If your Honda dashboard lights up with a triangle that points to itself and includes an exclamation point, you probably shouldn’t say: ‘Oh well, I always wanted to go down the highway like a cartoon airplane that’s catching on fire.’
No, you’d better pay some attention to the Honda triangle with exclamation point Warning light. Here’s what you need to know.
Topic Summary
Understanding the Honda Triangle with Exclamation Point
The triangle with the exclamation point is the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) warning light. Your Honda’s VSA system is an important safety feature.
It’s a computer controlled system that helps you maintain vehicle control on slippery, wet, or other adverse road conditions by controlling the engine power and the individual wheel brakes.
To do this, the computer monitors the vehicle’s speed, steering angle, and yaw rate, and if it detects that the car is near a point of losing control, it can reduce engine power and apply brake pressure to the individual wheels to help reduce the loss of vehicle stability.
Reasons for the Honda Triangle with Exclamation Point
A triangle with an exclamation point appears for several reasons, which are described below.
VSA System Turned Off
In some instances, the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) warning light could turn on because the system was turned off manually. You can disable it by pressing a VSA button on the dashboard. To turn it back on, press that button again.
Wheel Speed Sensor Issue
The warning light will illuminate if the VSA system senses a wheel speed that is very fast or very slow (each wheel has a sensor to check rotation speed) or if that sensor isn’t working correctly.
The VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) Light might also light up if the ABS (Anti lock Braking System) Light comes on at the same time.
Low Tire Pressure
Low tire pressure can affect vehicle traction and stability, which can cause VSA to activate and the warning light to come on.
Check to make sure tire pressure is sufficient and that all tires are inflated to proper levels.
Steering Angle Sensor Problem
The steering angle sensor of a VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) system detects how far the driver wants to turn, and the VSA warning light will turn on if the sensor doesn’t calibrate correctly or if it fails.
Brake System Issues
Similarly, a fault with the braking system, such as worn brake pads or low brake fluid levels, can set off the warning light.
Stability control is essentially an extension of the braking system, so any problems here will also affect the VSA.
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Fault
The ECU (engine control unit) is the brains behind your vehicle’s electronic systems, including the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist).
While an error in the ECU can be the fix for your warning light, usually, it will be some other function of the ECU or another part working together that causes the problem.
Depending on the result of a diagnostic test, the problem might just mean that the bulb has blown out or that it’s time to replace the bulb.
In most cases, a standard diagnostic test won’t solve the problem as there’s most likely some repair needed before those parts can be accurately tested.
What To Do When the Triangle with Exclamation Point Warning Light Appears
Check for Additional Warning Lights: If you notice your VSA light come on, just have a look to see if other warning lights are also on, like the ABS light. Multiple warning lights might indicate a problem.
Inspect Your Tires: Check tire pressure, especially in the four on the ground, and inflate all tires to the proper levels, especially if the low tire is on the right side.
An old fashioned configuration of radial tires. Photo courtesy Wikimedia. If all cars are properly inflated and the warning light comes back on, try the condensation trick. Sometimes, repeated water condensation can trigger the sensor to reset itself.
Restart Your Vehicle: Simply shutting down your vehicle, restarting, and taking your car for a short test drive might reset the VSA system and clear the warning light. If it comes back on, begin troubleshooting for the cause.
Check the VSA Button: Check if the system has somehow been deactivated. Find and press the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) button on your instrument panel.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Further details about the system, along with your vehicle’s VSA warning light, should be covered in the owner’s manual (especially yours, as the alarm is unique to your individual car’s code).
If the warning light for the VSA remains on, or if other warning lights are on, it is important to have the vehicle checked by an authorized service facility as soon as possible. The technician will perform a system check to see what the problem is and how to fix it.
How To Fix a Honda Triangle with Exclamation Point
When the H from your Honda is failing to display, and the N is way off to the side because your triangle has an issue, this is the quick fix to keep your ride in shape!
1. Identify the Issue
Identify the problem. Whether it’s a mysterious rattling, a sluggish performance, or an error indicator blinking on the dash, it’s a good idea to figure out what’s wrong before you start digging any deeper.
Your owner’s manual may have some tips about how to diagnose common trouble areas.
2. Basic Maintenance
In some cases, poor maintenance due to lack of attention or insufficient resources is the main reason for many problems.
Often, the oil level, air pressure in the tires, and brake fluid are low or insufficient. We should have them. Preventing problems is very important, such as checking the engine oil in a car.
3. Electrical Problems
If you’re having electrical problems, check the battery cables and terminals to make sure they’re tight and clean of corrosion.
In some cases, a weak battery is the culprit behind multiple issues in your car, so test it to make sure it’s holding a charge.
4. Engine Troubles
If the engine isn’t working properly, check the spark plugs and air filter. Sometimes, simply cleaning or changing the spark plugs and air filters can boost the engine’s performance!
5. Professional Help
If the problem persists, it’s time to bring in an expert mechanic. The professional will do his best to identify and solve your difficult problem, so your Honda Triangle can run smoothly.
Always address issues promptly to keep your Honda Triangle in top condition!
FAQs on Honda Triangle with Exclamation Point
What is the Honda Triangle Known For?
Honda Triangle is known for its great reliability, durability, and performance. Therefore, many Honda motorcycle riders prefer the Honda Triangle.
How Do I Maintain My Honda Triangle for Optimal Performance?
Make sure you keep up with maintenance like oil changes, tire pressure checks, and so on. And, of course, don’t forget to come in for service regularly.
What Makes the Honda Triangle Different from Other Honda Models?
Honda Triangle is built with high-quality materials, so they are constructed in a way that makes the car stronger and less likely to rust or get other types of damage. And it makes the Honda Triangle different from other Honda models. However, Hondas are thought to be durable.
Can I Customize My Honda Triangle?
Yes, Honda Triangle enables you to customize and deck it out with accessories and performance upgrades of your choice.
Where Can I Find Authorized Honda Triangle Dealerships?
Look for officially licensed Honda Triangle sales locations on honda.com or via toll free Honda customer service for the address of the nearest location.
Conclusion
You can miss this wonder and think only of it as a Honda Civic, but the triangle shaped warning on your dashboard (with that exclamation point in it!) suggests it’s a pretty big deal.
Under most circumstances, the rudimentary version of anti lock braking on your Honda has to work. It’s part of the system that keeps your car stable and safe, and it is called Vehicle Stability Assist, or VSA.
Whether you are able to fix the issue yourself (maybe it’s just a low tire) or need professional diagnostics, none of us want to be driving down the road or highway in a mad Civic Careen, courtesy of VSA fail.