Q: Vsc , check engine light

asked by on July 19, 2017

Vsc check engine , trac light caution light

My car has 80000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Traction Control Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi There, The VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) light indicates that there may be something wrong with the traction control system. The traction control system monitors the steering and stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected. This is done by the use of electronic sensors at each of the four wheels that communicate with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) regarding steering performance and stability in adverse weather conditions. The traction control system works by reducing engine speed and determining which wheel to apply brake pressure to in order to prevent the vehicle from sliding. The anti-lock braking system and the traction control system work together to maintain the stability of the vehicle. The computer uses this information received from electronic sensors regarding the rotational speed of each wheel, the horizontal motion of the vehicle, and the vertical motion of the vehicle to determine how to direct the traction control system or the anti-lock braking system to best control the vehicle when needed. When this warning indicator light comes on in the dashboard, this could be an indication of several issues such as faulty wheel speed sensors, a faulty steering angle sensor, a faulty rotational speed sensor or a problem with the steering rack. In some cases, the traction control system may simply need to be reprogrammed. In addition, when any of these symptoms are detected, some vehicles may go into limp mode rendering the vehicle unable to accelerate beyond about ~30mph. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your traction control system.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What are the Different Types of Spark Plugs Available?
Talking about spark plugs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/parts/spark-plug) is a never-ending discussion. Which ones are best? The answer to that question is somewhat trite, but can still be relevant depending on your vehicle and its intended use. Spark plugs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/are-there-different-kinds-of-spark-plugs) come in two...
How does the moon roof auto-reverse function work?
Like your car’s windows, the moon roof offers an auto-reverse function for safety. If it detects an object in the way while closing or tilting back down to flat, it will stop and then automatically reverse. It’s possible that the...
Lights don't always work
The light switch on the Lumina has issues with the head light switch having intermittent problems. The head light relays sticking can also cause this issue. The only way to isolate the problem is to test the relay to see...
Takes several tries to start car
The check engine light code may shine a little light on the concern. It almost sounds like you may have an issue with air metering or fuel delivery. A cold/malfunctioning idle air control valve can put air flow. A leaking...
Car shut down due to low battery voltage
Hello. Thanks for writing in about your 2015 Acura ILX. If the battery voltage (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-the-voltage-of-a-car-battery) got that low then it will stall like this. It sounds to me like there was a bad connection at the battery or possibly the...
My car is cranking but not starting - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
Hi there. If you've kept the vehicle in storage for five years and it was not started during that time, it's possible that the fuel inside the tank has gone bad. Gasoline, like anything that is refined for use, has...
Where are all of the sensors located in this car?
Hello: Sorry, but we can't supply this information for you. First, we don't know what model of Isuzu you have, and second; we don't know what type of sensors you're referring to. Most modern cars have well over 20 of...
The odometer won't increase or change, it is frozen on 30k miles.
Check the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) on the transmission and see if its unplugged. If the wire is plugged in, then either the VSS is not working or the speedometer gauge is broken. If you need further assistance with your...
Exhaust manifold
You may have broken bolts or studs in the engine head that would cause an exhaust leak. You may need to remove the manifold and extract the broken off bolts from the cylinder head by drilling them out and using...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2011 Lexus LX 570
Despite Despite pressure on the automobile industry to produce more – and better – fuel-stingy options for the mass market, there remains a place for luxury SUVs that are neither size conscious nor gas conserving. The 570 stands firmly in...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Photographer
If If you are a photographer, and you’re considering buying a used car, the big thing to consider is the type of photography you do. Thanks to the advances in digital photography, chances are you’re not hauling around a lot...
The Best Used Cars to Buy to Maximize Resale Value
A A car is not an investment. An investment, by definition, increases in value. A car is a necessary purchase, and it will never appreciate in value, with the possible exception of classics and antiques. So, as a used car...