There’s no need to break out in a cold sweat if your Toyota Sienna VSC light turns on. It could be a sign that your minivan’s vehicle stability control system is working as designed. However, if the VSC light stays on and other lights start blinking on your dashboard, you’ll want to get your minivan checked out by a mechanic.
Read on to find out more about what the Sienna VSC light means and how to reset it from Jerry
, the car insurance
super app. As a bonus, we’ll also give you some tips on how to save on Toyota Sienna car insurance costs
. 
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What does the VSC light mean on a Toyota Sienna?
On your Sienna, the VSC light stands for Vehicle Stability Control. This system helps stabilize the minivan if you’re driving in adverse or wet conditions. It uses throttle control and braking to do so—and can even cut power to any one of your Sienna’s wheels.
Traction control systems have been required by law since 2014. The VSC system is Toyota’s version and comes pre-installed on all new Toyota
and Lexus
(Toyota’s luxury brand) vehicles. Contrary to public belief, the VSC light occasionally flicking on and off isn’t necessarily a sign of impending automotive cataclysm. In fact, the occasional VSC light flicker could just mean the system is working as intended.
The VSC light is easily identifiable. It typically appears as a car with sliding skid lines underneath it. If that light flickers on as you drive, it means your Sienna is losing traction but your VSC system is working to maintain your grip on the road.
However, if the VSC light remains on, or if you notice a light reading “VSC OFF” or “TRAC OFF,” odds are you’re dealing with a different problem. If these lights are on, it means your VSC is inoperable due to some kind of mechanical or electrical failure. A newer Sienna may display “Check VSC System,” so you’d best take your minivan to the repair shop.
Figuring out what problem is causing your VSC OFF light to illuminate isn’t a job for amateurs. The VSC System is connected to the Sienna’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the engine. So, there are lots of possibilities as to what the cause of the problem could be.
You could be dealing with a minor issue such as a loose gas cap or a major problem like engine failure. Or maybe you accidentally hit the button to turn the system off. Either way, here are some common causes of VSC problems in a Toyota Sienna:
Brake issues: The VSC system works with the Sienna’s anti-lock brake system, so a brake issue can cause the VSC light to illuminate.
Fuse or wiring problem: As an electrical system, the VSC light will go on if a fuse blows or the wiring is faulty.
VSC light turned off by accident: Let’s say you’re trying to get the kids out of the van and your screaming 3-year-old is flailing their limbs uncontrollably. It’s possible for someone to push the VSC button without meaning to!
VSC light and check engine light on
Sometimes, when the moon hits the sky and there’s motor oil in your eye, the VSC light and the check engine light
can come on at the same time. Rest assured this is not a sign of impending doom. Instead, the following issues are known to cause both warning lights to come on:
Loose gas cap: $12 to $50 to fix
Bad oxygen sensor: $200 to $475 to swap out
Faulty crankshaft position sensor: $125 to $220 to repair
Faulty camshaft position sensor: $250 to $350 to fix
Bad catalytic converter: $1,500 to $1,700 to replace
If both these lights are illuminated and you haven’t the foggiest idea what the problem is, take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic or Toyota dealership to have the problem correctly diagnosed and fixed.
Or, if you’re good with vehicles and want to figure out the problem yourself, you could use a standard OBD-II scan tool to read trouble codes in order to fix the issue.
VSC light and ABS light on
If your Sienna’s VSC light and ABS warning light
come on at the same time, you’re likely dealing with a brake problem that impacts your minivan’s traction control. The most common causes for these two lights to illuminate at the same time are: Low brake fluid: $90 to $200 top off
Wheel speed sensor damage: $390 to $420 to replace
Faulty brake pedal switch: $75 to replace
Blown ABS fuse: $80 to $200 to replace
Any potential brake problem should be treated seriously and as quickly as possible. You shouldn’t drive your vehicle if you suspect it's suffering from a brake problem, especially if you live in an area with poor weather or poor roads.
MORE:Toyota ABS control module replacement cost
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How to reset the VSC light on a Sienna
Sometimes, all it takes to get the pesky VSC light to turn off is to reset the VSC system. Luckily, this is easy to do. If the VSC system was accidentally turned off by pushing the button, this can be easily remedied with the following steps:
Find the VSC button—it's usually on the lower left side of the steering wheel or close to the gear shift.
Press and hold the button for a few seconds. Both the VSC OFF and TRAC OFF lights should turn off.
Release the button, then press it once more. If both lights remain off, you’ve reset the system and your Sienna’s traction control is working as it should.
Is it safe to drive a Sienna with the VSC light on?
For the most part, it is safe to drive your Sienna while the VSC light is on. This system—while a vital safety component—is not essential to the normal operation of the minivan.
However, if you are planning on driving through difficult conditions, be it bad weather or rough terrain, use extra caution while doing so.
That said, avoid driving with the VSC light on in the following circumstances:
The check engine light is on: The check engine light may be telling you that there is a serious problem with your engine, as opposed to only dealing with a VSC issue. If the check engine light is on along with the VSC light, get your minivan checked out by a mechanic.
The ABS light is on: While it is safe to drive with the ABS light on, you should be extra careful. Both these systems are key to your safety, so you’ll be at a higher risk of danger with these lights illuminated.
Odd noises, smells, and driving operation: If you can smell strange odors, hear weird sounds, or notice your minivan is behaving oddly, get the minivan checked out by a professional as soon as possible.
If in doubt, bring your Sienna to a Toyota dealership, where a certified technician can diagnose and fix whatever is ailing your family hauler. If the problem is covered under warranty, you won’t have to pay for it, either!
How to save on Toyota Sienna insurance
Driving your Toyota Sienna with the VSC light on isn’t the end of the world, but it could indicate a problem that will take hard-earned cash out of your pocket.
So, to save money across the board when it comes to your minivan, use Jerry
to find better-priced car insurance
without sacrificing coverage. Sign-up takes just 45 seconds, and then our trustworthy insurance app
gets to work comparing quotes from more than 50 top insurers and delivering the best deals straight to you. Once you pick your new policy, Jerry signs you up and helps cancel your old one for you. Best of all? The average Jerry user saves more than $800 per year on car insurance!
“This was the coolest insurance app I’ve seen so far. They saved me $1,200 and their UX is stellar. Go Jerry
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Saved $725 annually
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