2004 MDX VSA light comes on every other engine start

[BlackedOutMDX]

My MDX has had very few problems. However, recently the VSA light comes on randomly and it doesn't seem to be going away.

I can't think of any reason for this light to come on. Anyone ever experience this and what is the usual cause/remedy?

[Smeddy2]

My VSA light and the ! light comes on every time I start the car and start driving a few yards. It clears when I turn the car off. From what I understand, you are pretty much stuck trying to figure this out on your own. You almost HAVE to take it to a shop with an Acura diagnostic computer to check the codes in the VSA system. Acura dealer wanted $150 to diagnose...small acura specialty shop said $75. From the description in the manual, I'm still good to drive. It just disables the vehicle stability assist and drives like any older car would have.

[BlackedOutMDX]

thanks for your reply. after diagnosis, the dealer believed it was a bad brake switch. I told them to replace it. $130 later, the light is still on.

I took it back to the dealer. They were on the phone with their tech line trying to figure it out (not a good start). It is giving error code 68-1 and the dealer then recommended i replace the whole VSA modulator for $1850.

This isnt really an option right now monetarily speaking. Anyone have any ideas?

[dons04mdx]

This doesn't seem like a very common problem. Google found a few threads concerning TLs and this one on a Pilot: vsa problem PLEASE help - Honda Pilot - Honda Pilot Forums

The 68-1 seems directly related to "brake switch failure" so I'm guessing that's why it was the dealer's first attempt. Of course it didn't fix it so they should have put your original back in and not charged you, IMO.

How's the battery? Most of the threads I found said the 68-1 was accompanied by the 61-1 "battery voltage low" code as well.

[HTL Motorsports]

correct 68 code is concern Brake switch Input failure to Vsa unit..so if they reaplace it already and no input signal still ...Either the VSA brake light circuit input is burn or a loose connection at termimal of vsa unit.. Sub a known good vsa unit to verify..Best if you buy a used on on ebay for $100 and install it yourself..

[BlackedOutMDX]

thanks a lot for your replies. Last check 2 weeks ago showed good battery performance. I will keep an eye out for another VSA unit on ebay, although even completed listings yielded no results for it.

I am not confident that was the only error code as my service manager wasnt very happy with me and I had to pry that one out of him.

[kristoreie]

This doesn't seem like a very common problem.