Traction Control
The Civic Type R FK8 comes with a fairly decent stability assistance and traction control computer.
Modes
There are four distinct modes that the stability computer can be in.
On
This is the default mode for VSA. No lights should be displayed on the cluster. Primarily helps control wheel spin by closing the throttle plate whenever the ABS sensors detect a deviation between the front and rear wheels. Need to better document this.
Street
Also known as 'partially off'. Hold the VSA button for two seconds in any drive mode. The VSA light should appear.
Despite the cluster saying VSA is off, it's not actually completely off. This mode greatly reduces the VSA computer's actions in regards to wheel spin, but it will still attempt to keep you in a fairly straight line. This is a good medium for when you want a bit of wheel slip but still want to be safe on the roads, or you need to get out of some snow/sand. Very few drivers will be held back by this mode.
Track
Also known as 'fully off'. Hold the VSA button for ten seconds in +R mode. A separate 'VSA OFF' light should appear.
The cluster will now say that VSA is FULLY off. In this mode, the stability computer will make no attempt to keep you from actually losing control. It will let the back get loose and will not interfere with the engine output whatsoever.
However, the VSA computer is still on and helping you get through corners at high (80+ mph) speeds by applying very slight pressure through the ABS system. This system cannot be turned off individually except by doing the pedal dance.
Dyno
Also known as 'maintenance mode'. Start with the parking brake engaged, ignition on, but engine off.
- Foot brake on, parking brake off, short-cycle vsa.
- Parking brake on, foot brake off, short-cycle vsa.
- Foot brake on, short-cycle vsa.
To cycle VSA, hold the VSA button for two seconds until the VSA light turns on, and again until it turns off. The 'VSA OFF' light should be blinking after this and you should now be forced into sport mode. If it isn't blinking, you did something wrong.
In this mode, the VSA computer is entirely off and is no longer performing self-checks. This is vital for the dyno where the wheel speeds and G sensors will not represent real world conditions. This mode should always be used on the dyno and rarely on the track.
