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[2010] How to disable the VSA function?

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5.6K views 6 replies 2 participants last post by  ei_ceo_cft  
#1 ·
Hello piloteers, the short version of my query is; is it possible to disable the VSA on a 2010 Honda Pilot so it doesn't turn on ever?

I know it may seem like a stupid decision, but I truly need it gone. I recognize for many people its a brief matter of turning the car on, realizing the VSA has been triggered automatically so you can't turn it off without turning the car off and on again, and then you do just that and youre fine.

My problem is that Im a private investigator who frequently, because of my job, needs to be able to turn on my cars engine and just go. With this troublesome VSA however, yesterday was my third time where VSA almost cost me a sensitive case. I again concede that in regular usage you wouldnt turn on the engine then immediately start going high speeds, but its unfortunately just the nature of my duties.

Some examples where the "Vertical Stability Assistance" almost cost me:
  • The first time, I went to pass somebody and the engine starts stalling as the VSA kicked on and the engine wouldnt surpass 60 km/h.
  • The second time, I was making a turn and all of the sudden the engine just wouldnt accelerate. Pedal to the metal, 0 km/h. I wasnt even increasing speed this time, very slow turn and then the VSA enabled itself and wouldnt take any more gas.
  • The third time just yesterday, everytime I accelerated the engine just started sputtering and like the second occurrence just wouldnt go.
All is well once I restart the car, but stopping in the middle of the highway just isnt an option the vast majority of the time without inconveniencing or creating a dangerous situation for others, and pulling away means my day is over. Im getting extremely frustrated and have no idea how to remedy this so any help would be greatly appreciated!

I don't believe its typically wise to remove or otherwise disable safety features, and Im sure it has its uses, however for me it hasn't activated in any beneficial situations once, however has actively caused dangerous or life threatening situations several times. Not trying to discourage usage of any safety mechanisms here - I've already ready some other posts with similar issues on the forum where the user is criticized for that, and I assure you if I had any other career Id just grin and bear the annoyance, but I just cant anymore.
 
#2 ·
There is a VSA button on the left side of the steering column. Push and hold the button when you start the vehicle to turn it off. I suspect however that you will find that you have a more serious problem than VSA being active. It sounds like your vehicle is going into limp mode. Limp mode is not a function of a properly working VSA. There are several reasons a vehicle can go into limp mode. It sounds like you need to have the vehicle checked out. When this happens are you getting any warning lights? Have you pulled codes to see what may be happening?
 
#3 ·
Good evening Daltongang, thanks for the reply! I've seen folks online saying to just hold it down when it turns on, but no joy when Ive tried it. The button works when I want to turn it on, for example cars running fine, I hit the button, itll turn on and off when I want it to. However if it turns on automatically, the button does nothing regardless of any button mashing or holding it down for a second/ten seconds/a minute/two minutes is the longest Ive tried.

I just assumed it wasn't able to be turned off if it turned on automatically since my 2010's handbook instructed that if it turns on by itself, you need to turn the car all the way off then back on to make it go away. It makes sense that its malfunctioning though if you're right, since whenever it happened [especially the time it just refused to even accelerate while turning on a busy road] I thought "how has this not been recalled for being dangerous yet?".

When it happens the only light on the VSA indicator light. Ive tried running my cheap code reader on it but it doesnt tell me anythings wrong unfortunately.

Do you have any other suggestions on if theres a specific fuse that may disable it if removed, or anything in a similar vein that wont disable other features like the ABS?
 
#4 ·
Not sure where you are seeing something that tells you to turn of the vehicle and back on. This is from the manual
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Like I said, sounds to me like you have a more serious issue that you should have checked out.
 
#5 ·
I'm not disagreeing that there may be something wrong with it - like I said in my first reply to you "It makes sense that its malfunctioning though if you're right ", because it really so far has been a hindrance and I imagine if everyones experience with it has been like mine then there would be some flak at Honda.

As for where I saw it in the manual, its center page on the page just before the one you posted, second paragraph.
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As the manual said it can come on while driving and to just pull over and restart the engine, and since it never came back on in the same drive if the car was restarted, I also equally thought it could just be a normal part of owning a 2010 Pilot.

I assume then you unfortunately have no info on how to disable it? I will consider taking it to the mechanics when the opportunity presents itself to see if theres a bigger issue though.