What to Do When Car Says “ASC System Service Required”?

Cargroot is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The “ASC system service required warning can be a real headache for car owners, as it’s not only confusing but also indicates a range of problems with your vehicle’s stability, traction, ABS, or 4WD systems. Sometimes, it may also mean that all these systems are disabled.

To mitigate the issue, you first need to know about the exact symptoms, causes, and available solutions for this warning message. This way, you can have a better understanding of the problem and determine what to do next.

So, whether you’re someone struggling with the same problem or just a car enthusiast, make sure you read on to stay informed about your vehicle’s health.

ASC System Service Required – What Does It Actually Mean?

While driving your car, you may notice a warning light appear on your dashboard indicating the message “ASC System Service Required.” Abbreviated as ASC, Active Stability Control is a system that works to improve the stability and handling of your vehicle.

The system works by monitoring the various sensors available in your car, such as the steering angle, speed of the wheels, the yaw rate, and more. When it detects that the car is losing control, the system automatically applies brakes to one or more wheels.

It may also reduce the engine power to get the vehicle back under your control. Talking about the reason for this issue, there can be a number of things that may cause the “ASC System Service Required” warning to appear on your dashboard, such as:

• Malfunctioning ABS Sensor: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is subtly linked to the ASC system, which means if either of the ABS sensors is not working properly, the ASC system may start malfunctioning too.
• Blown Fuse – In case a fuse related to the ASC system has blown, the system may stop working entirely
• Defective Steering Angle Sensor – The ASC System uses the steering angle sensor to determine in which direction the wheels are pointing. If this sensor isn’t working correctly, the ASC system may malfunction

If you ever see the ASC System service required warning message on your dashboard, it is important to address the issue as early as possible. In case you choose to continue driving the car, its stability and handling may be hindered to a great extent.

What Are the Functions of An ASC System?

The ASC System involves several different functions, including:

Stability Control

This function helps your vehicle to prevent spinning out of control in the event of sudden maneuvers such as sudden braking or quick turns. The function uses a combination of braking technology and sensors to respond to any kind of potential skids while helping to keep the vehicle stable and on the road.

Traction Control

This function helps with the vehicle’s grip on the road by regulating the amount of power that is delivered to the wheels. The function can sense when your wheel is slipping and reduce the power automatically to prevent it from slipping further. Overall, it greatly helps with your vehicle’s handling.

Anti-lock Braking System 

The ABS function is required to prevent the wheels from suddenly locking up during braking. This way, it prevents the risk of skidding and improves the overall braking performance of your vehicle.

Each of these functions work together to offer a more stable and secure driving experience. Keep in mind that if ASC System Service Required error appears on your dashboard, it is an indication that one or more of these functions are not working as intended.

Causes of ASC System Service Required Warning

This warning can be triggered by a variety of different causes, some of which are more common than others, such as:

• Electrical short: A short circuit within the car’s electrical system can cause the ASC system to malfunction and trigger the “service required” warning.
• Faulty steering wheel angle sensor: This sensor is responsible for providing the car’s computer with information on the steering wheel’s position. If it is not functioning properly, the ASC system will not work correctly.
• Faulty brake light button: The brake light button is responsible for sending a signal to the car’s computer when the brake pedal is pressed. A malfunctioning button can cause the ASC system to trigger the “service required” warning.
• Blown fuse: Fuses protect the car’s electrical components from damage due to power surges. A blown fuse can cause the ASC system to malfunction and trigger the “service required” warning. Check the brake, ETACS, and ABS fuses.
• Defective ABS wheel speed sensors: These sensors are responsible for providing the car’s computer with information on the speed of the wheels. If they are not functioning properly, the ASC system will not work correctly.
• Misaligned suspension: An improper alignment of the car’s suspension can cause the ASC system to malfunction and trigger the “service required” warning.
• Defective ETACS brake control module: The ETACS brake control module is responsible for controlling the brake system. A malfunctioning module can cause the ASC system to trigger the “service required” warning.

If you are experiencing the ASC system service required warning, it is important to have your car inspected by a professional to determine the cause of the problem. Once the cause has been determined, the appropriate repairs can be made to get your car back on the road.

What Are the Symptoms of a Malfunctioning ASC System?

A malfunctioning ASC system can present a variety of symptoms that can affect the overall performance and safety of your vehicle. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Non-Working ABS System: One of the most common symptoms of a malfunctioning ASC system is a loss of ABS function. The ASC system is closely tied to the ABS system, and if one is not working properly, it can affect the other. A loss of ABS can lead to reduced braking power, increased stress on the brake pedal, and an increased risk of hydroplaning and loss of traction.
• Traction Light Permanently On: Some vehicles have a TCS (traction control system) switch that allows you to manage the traction properties of the vehicle. If this light stays on, it could indicate a problem with the ASC system.
• Wheels Breaking Traction: Another common symptom of a malfunctioning ASC system is wheels breaking traction. This can happen when the system is not able to properly control the traction of the wheels, leading to a loss of control and stability on the road.

How Can You Fix ASC System Service Required Warning?

To fix the problem, you can try the following steps:

• Check the fuses and replace any blown fuses
• Inspect the ABS wheel speed sensors and replace if faulty
• Replace the brake light switch if it is malfunctioning
• Replace the steering angle sensor if it is faulty
• Check the suspension and realign if necessary
• Replace the ABS pump if it is damaged
• Have the onboard computer checked and reprogrammed if needed

It’s important to note that these are general steps and the actual solution may vary depending on the specific make and model of your vehicle. It’s always best to consult with a professional mechanic to properly diagnose and fix the issue.

Can You Drive with The ASC System Service Required Warning?

When the ASC System service required warning light appears on your dashboard, it’s important to take it seriously. This warning indicates that there is a problem with the vehicle’s stability, traction, ABS, or 4WD systems.

Driving with this warning light can be a dangerous situation, as the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) may not function properly in case of an emergency stop. This means that the vehicle may not be able to withstand heavy braking, increasing the risk of an accident.

It’s important to note that the brakes will still work, but the lack of ABS can make stopping the vehicle more difficult and unpredictable. Therefore, you should consider getting it fixed as soon as possible to ensure a safe and smooth driving experience.

How To Reset the ASC Warning Light?

To reset the ASC warning light on your vehicle, you’ll need an OBDII ABS Scanner. Once you have one, follow the steps given below:

• First, plug in your ABS scanner in the OBDII port located under your vehicle’s dashboard
• Then, turn the ignition on but don’t start the engine yet
• Turn on the scanner and choose your vehicle’s make and model from the main menu
• Then, choose the Anti-lock Brake System option
• Head to either Read Codes or Read DTCs, depending on the scanner you’re using
• You’ll see a diagnostic trouble code that describes the issue in detail. Here, you have to fix all the codes with the status marked as current or present

Following the steps given above should help you get rid of the issue in no time.

Bottom Line

The ASC system plays a vital role in maintaining the stability, traction, and overall performance of your vehicle. If you notice the warning light on your dashboard, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible.

Read More

1. How to Fix TPMS Error Nissan Altima?
2. What Does ”Full Accessory Power Active” Mean?
3. Service Brake Assist Chevy Impala (What does it Mean?)
4. [Fixed] Red Car With Key Symbol on Dashboard Nissan
5. [Solved] Low Washer Fluid Light Won’t Turn Off
6. What Does Check Emission System Mean? And How to Reset It?
7. What Does a Triangle With Exclamation Point on Dashboard Mean?