Putting this thread here since electronics didn't have similar topics...

I'm looking at an 06 which has non-functional VSA. The seller says the dealer has quoted $2500 to fix by replacing e ECU, which begs a few questions:

How valuable is VSA on a DD with occasional autoX and one to two track days per year? Don't think it will ever see snow, likely won't see much rain. Part. Of the value equation is also having anon-working safety system, which won't help resale.

Is this system in normal operation one that can be turned on and off? Is that what you'd normally do when racing?

Does the ECU replacement as a fix make sense? Are there alternatives?

Thanks.

 

It's a feature that can be turned and off. None of the cars from 00-05 even had VSA, so that should give you an idea of how "valuable" it is.

I typically keep mine on during daily driving, but it's mostly there as a fun ruiner

 

It is a safety feature. Its not as intrusive as most stability controls. Allows a bit of fun before clamping down. Many of those 00-05 S2k were spun into curbs, which in many if not most cases VSA would have prevented.

IMO, its worth trying to fix. Od course, dealer wants to start with most expensive part!

Check fuses first. Then see if you can get a Honda specialist independent shop to scan the abs for codes.

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I would get a big discount on the car and enjoy the upgrade, lol.

 

My thinking as well. Will there be $2500 worth of discount available? Not so sure about that....

 

Get the seller to fix it or pass. There are working 2006+ cars out there. The 2006+ cars also have a flashable ECU and benefit from tuning to provide more mid-range torque. Much more torque with VTEC lowered to 3,600 rpm. Pre-'06 cars require piggy back electronics.

I consider VSA a highly valuable feature. Includes traction control as well. If you want to hang the tail our just turn it off. I'm not sure mine has ever activated but that may be because it's not very intrusive.

-- Chuck

 

It's extremely intrusive if you are trying to go fast or even initiate a little u-turn slide. It even slows you down during rain autocross/track days. I hate it. And I hate having to remember to turn it off all the time. But my bigger concern would be overall electrical issues. Why would ONLY the VSA not work? That's weird.

 

OMG, EVERY time I want to drive my car hard, I have to push this button first. Bain of my existence. If I forget to press it, something slightly annoying happens, which reminds me I didn't press it, then I have to press it. Oh the humanity...

All this just because there is a safety device in my car that could save my bacon if I'm driving in heavy rain or just driving at less than full on performance mode and something unexpected suddenly happens on the road...

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There is a long thread on disabling VSA from 5 years ago. Read it and decide for yourself.

Here's a message extracted from that thread. Billman250 is a guy who knows a bit about these cars and whose opinion I respect.

We all like to pretend we're "advanced drivers."

-- Chuck

 

...and even if we are an advanced driver, we aren't driving advanced 100% of the time. When we're tired, zoned out, or just not in performance mode, we can't react to the sort of sudden, out of nowhere situations like an electronic stability control can.

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