The problem description: Acura TL sometimes jerks intermittently when driven on highways or just with some constant speed. Also, the check engine light and VSA light come on the dash. Later, the lights will go off.
VSA light highlights
- Common reasons:any issue with the VSA system
- How to fix:disconnect the battery for some time, read the codes
- Possible consequences:safety issues
- Priority level:High
- Can you drive?Not recommended
- DIY repair:Impossible
- Repair price range:$150-$550
The reasons for the VSA plus check engine light
1) Acceleration pedal position sensor - the APP
Somehow, in the Acura TL, this sensor was really bad. Honda only switched from wire-operated pedals to electronic ones and the TL models got really faulty sensors that could fall apart, fall off, or just send the wrong data to the ECU.
This leads to issues with air supply and your Acura may freak out on the road sending you the VSA light and the check engine light.
2) Throttle body and actuators
If the pedal position sensor is OK, there is another thing in this annoying chain of pedal-to-engine sequence. The throttle position sensor and the actuators move that throttle for you when you press the pedal.
Checking them is pretty hard but any experienced mechanic can do that for half an hour or so. If you want a DIY check, you may watch some videos and do that. But you will still need a friend to do it.
By the way, if your cruise control drives smoothly, it shouldn't be the throttle body actuator or something. In this case, the pedal sensor is your number one target.
3) Software glitch
Since the car is not new, it may develop some problems with its control modules and software. Overheated modules will go mad and throw all possible kinds of messages and lights on the dash of your vehicle.
Resetting the control modules in your TL is not that hard - just disconnect the battery (more about that in the next section of your vehicle).
4) Low battery or bad alternator
All kinds of lights and messages may torture you in the Acura TL if the battery is low and/or the alternator isn't doing its job properly. Check them with a voltmeter. The battery should have about 12.5 volts when the car is off. The alternator should produce more than 14 volts to make the charging system charge the battery when needed.
What can you do to solve the issue?
According to the common problems described above, I would follow these steps to fix the VSA light that comes on the dash along with the check engine light in your TL:
- Turn the car off and then on. This will make the easiest reset and you may get rid of the problem.
- Disconnect the battery. Disconnect the negative terminal, press the honk to release all the stored power, wait for several minutes, and connect the battery again. See if it helps to solve the problem for long.
- Check the battery and the alternator. If their voltage is low, you may need to replace or service them.
- Replace the accelerator pedal position sensor (APP sensor). In most cases, this will be what causes the problem. Fortunately, the sensor is not super expensive and the work is more or less easy.
- Have the throttle body checked. At this step, I would go to a professional mechanic. But if you have the tools and knowledge, just do it on your own.
Once you are finished, the problem should be gone. If not, then please write in the comments below once you are able to fix the issue: help other Acura owners fix their VSA and check engine lights!
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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