The VSC system of a Toyota Camry is what controls the car’s stability in slippery conditions. The VSC is the vehicle control system installed in most Toyota vehicles, and its role is to provide stability to your car in case it slides in adverse weather conditions.
When the vehicle control system notices that the car is losing traction, it automatically removes the engine power from some specific wheels to correct it. This vehicle control system has reduced several road accidents during snowy, rainy, and foggy weather conditions.
This means it is vital to check the VSC system on your Toyota Camry whenever it malfunctions. In this article, you will learn common problems associated with VSC and how to fix it.
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What does the check VSC system mean?
The vehicle stability system or VSC, in short, is a vehicle’s traction control system. The check VSC system means that something is wrong in the electronic stability control that needs attention. Therefore the car’s ABS and BSC systems will temporarily fail to function.
If your VSC is off, it implies that the traction control is not working if you lose traction. If you have a newer car model, it will display a message on the dashboard prompting you to check the VSC system light.
How does the VSC system work?
The vehicle stability control system is an internal traction control system for vehicles in slippery conditions. Whenever a car drives through a slippery place, its traction is lost. The VSC is activated once the reaction is lost, granting the car a better steering capacity.
Each vehicle’s wheels will have electronic sensors that communicate with your car’s PMC (Power Strain Control). Whenever the car driver experiences problems with the Steering control, the Vehicle Stability Control will reduce the engine speed automatically and give braking power to wheels that require it the most.
The wheel sensors transfer information about the vertical and horizontal wheel’s motion. Whenever you see the check VSC light coming on, your car could have problems with the steering rack or sensors.
The possible causes that trigger VSC problems
Since the vehicle control system is integrated with the brake control system and the engine control, to control a vehicle’s traction, several things can fail. There are several causes of VSC light, and the common ones are;
- Snowy conditions that can trigger the VSC light to come on on the dashboard. The solution is to warm the car and allow the snow to melt.
- Faulty ABS sensors due to heavy fog;
- Faulty mass airflow sensor (MAF);
- A faulty throttle body;
- A faulty accelerator pedal;
- A loose gas cap;
- Wear and tear of the sensors that guide the VSC;
When you see this error light, you might know the actual cause of the problem; therefore, you should use a diagnostic scanner to read trouble code memory. However, it is more important that you see a mechanic do the checks.
Besides the above cause, the light can come on because it requires reprogramming. But this is simple to fix without sweating. Sometimes the light can come on when your car slips and goes off in a normal road condition.
Check VSC System error and blinking
This error usually plagues diesel vehicles, both Toyota Land Cruiser 200, Toyota Camry, and Lexus lx 570. In addition to the two indicators, the car owner can observe a decrease in the car’s power. The whole problem is solely in fuel and the peculiarities of the operation of diesel vehicles in cold climates.
Check VSC system and battery
The same error can pop up if the battery from your Toyota car is weak, and it turns out, of course, at the most inopportune moment, on a cold morning, when you urgently need to go somewhere. The big downside is that the car will not start!
The solution here is simple, just recharge the battery or put a new one.
How to fix or reset your VSC light?
- Stop your vehicle and gear up;
- Find the VSC button located near the gear stick;
- Press and hold the button for a few second;
- Finally, press the VSC button, and the VSC and TRC lights will go off, and the system will rearrange.
If this fails to work, check the trouble codes and troubleshoot to find the issue. If you do not know what to do, take the car to a mechanic.
Can you drive with the VSC light on?
Yes, you can drive with the VSC light on. Although you can still operate your car under VSC issues, your car’s health is essential for you to be safe. Driving your vehicle when VSC lights are on is operating when the VSC system is off, which is dangerous, especially with weather conditions.
For example, when there is heavy rain or snow, driving with the VSC system off is not advisable.
Of course, safety is always essential, and you should be safe all the time. In this case, once you realize VSC is compromised, you need to work on it. VSC light can be affected or result from other issues in the car, for example, engine light flushing or ABS warning light.
If you see a warning like a flashing engine’s lights while driving, you must stop as your car is under significant issues.
However, there are some circumstances where you can have your car VSC turned off. These moments include when VSC is malfunctioning, you are on uneven terrain(offroading), stuck in mud or snow, and driving on a track.
How much does it cost to fix VSC on the Toyota Camry?
Like any other part of the car that encounters issues, VSC systems need to be rectified. Fixing the VSC system will prevent more damages from occurring in the future. But how much does it cost to fix VSC on the Toyota Camry?
The costs of repairing VSC vary due to several factors, such as the type of mechanic and the issue level. If you are going to fix VSC system issues, it may cost you more than $300.
Should VSC be on or off?
Although VSC is made for safety purposes, knowing how and when to use it is a common problem affecting several users. This issue accounts for a debate, should VSC be on or off?
In other words, when might you need to use what looks like a car-sliding button? When should it be on or off? However, to make the VSC but on or off depends on your car’s current situation.
For example, you can turn off the VSC when the car’s front wheels have stuck in mud or snow, as the vehicle will be able to rock back unstacking. Therefore, whether the VSC should be on/off will depend on the current situation as the VSC system works to detect a problem like slippery.
How do you reset the VSC light on a Toyota Camry Hybrid?
Do you need to rest the VSC light on a 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid? Then follow these steps;
- Step 1: Set the ignition to ACC mode;
- Step 2: By Pressiss and holding the odometer button, wait until there is a display of “ACTUAL MILEAGE.” In other words, it shouldn’t read Trip A or Trip B;
- Step 3: Deactivate ignition mode by turning off;
- Step 4: By pressing and holding the odometer button, Turn ON the car and still hold the button for a while;
- Step 5: Turn off the light next time you start the car;
Conclusion
THE Toyota VSC system is designed to provide both driver and vehicle a safe operation such as stability in different situations. The system is featured with a sensor that works on monitoring the wheel’s rotation.
If issues like slipping occur, it will alarm through a flashlight on the dashboard. The VSC system works together with ECU; once there is a detection of slippage, the signal is sent to ECU that initiates engine speed regulation and braking.
When you get stuck in mund, you need to turn off the VSC for a safe drive. Still, the VSC light can continue being on, and when you try to put it off, it doesn’t. To deal with these issues, try the above methods for fixing the VSC system.
