How do I turn off VSA on Honda Odyssey?

You can usually turn off Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) on a Honda Odyssey by pressing the VSA OFF switch once; the VSA OFF indicator on the instrument cluster will illuminate to confirm the system is disabled, and you can press the switch again to re-enable VSA. The switch is typically located on the left side of the dash near the steering column, though exact placement can vary by model year. VSA generally resets to ON when you restart the engine.

What VSA is and why you might turn it off

Vehicle Stability Assist is Honda’s stability and traction control system. It helps prevent understeer or oversteer by adjusting engine power and braking to individual wheels. Some drivers choose to disable VSA in specific low-traction situations (for example, trying to rock a stuck vehicle, or when driving in deep snow or mud) where a little wheel spin can help you move. Disabling VSA can reduce automatic intervention, but it also increases the risk of loss of control, so it should be used with caution.

How VSA works in brief

When VSA is active, the system continuously analyzes wheel speed, steering input, and other signals. If it detects a loss of traction or a deviation from the intended path, it can apply braking to individual wheels and/or reduce engine power to help restore stability. Turning VSA off removes these automatic adjustments, so you’re relying more on tire grip and driver input.

Step-by-step: How to turn off VSA on a Honda Odyssey

Before you disable VSA, make sure you’re in a safe, appropriate driving condition and understand you’ll have less auto-stability assistance until you re-enable it.

1. Start the vehicle and bring it to a safe, stationary position or slow, controlled motion if you’re in a low-traction area.


2. Locate the VSA OFF switch on the left side of the dash, near the steering column. If you can’t find it, consult the owner’s manual for your exact model year.


3. Press the VSA OFF switch once. The VSA OFF indicator will illuminate on the instrument cluster to confirm that VSA is disabled.


4. To re-enable VSA, press the VSA OFF switch again. The VSA OFF indicator will turn off, and the system will return to active operation.


5. If you turn the ignition off and then back on, VSA typically resets to ON automatically, requiring another press if you want to disable it again.

Disabling VSA is generally intended for specific situations like attempting to move a stuck vehicle or when maneuvering in deep snow or mud. Re-enable VSA as soon as you are done with those conditions to restore automatic stability and safety features.

Safety considerations, limitations, and model-year differences

Model-year variations exist in how VSA off is accessed and how the system behaves when toggled. If you don’t see a VSA OFF button, your Odyssey’s trim or year may use a different setup or may not offer a manual off switch. Always refer to the owner’s manual for your exact vehicle configuration. Even when VSA is off, you should drive with extra caution and avoid high-speed or aggressive maneuvers in low-traction conditions.

• Location and labeling can vary by model year and trim; typical placement is on the left dash near the steering column, but some variants may differ.


• With VSA off, you lose automatic stabilization assistance, which can increase the risk of skidding or loss of control in slippery conditions.


• A restart of the engine usually resets VSA to the ON position, so you may need to re-disable it if you intentionally require it off again.


• If you don’t find a VSA OFF button, consult the owner’s manual or contact a Honda dealer for model-specific guidance.

Bottom line: disable VSA only when necessary and re-enable it as soon as feasible to maintain optimum safety and vehicle control.

Summary

Turning off VSA on a Honda Odyssey is typically done by pressing the VSA OFF switch once to deactivate and again to reactivate, with the indicator light confirming status. The switch is usually on the left side of the dash, but exact placement and availability can vary by model year and trim. Always consider safety implications, follow the manual for your exact vehicle, and re-enable VSA after you’ve completed the task that required its temporary off state.

Is it okay to drive with VSA off?

VSA System Indicator Light
If the light returns, then arrange a service inspection to diagnose the fault. In the meantime, it's perfectly safe to drive your car, but the VSA system won't be there to protect you in difficult conditions, so it's a good idea to drive with extra care until the problem is fixed.

What does the VSA light mean on a Honda Odyssey?

The VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) light on a Honda Odyssey means either the system is actively working to maintain stability or there is a problem with the system that requires attention. If the light is flashing, it's typically a sign that the VSA is engaged during a skid or loss of traction. If the light is on and stays on, it indicates a malfunction, and you should have the vehicle inspected immediately, as it could be due to low tire pressure, a brake system issue, or a faulty sensor. 
If the VSA light is flashing

• What it means: The system is actively working to help you maintain control during slippery conditions, heavy braking, or sharp turns. 
• What to do: This is normal behavior. The light should turn off automatically once the vehicle regains traction. 

You can watch this video to learn about the causes and fixes for the Honda VSA light: 59sDmitry SapkoYouTube · Aug 23, 2024
If the VSA light is solid and stays on

• What it means: The VSA system has detected a problem and is likely not functioning correctly. 
• What to do:
  • Check tire pressure: Uneven or low tire pressure can trigger the light. 
  • Check brake system: Issues with the brake system, like low brake fluid, can also cause the light to stay on. 
  • Scan for error codes: A more specific diagnosis is needed. Use an OBD2 scanner to check for trouble codes or take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnosis. 
  • Get it serviced: If the light remains on, have a technician diagnose the specific issue, which could be related to a wheel speed sensor, steering angle sensor, or other components of the stability control system. 

How do I completely disable VSA?

To completely disable VSA, you typically need to perform a multi-step "pedal dance" in a modern Honda or Acura, which varies by model. Some performance models, like the Honda Civic Type R, require putting the car in +R mode and then pressing and holding the VSA button for a longer period. You can also use software like Ktuner to disable it permanently. 
Honda Civic Type R (or similar performance models)

• Make sure the car is in +R mode .
• Press and hold the VSA OFF button: until you hear a single beep, and then two more beeps.
• A message will appear on the driver information interface indicating the system is fully off.
• This method disables VSA and traction control, but not other systems like ACC or LKAS, which will also be automatically canceled. 

Honda Accord (or similar standard models)

• Start the car. 
• Apply the parking brake. 
• Press and hold the brake pedal. 
• Turn the ignition on and off (or just be in the ON position). 
• Release the brake pedal, then press and hold it again. 
• Perform the "pedal dance" by turning the VSA button on and off in a sequence dictated by your specific model (refer to the video links for detailed instructions). 
• A flashing light on the dash indicates VSA is fully disabled. 

This video demonstrates how to completely disable VSA in a Honda Accord: 58sDan VillaYouTube · May 15, 2021
Alternative and permanent methods

• Use a tuning device: A tuning device like Ktuner can be used to completely disable VSA every time the car is started. 
• Fuse removal: In some cases, pulling the VSA fuse will disable the system, but this may also disable other systems like ABS or automatic suspension modes, so be cautious. Consult your owner's manual or a professional before attempting this. 

Important considerations

• Safety: Disabling VSA and traction control reduces your car's ability to maintain stability, especially on slippery or uneven surfaces. Do not disable these systems unless you are in a situation where they are not needed, such as off-roading or on a closed track, and only if you understand the risks. Always remember how to turn the system back on.
• System reset: When you turn the car off, the VSA system will automatically reset to its default ON state.
• Other systems: Disabling VSA will also automatically cancel other features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS). 

How do I turn off VSA on my Honda Odyssey?

VSA is turned on every time you start the engine, even if you previously turned it off. If you turn VSA off, your vehicle has normal braking and cornering ability, but VSA traction and stability enhancement become less effective. Press and hold the VSA OFF button until you hear a beep to turn VSA on or off.