Why I hate Honda & Acura VCM

Рет қаралды 24,370

Күн бұрын

Honda, Acura, and many other carmakers use cylinder deactivation as way to save fuel economy. Many people claim the fuel economy savings are negligible and the engine and other components may suffer from additional wear and tear.
Honda has been equipping VCM or variable cylinder management on their V6 engines for a while now. In the case of my Acura TLX, whenever the VCM activated the car would experience shaking that could be felt through the whole car. Passing power is reduced and the overall smoothness of the car was impacted.
There are a few VCM disabling devices on the market now including vcmuzzler, s-vcm, and vcmtuner. In this video I show how to install the vcmtuner and review the results.
I recommend this as a good DIY project if you have some basic wrenching and electrical skills. All DIY repairs or modifications you perform to your car are made at your own risk. I assume no liability for anything you choose to do to your car, before, or after watching one of my videos.
0:00 Overview
5:11 Installation
7:25 Road Test & Thoughts

Пікірлер: 104

@Dappersworth 3 жыл бұрын

The cylinders are disabled by disabling their valves. This creates a vacuum inside the cylinder, sucking oil into the cylinder, and burning off the oil when the cylinder is reactivated. This is a major flaw with this method of cylinder disabling.

@TomCreasy 2 жыл бұрын

This is why I got the 6 speed manual accord.... it has the J35z3 (same V6 motor, minus VCM).

@frankramirez86 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. I went SVCM-CONTROLLER so far very good I could noticed the differences

@HarpreetSingh-cz2zh 2 жыл бұрын

This is very understanding. Im learning a lot from your videos. Have some questions but will post later.

@ganzonomy 3 жыл бұрын

I put in a VCMmuzzler about 2 years ago. Transformed the car and made it drive so much more smoothly.

@MrSamPhoenix 2 жыл бұрын

Did your fuel economy get worse?

@ganzonomy 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrSamPhoenix no. Stayed roughly the same within 1mpg, and the transmission jerkiness was gone

@MrSamPhoenix 2 жыл бұрын

@@ganzonomy fantastic

@oddlysatisfyingstation6696 Жыл бұрын

This might sound stupid but It worked for me… I had the same issue in my 2011 odyssey after I drove 100,000 miles…. One day I was like u know what let’s change transmission fluid and o boy it fixed the VCM problem I don’t know how but It sure did now I change my transmission fluid every 10000 miles….

@rahiljiwani1032 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and explanation! I experience the shaking in my car too I'm thinking of ordering one from svcm to install on my J series v6 Crosstour but im worried about the cooling too but they had a chart on it that I don't understand that maybe you might... It was a little hard to hear you over the music also.

@TheTruthSeeker756 Жыл бұрын

You said it still went into eco mode when you had this installed? What does it do? Or it doesn’t do anything now that you have the gizmo installed?

@Davis.Official 3 жыл бұрын

I have a 2010 Honda Accord V6 I feel like it has an off switch for the vcm in it but I am curious if I should use this product my car been burning oil and I am pretty upset because I just purchased this car last year

@miketursky1410 3 жыл бұрын

So where did the temp needle end up when fully warmed?

@andyl9920 8 ай бұрын

My temp gauge goes up really slow too. Now i have a cel. Im going to take out the muzzler and see if it turns off the cel. Might need to get a more expensive vcm muzzler 😢 do u get cel?

@jimwuerl7380 2 ай бұрын

SVCM is the way to go! No worries about changing resistors when the outside temp changes! Everything automatic now. Forget about this one shown in the video get the S-VCM to avoid this unnecessary changing of the resistors.

@jaxripper251 2 жыл бұрын

What model? I have the 2016 v6 and no issues no vibration nothing feels smooth asf

@timothyhigginson9804 3 жыл бұрын

We own a 2014 Honda Odyssey with AVCM. it runs as smooth as ever. We cannot tell when it is engaged. When we drive on the freeway at 65 mph, we can get literally over 35 mpg. Again, we really do not notice the change in smooth running with eco mode.

@danjoe22 2 жыл бұрын

given the year of your vehicle you probably have the vcm version that disables only two cylinders instead of sometimes 3. I have read this system is better than the version of vcm that shuts down 3 cylinders at times. I was not as lucky with my 2010 honda Accord. I experienced spark plug misfiring due to oil infiltration into the cylinders but no other problems. I installed the vcm muzzler two years ago and all problems are now solved. Glad to hear you got one of the good ones!

@ahmedaliraqi9431 3 жыл бұрын

How i can get one ? Can u let you know please

@mtareen 3 жыл бұрын

I just bought 2020 Odyssey and I have had a couple of long drives and I did not feel any vibration or anything of that sort during the drive. Has Honda fixed these vibration issues in the new models?

@Eligaminglee 3 жыл бұрын

u haven't yet because your car has new engine mounts. when they fail you will feel the vibrations

@BoatsnHelicopters 3 жыл бұрын

I notice the VCM more in colder weather as well.

@Davis.Official 3 жыл бұрын

Viks I heard the vcm models burn oil ?? Know anything about this?

@glenderksen70 Жыл бұрын

I just purchased a 2008 Honda Accord v6, I’m finding when driving in slow traffic it’s jumpy when lightly excelerate, is this possibly the vcm issue?

@righteousfamily6474 Жыл бұрын

Yes that’s exactly what the vcm feels like

@Joeylucio22 2 жыл бұрын

Woah this was very informative thanks

@Sdotmed 3 жыл бұрын

Where’s the link to the product?

@samuelwh4775 3 жыл бұрын

I’m going to say this even tho I’m not sure what it is but I have a 2017 Honda Accord V6 touring sedan and it has a 6 speed auto, sometimes when I’m cruising at 80km/h-50mph the car stays in 5 gear for about 30 seconds and it has kind of like a drone sound because the car stays in 2,000/2,300 rpms until it finally shifts into 6th gear and the rpms drop to 1,400 rpms, the car is completely stock I don’t know if is something of the transmission programming or is that VCM that at 80km/h the car switch to 3 cylinder

@Yurboiisilly2 3 жыл бұрын

I have this same car. Do you notice the vibration in the steering wheel as well? Or when cruising at 65+mph? If so, then it’s definitely the VCM. I’m gonna order a disabler and see how it goes.

@travelingrailfan4634 3 жыл бұрын

If your letting off accelerator most of the way your cylinders are deactivated, and if at a higher RPM like that your more likely to feel that vibration

@michaellorenson2997 Жыл бұрын

Excellent, thanks

@my-max-media7621 2 жыл бұрын

I recently got a 2015 RDX w/ 72k. Pretty sure this has this BUT runs perfectly smooth.

@kristofferdelrosario1105 3 жыл бұрын

How is it performing now? Just ordered mine aswell

@viksvehicles 3 жыл бұрын

Still working great, I’m glad I bought it.

@UNIXSOLJASysadminSyndicate 3 жыл бұрын

Haven't noticed on my 2020 v6 Tlx cad model.

@robertneal6878 Жыл бұрын

Good info about the after effects of Honda’s ill conceived system to conserve fuel. Though this post lacked detailed info on installing the S- VCM disabler. Getting to the plug on the coolant hose is a pain in the @$$. Push on the connector release rather than pull on it (as I did, er tried). Park the vehicle and let it sit for an hour. Keep the key fob far away from the vehicle. At least 20 feet from what I read. The key fob may activate signals that send codes which could come up while installing the device. I heeded that fore mentioned advise and have had no issues so far. Remember, those fluid filled motor mounts are Expensive! Though not as much as a rebuilt engine would cost due to the adverse effects of the VCM.

@blurglide 3 жыл бұрын

My 2014 MDX just rolled over 100k, and the VCM is completely transparent. I have no idea when it's engaged.

@Yurboiisilly2 3 жыл бұрын

Pretty sure you used transparent wrong bro

@PsychoticSmith Жыл бұрын

I have a 2014 Honda Accord EX-L Sedan with a V6 and an automatic transmission. Does my car have VCM? I’m pretty sure it does but I wanted to double check with someone.

@caseybalvert3547 9 ай бұрын

Sure does.

@brentbeardsley655 9 ай бұрын

I have the exact same year, make and model Accord. I got the S-VCM and it works great. I'm averaging 25-27 mpg with full V6 power. Glad I read up on muzzler. My car only had 53,000 miles when I installed it. Dipstick is always right on the dot. Get one. Comes from Canada and arrived in 4 days.

@PsychoticSmith 9 ай бұрын

@@brentbeardsley655 I got the Advanced VCM Tuner and it immediately eliminated the issue. I’m so glad it worked because I was prepared to sell my car if didn’t. The car runs a thousand times better with it.

@alucardhellsing666 2 жыл бұрын

Does the vcm restrict HP and Torque?

@viksvehicles 2 жыл бұрын

Not really, it only turns on when you’re on part throttle at a steady speed. If you give it any acceleration it will go back into 6 cyl mode for full power. It’s the sound and vibrations that annoy me the most when VCM is active.

@solidust573 2 жыл бұрын

@@viksvehicles it's a vibrating, grumbling sound i know all too well. When I first purchased the car a few months ago i thought my AC compressor was going bad. I got tired of it & just installed S-VCM suppressor in my car last week - haven't seen the eco light since. It's almost like a completely different car. Honda should be ashamed of themselves.

@trueshinobi1058 3 жыл бұрын

I have just bought a Acura RDX 2018 with 97 km and the car has a lot of vibrations in the high way Idk why?

@Eligaminglee 3 жыл бұрын

u need new engine mounts. they are electronic and control the extreme vibration from cyl deactivation on the highway

@speedborb3324 6 ай бұрын

I actually kinda like the VCM in my Acura. The vibrations are annoying but I do a lot of road trips and the better MPGs are nice. I do keep a quart of oil on me in the car because I heard some horror stories of the VCM causing oil burn.

@richbrake9910 5 ай бұрын

Just realize you will have to replace the engine mounts more often because of vibrations...

@speedborb3324 5 ай бұрын

@@richbrake9910 that’s good to know. I’ve been told the same thing by a few other people so I will see how my new Acura does.

@zeta602 2 жыл бұрын

2022 mdx ...feel weird vibration low rpm

@friendofvinnie 11 ай бұрын

Definitely get a S VCM disable kit

@redlense4 Жыл бұрын

I have a 2015 Odyssey with VCM and 78k miles on it. I have never experienced any vibration issues at all. There is no acceleration delay either. Why are some experiencing this and others not?

@nosirragsg Жыл бұрын

We passed 120K miles (2014 Ody) and #3 plug started fouling from sludge build up on seizing the piston rings thus causing oil bypassing rings getting to the spark plug.. Honda recommended replacing piston rings $7K, basically whole motor rebuild. This is caused from the VCM over time continually bypassing this #3 cylinder. Just hope that when it happens to yours it still has a warranty. Honda is very aware of this and will first do a plug swap hoping it will get you past the warranty....

@redlense4 Жыл бұрын

@@nosirragsg Do you use fully synthetic oil?

@robertneal6878 Жыл бұрын

From what I heard and read, the problem is not noticeable until around 90k. Then again it may depend on how many times it was activated.

@MrSamPhoenix 2 жыл бұрын

I see how some people also have good luck with the VCM (Variable Cylinder Management). The trick is too make sure to change your oil earlier than what the computer tells you to (between 3,000 & 5,000 miles).

@jaxripper251 2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing I change it every 3500

@Lowersillox 2 жыл бұрын

Me too I don’t have problem at all with the vcm but I change like 3k - 3500 and I have like 170k miles

@americantopgunner5102 2 жыл бұрын

That gets expensive that’s ridiculous bought a 2011 Pilot and I noticed the oil level will go low about 3-4000 miles that ridiculous I never had any issues with my Toyota or Lexus I should’ve bought a sequoia or 4 runner. Is the pilot burning oil???

@valentine1782 Жыл бұрын

@@Lowersilloxdoesn't the disabler disable your cooling fan, too?

@Lowersillox Жыл бұрын

@@valentine1782 at that day I don’t have the s vcm disabler, but now I have it and I can tell you, svcm don’t disable the coling fan, I tested first idle like 30mins and they come up. I have months with that and I don’t have any problem

@poshpageboy8417 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah bro I think I need this on my j32a1! I have proof of vcm jus look under your valve covers

@rebinny Жыл бұрын

Drop the background music please

@kevinniles8781 3 жыл бұрын

I've never experienced the vibration but this explains why I almost got whacked when merging into fast moving traffic while in econ mode. I thought the accelerator was glitching cause the power difference was unsettling.

@daybyday767 3 жыл бұрын

Same thing happened to me smh

@reedhensley 3 жыл бұрын

See my only concern about this is the coolant temp. The computer changes how the car run when it is not warned up. Different fuel levels and what not. I dont like the fact that using that is fundamentally changing how the car should be running when it's up to operating temperature

@viksvehicles 3 жыл бұрын

I definitely understand that concern, I was on the fence about buying it but I haven’t noticed any ill effects since installing it, only a bunch of positives. My highway mpg has improved, there’s no annoying NVH when the cylinders used to shut off, and the passing power is always there now. If there are any bad side effects I haven’t really experienced them.

@reedhensley 3 жыл бұрын

@@viksvehicles I dont see how its possible for your highway mpg to improve when you are using all the cylinders

@TheRockacer22 3 жыл бұрын

@@reedhensley If you ride the gas in an attempt to hold constant speed this will improve your mileage on highways. The reason for this is that the 3 cylinder mode doesn't really maintain speed as well as it should so when you ride the pedal in attempt to maintain 60-70 mph, the 3 cylinders work overtime and use up more gasoline than if the 6 cylinders were working at a lower rpm. Basically its too inefficient at 3 cylinder mode to maintain cruising highway speed above 50 mph. It gets worse on interstate when you try to go 75-80, having the 3 cylinder mode kick in then and you will see once you let go of the pedal the speed drops way to too quick causing you to push on the pedal more and use up more gas.

@travelingrailfan4634 3 жыл бұрын

@@reedhensley when I’m 3 cylinder mode and u put down the pedal just a little it’s staying in 3 cylinder mode or 4 cylinder mode but those cylinders that are active are working harder than if u just had all 6 running. Engine has more continuous power, so therefor never is working as hard

@outlaw_jay914 3 жыл бұрын

I hate it also 😒 and i have the vcm muzzler thats a direct fit on the only thing is it engages sometimes when the engine temp gets higher

@viksvehicles 3 жыл бұрын

I didn’t want to fiddle with the different settings on some of the fixed systems where you have to swap out the resistor. So far mine is working well and I haven’t had to adjust anything, I haven’t detected the car shutting off any cylinders since I installed it :)

@righteousfamily6474 Жыл бұрын

I have the vcm tuner and the eco green light comes on sometimes times but I don’t feel the jerking anymore

@henrylee2964 2 жыл бұрын

Your video doesn't indicate the make of your vehicle.? I have a 2005 odyssey with VCM. Tried tuner and this stopped the premature oil burning and premature front engine mount failures. With Tuner gas GPM = 20 with VCM GPM=27. But the tuner stopped the engine oil burning. See Honda service teck bulletin 13-085. Honda lost a law suite and gave odyssey 8- year warranty for owners to bring in their vehicles to have the piston rings replaced due to premature oil burning. Notice odyssey doesn't use timing chain but a timing belt. This means higher maint4enance cost.

@dannybryant6873 8 ай бұрын

My 06 odyssey still works fine with no shake modes at 116k miles. Mobil 1 oil maintenance around 10 percent oil life.

@Dravianpn02 7 ай бұрын

Fuck that. Change your high milage car oil every 2 to 3 thousand miles. You're asking for trouble at your rate.

@zkjohn4470 2 жыл бұрын

I just find it out yesterday. I will put something to stop Vmc I just want to know why Honda put vmc and idle stop auto. In the car. That’s. SO STUPID

@davidderfus3462 2 жыл бұрын

The government has implemented gas mileage standards that have to be met by car companies. Now, your only choices are a turbo charged 4 cylinder, or a 6 Cylinder with some sort of Cylinder deactivation. Both have there advantages and disadvantages. Even some V8’s have cylinder deactivation.

@juantoledo4857 3 жыл бұрын

Just bought a 2010 odyssey ex-l with 107k miles on it. Drove it home on the highway but didn't notice anything when the eco light came on. I was aware of the vcm issues prior to purchase. I'm thinking about disabling it completely to give this van an extra 10 years of life for the family.

@stevenxu1366 3 жыл бұрын

I just bought my 2013 pilot with 110k miles. Can feel steering wheel and pedal vibration when eco light on. It’s minor feeling though was tires issue, but according to this guy’s description I’m sure it deprive from vcm deactivation.

@rant1200 Жыл бұрын

Good video,the music is a bit distracting.

@pilot2020 Жыл бұрын

I bought a 2020 pilot with 25k I have 33k now I had issues with my torque converter jumping at 2k rpm and kick down at low rpm slowing down making a whoosh sound at 2k rpm and a skip.i did a 3x drain and fill and oil changes I do at 40% always down 1 qrt Also had issues with heat at idle after trips fully warmed up heat at 75 degrees would blow cool air. I purchased s vcm and now after driving no more slipping or vibrations my heat at idle is working after honda said the heat issue was normal it wasn't .vcm was the issue and also doing oil changes at 40% after install I'm not down on oil anymore .engine no longer burns oil Vcm is the worst system disable it if you want to keep your engine .the car runs so smooth ,more power also .it's driving better then when I bought it

@midwestfarm757 8 ай бұрын

I have a '19 and you are going to find the 9 speed transmission is jerky.

@pilot2020 8 ай бұрын

@midwestfarm757 I have the 6spd it's very smooth after I did the 3x drain and fill transmission.

@gutadin5 3 жыл бұрын

according to Scotty Kilmer don't buy a Honda with Earth Dreams Technology engine, is this true? also he says avoid cars equipped with cvt transmissions, i know toyota and honda are reliable cars.

@juantoledo4857 3 жыл бұрын

The reason is because the vcm wears down the seals on the cams from all the constant vibrations caused by 2-3 cylinders not firing causing oil leaks and also creating negative vacuum within the cylinder itself causing oil to enter and being burnt once the cylinder fires up again, people run into low oil and then the cams and just about everything near or around the cams run dry. Just always be aware of oil levels and when the time comes, replace o rings and seals.

@oddlysatisfyingstation6696 Жыл бұрын

@danglenn7454 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I will take your advice And not buy one. Also beware of oil dilution(gasoline direct injection)with the earth dreams engines

@danglenn7454 3 жыл бұрын

See Scotty Kilmer

@jaxripper251 2 жыл бұрын

That's only for the 4 bangers V6 is not GDI

@makecodgreatagain6049 Жыл бұрын

Musuc way too high

@hugomontoya8239 2 жыл бұрын

Ever heard of KTuner? Lol

@pmheart6 11 ай бұрын

Honda odyssey, turning off vcm, i lose 4-6 mpg

@rodrogers6895 2 жыл бұрын

Please re-record without the music.

@rrt08 3 жыл бұрын

What’s with the loud background music

@mrc79 10 ай бұрын

wonder why it is - Acura enthusiast forums like MDXers and Acurazine, - no one complains about the VCM. It makes me wonder, is it truly refined in the Acura and just a problem in the Hondas? The Honda forums are filled with VCM complaints. Acura forums are devoid of them. Someone explain?

@crAZNimal 10 ай бұрын

vcm sucks and auto start stop sucks, why do consumers has to look for a device that disable it when they could have given the option straight from factory