery
and inspect its wheel speed sensor for damage and rust. If there’s an issue with it,
connect it to a power drill so as to simulate wheel rotation, then use a multimeter to
test whether voltage increases with increasing speed – otherwise a new sensor may
need to be purchased or service bulletins from your car manufacturer may contain
more specific troubleshooting steps.