Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is the modern safety feature of cars to enhance stability and control during driving. But many car owners have felt their car jerking while speeding up, and the VSA light comes on. It refers to something not going well with the car. Consider why VSA light car jerks when accelerating if your vehicle has this issue.
The jerking with VSA light can happen due to several reasons. Some of them are defective sensors, faulty wiring, malfunctioning ABS, damaged VSA and hydraulic modulators, and blown fuses. Again, car jerking may appear for problems with the engine, transmission, and systems like fuel, ignition, and exhaust.
You can learn about all these issues in detail by reading this comprehensive blog. I will discuss all possible factors causing car jerking and their relationship with VSA lights. So, I suggest you read the whole post to identify the reasons, solve them, and prevent them from keeping the car running smoothly.
VSA Light and Car Jerking Relationship
In most modern cars, you can find this safety feature as a light indicator on the dashboard. It controls the vehicle by monitoring several factors like wheel speed, steering angle, lateral G-forces, etc. Hence, its boosts driver confidence by enhancing control and stability during acceleration, cornering, and braking (source).
VSA works by using various sensors to monitor conditions. These sensors include:
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): It prevents the brakes from locking up during hard stops.
- TCS (Traction Control System): It prevents the wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces.
- EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution): It ensures even brake force dispersal between the front and rear wheels.
VSA intervenes to reduce the possibility of skidding, plowing, and other loss-of-traction events. Suppose the system senses that the car is slipping or losing control. It adjusts the engine power output, brakes, and other components in that case. Through this process, VSA restores the driver’s intended path.
If the VSA light comes on and stays illuminated, it indicates a problem with the VSA system (source). Again, car jerking issues are related to the VSA light coming on when the VSA malfunctions. For instance, it indicates that the car is losing power, jerking, or stuttering since it fails to manage the traction and stability control.
Common Reasons for VSA Light Coming ON and Car Jerking While Accelerating
Some reasons are there why VSA light car jerks when accelerating. In this part, I will discuss them thoroughly.
Engine Issues
Several engine-related issues can cause your car to jerk when accelerating.
- Clogged air filter: Did you check the air filter? If it gets clogged or becomes dirty, it can restrict regular airflow to the engine. It forces the engine to work harder and potentially jerk when accelerating.
- Damaged spark plugs and ignition coils: Worn or damaged spark plugs can restrict the energy supply to the engine. For this, you may feel jerking when you hit the gas pedal. Besides, the engine may misfire, hesitate, or even stall.
- Vacuum leaks: A vacuum leak occurs when unwanted, unmetered air enters the engine. It causes poor engine performance and rough idling. So, you will experience shaking when accelerating.
- Overheating engine: The engine overheats due to a low coolant level, a malfunctioning thermostat, a damaged water pump, a clogged radiator, or a broken belt. Likewise, VSA light may indicate this problem too.
Transmission Problems
Like engine issues, problems with existing transmissions may also cause car jerking.
- Low transmission fluid: Insufficient transmission fluid can cause gears to slip. It creates a jerking sensation while driving, especially when shifting gears (source).
- Worn transmission components: In manual transmissions, worn clutch components like the clutch disk, pressure plate, or release bearing can cause jerking when shifting gears. In automatic transmissions, a slipping clutch can lead to similar symptoms.
- Transmission control module issues: The transmission control module (TCM) controls the transmission’s shifting. A malfunctioning TCM can cause jerking or hesitation during gear shifts. Other symptoms of a faulty TCM include erratic shifting and the check engine light turning on.
- Dirty or contaminated transmission fluid: Contaminated fluid can cause transmission problems. You may experience slipping gears, hard shifting, and reduced fuel economy.
Electrical Problems
When the VSA light turns on and the car jerks when you accelerate, then the situation may refer to some electrical problems. Some of these problems are:
- Faulty sensors and wiring: Modern cars rely on various sensors to monitor everything in a vehicle. If these sensors fail or the wiring connecting it to the car’s computer is damaged, it can cause many problems. The check engine light may come on, the vehicle may run poorly, and fuel economy may suffer.
- Malfunctioning ABS: Anti-lock brakes keep drivers in control during sudden stops. If the ABS malfunctions, the VSA system may not work correctly. As a result, you will get jerky acceleration, and the VSA light turning on.
- Damaged VSA modulator: A damaged VSA modulator can cause the system to malfunction. Therefore, you may fail to control the vehicle properly.
- Faulty wheel speed sensors: These sensors determine the speed of each wheel. Also, they transmit that information to the VSA module. If one or more of these sensors is faulty, the VSA system may not work correctly. It will cause a loss of control during acceleration.
- Damaged brake lines: Brake lines carry brake fluid to the brake calipers. It applies pressure to the brake rotors to slow or stop the vehicle. If these lines become damaged or corrupted, they can leak fluid, reducing the brakes’ effectiveness. In extreme cases, a brake line can burst, causing a sudden loss of braking power.
- Damaged brake pedal position sensor: This sensor detects the brake pedal’s position and sends that information to the VSA system. If this sensor is damaged or faulty, it may cause issues with the VSA system’s ability to apply brakes to individual wheels during acceleration.
- Blown fuses and relays: Fuses protect sensitive electrical components from damage by power surges or shorts. When a fuse blows, or a relay fails, it can cause anything from a single system to the entire car to stop working. In some cases, a blown fuse may indicate a deeper electrical problem that needs to be addressed.
Fuel System Problems
Several fuel system-related issues can cause your car to jerk when accelerating. Some common reasons include:
- Clogged fuel filter: A clogged fuel filter restricts fuel flow to the engine. It decreases the performance and causes jerking during acceleration (source).
- Dirty fuel injectors: Dirty or clogged fuel injectors can cause engine misfires, rough idling, and jerking during acceleration.
- Faulty fuel pump: A malfunctioning fuel pump may deliver insufficient fuel to the engine. It will make you feel car-jerking and stalling.
Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Car Jerking and VSA Light Problems
You can follow these steps to diagnose and troubleshoot car jerking issues and VSA light problems:
Steps to diagnose car jerking issues:
- Inspect any warning lights on the dashboard, like the Check Engine Light or VSA light.
- Use an OBD2 scanner to read any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle’s computer.
- Based on the DTCs, identify the potential causes of the jerking issue (e.g., ignition system, exhaust system, or VSA system).
- Perform visual inspections and tests on the suspected components to confirm the issue.
Identifying VSA light problems:
- Check if the VSA light is illuminated on the dashboard.
- Use an OBD2 scanner to read any DTCs related to the VSA system.
- Identify the specific components or sensors within the VSA system that may malfunction based on the DTCs.
- Visually inspect and test the suspected components to confirm the issue.
When to call an expert:
- If you are unable to diagnose the issue using the steps above.
- If you lack the necessary tools or expertise to perform the required tests and repairs.
- If the problem persists after attempting to fix it yourself.
How to Preventive VSA Light Car Jerks When Accelerating
Regular maintenance can prevent car jerking issues and VSA light problems. You may focus on these key areas:
- Regular engine maintenance: It refers to changing the engine oil, replacing air filters, and keeping an eye on the cooling system. You can keep the engine tiptop by performing regular tune-ups (like replacing spark plugs and inspecting ignition coils).
- Transmission maintenance: Regularly check the transmission fluid level and change it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Also, inspect the transmission for leaks and address any issues promptly.
- Fuel system maintenance: Replace fuel and air filters per the recommended schedule. Additionally, consider cleaning fuel injectors every 30,000 miles to ensure optimal fuel delivery.
- Ignition system maintenance: Consistently inspect the ignition systems components, like spark plugs, ignition coils, and wires. You should replace any worn or damaged components as needed.
- Exhaust system maintenance: Examine the exhaust system for leaks, corrosion, or damage often. Also, pay special attention to the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. Issues with these components can cause car jerking and VSA light problems.
Conclusion
So, what do you know now about the reasons for VSA light car jerks when accelerating? I hope you have learned a lot regarding this. From the beginning, I have described the functions of VSA light. Then, I have also discussed the relationship between car jerking and VSA light.
You have learned all the reasons that make a car jerk when accelerating while the VSA light turns on simultaneously. Be aware of these reasons to avoid car jerking and keep the VSA light ready to turn on when needed.
Try to maintain your car and its components regularly to avoid the problems mentioned in this blog. Thank you for your query and for spending precious time here.
Happy Driving!
