What the Scion xB VSC Light Means (And What to Do if It’s On)

The Scion xB’s VSC light might come on when the VSC system is engaged to prevent slipping. If it remains on, you might have a problem with your VSC system.
Written by Cameron Thiessen
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If a Scion xB’s VSC light turns on momentarily, don’t worry—it may just be an indication that the vehicle stability control system is engaged. However, if the light stays on or additional warning lights such as the TRAC OFF light or engine light are on, it’s time to take your car to a mechanic.
But before you head to the shop, follow along with
Jerry
, the
car insurance
comparison app, as we explore how to reset the Toyota Scion xB VSC light. We’ll go over the purpose of the vehicle stability control (VSC) system, reasons the light might come on, and more. 
To wrap up, we’ll talk about how you can save money on your
Toyota Scion xB insurance costs
.
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What does the VSC light mean on a Toyota Scion xB?

VSC stands for “vehicle stability control.” This is a system engineered to help keep your steering stable if you hit a slippery patch or are driving in difficult conditions. 
It’s a form of traction monitoring designed to keep you from losing control and getting into an accident. As of 2014, every new vehicle is required to have a VSC system.
It’s important to keep in mind that your Scion xB’s VSC light is not necessarily a warning light. If you see it come on and off while you’re driving, especially if you’re noticing your car slipping a bit, then this probably means that your VSC system is doing its job. It’s fighting against your loss of traction to remain stable.
However, if your VSC light is staying on, or if a “VSC OFF” or “TRAC OFF” light is on, it means that your car’s internal computer is detecting a problem with the VSC system. Here are a few reasons why this may be occurring:
  • Brake issues: Your Scion xB’s VSC system works with your anti-lock braking system (ABS), and if something is wrong with this system, it might trip your VSC sensor.
  • Wiring or fuse problems: It could also indicate a blown fuse, faulty wire, or failing sensor connected to your VSC system—not necessarily an actual problem with the system itself.
  • VSC turned off by accident: While this might be a simple explanation, you might have just accidentally pressed your VSCbutton and turned off the VSC system without noticing!

VSC light and check engine light on

Nobody likes a
check engine light
, mostly because it could indicate a number of different issues—or no major issue at all! If your engine light and VSC light come on together, it might indicate one of the following problems:
  • Loose gas cap: $12 to $50 to replace
  • Bad oxygen sensor: $200 to $475 to replace
  • Faulty crankshaft position sensor: $125 to $220 to replace
  • Faulty camshaft position sensor: $250 to $350 to replace 
  • Bad catalytic converter: $1,800 to $2,000 to replace
That being said, if you aren’t savvy enough to identify the problem yourself, it’s probably best to take your Scion xB to a Toyota dealership or trusted mechanic. Experts can use a scan tool to interpret error codes coming from your car’s internal computer. 
Or, if you have an OBD-II code reader, you could try to interpret the trouble codes yourself.

VSC light and ABS light on

If you have both a VSC and
ABS warning light
on at the same time, you’re probably dealing with a brake problem that’s interacting with your stability control system. Here are some common problems that could cause these lights to turn on together:
  • Low brake fluid: up to $1,000 to fix, depending on the problem 
  • Wheel speed sensor damage: $350 to $415 to replace
  • Faulty brake pedal switch: $80 to $120 to replace
  • Blown ABS fuse: $80 to $100 to replace
Brake issues are no joke! Without your brakes, it will be hard to stop your car, and the longer you ignore a problem with your brakes, the more expensive it might end up being to address the issue.
MORE: Toyota ABS control module replacement cost

How to reset the VSC light on a Scion xB

Have you tried turning it off and on again? In some cases, this might be all you need to do, especially if your VSC OFF and/or TRAC OFF lights are on because you accidentally pressed the button. 
Here’s how to reset your Scion xB’s VSC system:
  • Stop the car and put it in park, but don’t turn off the engine.
  • Find your VSC button, likely near the gear shift or steering wheel.
  • Press and hold the button for at least a few seconds. The light(s) should still be on at this point.
  • After releasing the button, press it again to turn the system back on. If the lights are gone, that means you’ve successfully reset your VSC system!

Is it safe to drive a Scion xB with the VSC light on?

Yes, even if your VSC system is not engaged, it’s still safe to drive—as long as you use caution and don’t drive in slippery conditions.
That being said, pay attention to other factors:
  • If the check engine light is on, that means there’s more going on than just a faulty VSC system. Don’t ignore that engine light! Take your car to a mechanic or check the error codes yourself right away.
  • If the ABS light is on, it’s still technically safe to drive, but definitely proceed with caution. This system is designed to keep you safe in the event that you need to make a sudden stop.
  • If you notice engine misfires, odd noises, smells, or other sketchy driving behavior along with a VSC light or a TRAC OFF light, get that car to a mechanic!
Since Scion is a defunct U.S. division of Toyota, you can bring a Scion to a Toyota service center to diagnose any problems and get Toyota-backed repairs by experts who are used to working on Toyota vehicles.

How to save on Toyota Scion xB insurance

Driving a vehicle that has a malfunctioning VSC system could raise your
car insurance
costs since it could increase your risk of losing control of your car in slippery conditions.
But no matter what you drive, whether it’s a used Scion near the end of its life or a brand new Camry, Chevy, or Mercedes-Benz, the
Jerry
app offers you the quickest method to make sure you’re not overpaying for your insurance policy. And since Jerry is a
licensed car insurance broker
, it makes getting set up with a policy that outperforms your current one as easy as ever.
Jerry
was pretty amazing. They found me quotes from every company at the cheapest price possible! Then I decided which company and coverage I preferred. As a new, young driver, I had a great experience!.” —Sean E.
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