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2019 Acura ILX Premium - VSA and ABS Lights On

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:39 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Acura ILX Premium

Hello everyone,

My 2019 Acura ILX Premium just lit up both the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warning lights on the dash. They came on simultaneously while I was driving normally on the highway.

I haven't noticed any changes in braking performance or handling, but obviously, having these lights on is concerning. I pulled over, turned the car off and on again, but they stayed illuminated. No Check Engine Light, just these two.

Is this a common issue for the ILX? What should I be looking for? Could it be a simple sensor, or something more serious with the braking system? Any advice would be great.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 3:39 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

When both the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warning lights illuminate simultaneously on your 2019 Acura ILX, it typically indicates a shared component failure or an issue that affects both systems. These systems rely heavily on wheel speed sensors, the ABS control module, and brake fluid pressure information.

Here are the most common causes:

  1. Wheel Speed Sensors (WSS): These sensors, located at each wheel, monitor wheel rotation speed. If one sensor fails, becomes dirty, or its wiring is damaged, it can send incorrect or no data to the ABS/VSA module, causing both lights to come on. This is the most frequent cause.
  2. ABS Control Module: The ABS control module is the electronic brain for both systems. A fault within the module itself, or its internal pump, can trigger both warnings. This is a more expensive repair.
  3. Brake Fluid Level: While less common to trigger both lights without a separate brake warning light, an extremely low brake fluid level can sometimes affect system performance.
  4. Wiring Issues: Damaged or corroded wiring harnesses leading to the wheel speed sensors or the ABS module can interrupt communication and trigger the lights.
  5. Steering Angle Sensor: The VSA system uses the steering angle sensor to determine the driver's intended direction. A fault here could potentially impact VSA functionality and indirectly trigger related warnings.

What to do:

  1. Professional Diagnostic Scan: The most crucial first step is to get a professional OBD-II scanner capable of reading ABS/VSA specific codes. Generic scanners often only read engine codes (P-codes) and won't show you the relevant C-codes (Chassis codes) that pinpoint the exact issue.
  2. Visual Inspection: Once you have the codes, a technician can perform a visual inspection of the relevant wheel speed sensor, its wiring, and the tone ring for damage or debris.

When to see a shop:

It is highly recommended to have your Acura ILX diagnosed by an Acura dealership or a reputable independent mechanic as soon as possible. While you haven't noticed performance changes yet, these systems are critical for safety, especially in emergency braking or slippery conditions. Driving with these lights on means your ABS and VSA systems are likely disabled, which can compromise vehicle control. Prompt diagnosis will identify the exact cause and allow for the necessary repairs to restore these vital safety features.

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