What does "VSA Off" and "VSA Fully Off" Actually Do?

idragmazda

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Hey guys - as the question states, does anyone know definitively what turning VSA off does (not the pedal dance, I'm talking about the long press of the VSA off button)? I can't seem to find an answer on these forums or Google for that matter.

People talk lots about turning it off, turning it off fully, the "pedal dance", etc., but I still am not sure exactly what turning VSA off does.

I have been driving around in +R mode, tuned w/ FBO, and "VSA fully off" (long button hold) and it seems like the car accelerates a bit quicker from a stop but I've only been able to kick out the rear once in a very tight, low-speed turn (almost a small roundabout).

Thanks!
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Hey guys - as the question states, does anyone know definitively what turning VSA off does (not the pedal dance, I'm talking about the long press of the VSA off button)? I can't seem to find an answer on these forums or Google for that matter.

People talk lots about turning it off, turning it off fully, the "pedal dance", etc., but I still am not sure exactly what turning VSA off does.

I have been driving around in +R mode, tuned w/ FBO, and "VSA fully off" (long button hold) and it seems like the car accelerates a bit quicker from a stop but I've only been able to kick out the rear once in a very tight, low-speed turn (almost a small roundabout).

Thanks!
Your question is answered literally like 5 threads down on this forum.

https://www.civicx.com/threads/dyno...edure-and-avoiding-chassis-safety-mode.30598/



1. Fully enabled. On by default. VSA, TCS, and corner assist enabled. Normal driving.

2. Partially disabled. Performed by holding VSA button for two seconds in any mode. Resets by pressing again. VSA and TCS partially enabled, corner assist still enabled. Generally used for snow.

3. 'Fully' disabled. Performed by holding VSA button for ten seconds, only in R mode. Resets by pressing again or moving to a different mode. VSA and TCS fully disabled, but corner assist still enabled. Generally used for tracking. Generally assumed to be the lowest level of stability assist.

4. Diagnostic. Performed via pedal dance. Some say it doesnt reset to normal by pressing VSA but in my experience it does. VSA, TCS and corner assist all disabled and chassis safety mode will not be tripped by crazy chassis sensor data (i.e. dynoing). Everything that actively applies or changes forces to the car (other than the powertrain, your own braking, your own steering, and the parking brake) is now disabled and won't try learning or reading sensors. Car forced into sport mode. Only should be used for dynoing since it disables corner assist and R mode. This is also effectively the level you end up in during chassis safety mode, but you can't get out of it at that point. Actually the lowest level of stability assist - stability assist components are literally offline now.
 
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idragmazda

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Your question is answered literally like 5 threads down on this forum.

https://www.civicx.com/threads/dyno...edure-and-avoiding-chassis-safety-mode.30598/



1. Fully enabled. On by default. VSA, TCS, and corner assist enabled. Normal driving.

2. Partially disabled. Performed by holding VSA button for two seconds in any mode. Resets by pressing again. VSA and TCS partially enabled, corner assist still enabled. Generally used for snow.

3. 'Fully' disabled. Performed by holding VSA button for ten seconds, only in R mode. Resets by pressing again or moving to a different mode. VSA and TCS fully disabled, but corner assist still enabled. Generally used for tracking. Generally assumed to be the lowest level of stability assist.

4. Diagnostic. Performed via pedal dance. Some say it doesnt reset to normal by pressing VSA but in my experience it does. VSA, TCS and corner assist all disabled and chassis safety mode will not be tripped by crazy chassis sensor data (i.e. dynoing). Everything that actively applies or changes forces to the car (other than the powertrain, your own braking, your own steering, and the parking brake) is now disabled and won't try learning or reading sensors. Car forced into sport mode. Only should be used for dynoing since it disables corner assist and R mode. This is also effectively the level you end up in during chassis safety mode, but you can't get out of it at that point. Actually the lowest level of stability assist - stability assist components are literally offline now.
Thanks for the response; I saw that. Unfortunately all it really says is "generally used for tracking and lowest level of stability assist"

I want to know specifically what it will do. Will it allow more slip to launch quicker from a stop? Will it induce oversteer easier? Will it cause understeer easier? Can you "Scandinavian flick" easier, Etc.
 

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Your question is answered literally like 5 threads down on this forum.

https://www.civicx.com/threads/dyno...edure-and-avoiding-chassis-safety-mode.30598/



1. Fully enabled. On by default. VSA, TCS, and corner assist enabled. Normal driving.

2. Partially disabled. Performed by holding VSA button for two seconds in any mode. Resets by pressing again. VSA and TCS partially enabled, corner assist still enabled. Generally used for snow.

3. 'Fully' disabled. Performed by holding VSA button for ten seconds, only in R mode. Resets by pressing again or moving to a different mode. VSA and TCS fully disabled, but corner assist still enabled. Generally used for tracking. Generally assumed to be the lowest level of stability assist.

4. Diagnostic. Performed via pedal dance. Some say it doesnt reset to normal by pressing VSA but in my experience it does. VSA, TCS and corner assist all disabled and chassis safety mode will not be tripped by crazy chassis sensor data (i.e. dynoing). Everything that actively applies or changes forces to the car (other than the powertrain, your own braking, your own steering, and the parking brake) is now disabled and won't try learning or reading sensors. Car forced into sport mode. Only should be used for dynoing since it disables corner assist and R mode. This is also effectively the level you end up in during chassis safety mode, but you can't get out of it at that point. Actually the lowest level of stability assist - stability assist components are literally offline now.
I am not convincxed that mode "3" "...but corner assist still enabled" is correct.

I did one TD before my recent 4 days on the Nurburgring and for the 1st TD I left everything turned on and at the end of the day I have 1mm left on the rear pads and 40% left on the front. I did all 4 days at the 'ring with mode 3 engaged and OK, 2 of those days were wet and 2 were hot and dry but I still have 60% of my rears pads left.


Not a totally fair comparison admittedly as it was 2 different circuits but the 4 to 1 ratio with 60% left says to me that the “rear steering” was not functioning.
 

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Thanks for the response; I saw that. Unfortunately all it really says is "generally used for tracking and lowest level of stability assist"

I want to know specifically what it will do. Will it allow more slip to launch quicker from a stop? Will it induce oversteer easier? Will it cause understeer easier? Can you "Scandinavian flick" easier, Etc.
You’re going to need a Honda engineer to get the detail it sounds like you want. It will not let you launch quicker, the system will not induce oversteer either.

The cornering system uses the brake system to help keep the car neutral and cornering at its best. It can apply brakes at the correct time to help turn in, reduce oversteer and understeer(not so effective at this one). Exactly how it’s calculating that I have no idea but it definitely works.
 


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idragmazda

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You’re going to need a Honda engineer to get the detail it sounds like you want. It will not let you launch quicker, the system will not induce oversteer either.

The cornering system uses the brake system to help keep the car neutral and cornering at its best. It can apply brakes at the correct time to help turn in, reduce oversteer and understeer(not so effective at this one). Exactly how it’s calculating that I have no idea but it definitely works.
So when I hear people say it is "more fun" or "different" to drive the car with VSA off, I'm assuming they mean they can get it to kick around sideways a bit more? That's basically what I want to know. Why is "VSA Off" more fun?
 

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So when I hear people say it is "more fun" or "different" to drive the car with VSA off, I'm assuming they mean they can get it to kick around sideways a bit more? That's basically what I want to know. Why is "VSA Off" more fun?
No idea, most people are dumb and have no idea what they’re talking about though.

Tracking the car I’ve always kept it neat and tidy so can’t speak to getting it moving around much. Did an autocross where I got the back end out really easily and it definitely comes around with VSA held off for 10 seconds.

Unless you’re trying to do something stupid this car is very hard to get out of line versus the other cars I’ve tracked. You’d really have to mess up
 

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So when I hear people say it is "more fun" or "different" to drive the car with VSA off, I'm assuming they mean they can get it to kick around sideways a bit more? That's basically what I want to know. Why is "VSA Off" more fun?
having traction control and vsa off would allow more slip. Depending on the amount of slip you have but it may be faster because the vsa isn't cutting out the throttle.

This car can also oversteer in stock set up. All turning off the vsa /tcs does is stop the cars electronics from interfering and trying to correct itself so you can do the correction yourself. Leads to a more predictable car control if you are experienced enough.
 

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Your question is answered literally like 5 threads down on this forum.

https://www.civicx.com/threads/dyno...edure-and-avoiding-chassis-safety-mode.30598/



1. Fully enabled. On by default. VSA, TCS, and corner assist enabled. Normal driving.

2. Partially disabled. Performed by holding VSA button for two seconds in any mode. Resets by pressing again. VSA and TCS partially enabled, corner assist still enabled. Generally used for snow.

3. 'Fully' disabled. Performed by holding VSA button for ten seconds, only in R mode. Resets by pressing again or moving to a different mode. VSA and TCS fully disabled, but corner assist still enabled. Generally used for tracking. Generally assumed to be the lowest level of stability assist.

4. Diagnostic. Performed via pedal dance. Some say it doesnt reset to normal by pressing VSA but in my experience it does. VSA, TCS and corner assist all disabled and chassis safety mode will not be tripped by crazy chassis sensor data (i.e. dynoing). Everything that actively applies or changes forces to the car (other than the powertrain, your own braking, your own steering, and the parking brake) is now disabled and won't try learning or reading sensors. Car forced into sport mode. Only should be used for dynoing since it disables corner assist and R mode. This is also effectively the level you end up in during chassis safety mode, but you can't get out of it at that point. Actually the lowest level of stability assist - stability assist components are literally offline now.
Great clear answer for everyone. Nice job.
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