When your Toyota Highlander VSC light flashes on for a few moments, it likely means that your vehicle stability control (VSC) system is working just as it should. If it stays on, however, or if other warning lights on your dashboard illuminate, it’s time to get your Highlander checked out by a professional.
A new light popping up on your dashboard is never a comforting sign. It usually sets off a series of questions in your head from “Should I take my car to the shop?”, to “How long can I drive with this thing on?”. A VSC light is usually a good sign, though…except when it isn’t.
To help you clear up why your Toyota Highlander VSC light is on—and whether or not it’s a problem—Jerry
is here with a detailed guide to all the different scenarios behind this light. And since we specialize in car insurance
, we’ll even throw in a way to find affordable rates on your Toyota Highlander car insurance
. 
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What does the VSC light mean on a Toyota Highlander?
To understand what it means when the VSC light comes on in your Highlander, you first need to understand what VSC means.
VSC stands for “Vehicle Stability Control”, which is the system in your Highlander that helps stabilize your steering when you lose traction in slippery conditions—like flooded or icy roads. It does this by applying brake pressure or reducing the power being sent to certain tires when it senses these conditions.
VSC systems have been required by law in the USA since 2012 and should be present in all vehicles regardless of make and model. The VSC light will look like a car with two twisty skid marks under it.
In many cases, the VSC light in your Toyota Highlander is not meant as a warning, but instead an indication that the VSC system is working to help you maintain control. For instance, if you are driving on an icy road, and you see the light flash on and off, this means that your VSC system is doing its job, fighting to maintain traction against less-than-ideal road conditions.
What does it mean if the VSC light stays on?
There are some cases, though, in which your VSC light does serve as a warning. For instance, if the light is staying on, or if another light comes on that says “VSC OFF” or TRAC OFF”, your VSC system has turned off and it's time to take a closer look at your system.
Figuring out exactly what has caused your VSC system to turn off can be tricky. The VSC system is connected to the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the engine in your Highlander, so a problem with your VSC can indicate a mechanical or an electrical problem.
It may also be the result of:
Problems with the wiring: A blown fuse or issue with wiring can cause the electrical VSC system to malfunction.
VSC light turned off by accident: The VSC Off button is located close to the gear shift in the Toyota Highlander, and you may have hit it accidentally! If the TRAC OFF indicator light next to your speedometer is on, make sure you try pressing the VSC button again before assuming it’s a bigger issue.
VSC light and check engine light on
Sometimes, your VSC light will come on at the same time as your check engine light. This isn’t necessarily a sign of big trouble, though. It may be an indication of one of the following issues, most of which are somewhat more affordable fixes:
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
No matter what you think it might mean, though, it’s probably a good idea to take your Highlander to a professional if both of these lights come on. They can diagnose the error code causing the problem, and tell you exactly what fix you need without the guesswork.
VSC light and ABS light on
You may also see your VSC and ABS light come on at the same time, which likely indicates an issue with your brakes that is also creating a problem with the stability control. This might be due to:
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
Getting your Highlander to an auto professional as soon as you can after these lights come on can save you more costly repairs, and can prevent those issues from putting you in serious danger on the road.
How to reset the VSC light on a Highlander
If you’ve made sure the VSC light coming on isn’t the result of a bigger problem, you can try resetting the system to get the light to turn off and your VSC function to operate normally again.
Make sure your Highlander is in Park.
Locate the VSC button, near the gear shift.
Press and hold the VSC button down for a few seconds, and you should see the VSC OFF and/or TRAC OFF lights.
Release the button, then press it again once. You’ll know you’ve successfully reset your system if both indicator lights turn off.
Is it safe to drive a Highlander with the VSC light on?
Yes, Toyota confirms that it is safe to drive your Highlander with the VSC system light on. While the VSC is an important safety feature, it isn’t vital to the function of your car. If you are going to be driving on rough roads, in snow, or rain, though, and you know your VSC system is turned off or not working, you should be especially careful.
There are some cases when a VSC OFF light is a sign to get your Highlander to the shop ASAP. Such cases include:
If the check engine light is on: This isn’t always a sign that something is seriously wrong, but these lights being on at the same time is a clear sign to get it checked out by a mechanic.
If the ABS light is on: If both the ABS and VSC lights are on, there is likely a problem with your brakes that is also affecting the traction. This isn’t necessarily something that makes your car inoperable, but it is worth getting checked out to diagnose the problem.
If you notice odd noises, smells, or driving behavior: If the VSC light is paired with any strange smells or sounds, get it to a professional, and quickly.
You can take your Highlander to a Toyota service center, where they can diagnose and repair the issue. If it’s covered by the warranty, you may not even have to pay for the fix!
How to save on Toyota Highlander insurance
If your VSC light is on because of a needed fix, it’s a good idea to get it remedied as soon as possible to avoid it from turning into a more costly issue. Want to know another way to save on your car ownership costs? Shop for affordable car insurance coverage using Jerry
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