Variable Cylinder Management
Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) is Honda's term for its variable displacement technology, which saves fuel by using the i-VTEC system to disable one bank of cylinders during specific driving conditions—for example, highway driving. The 2008–12 Accords took this a step further, allowing the engine to go from 6 cylinders, down to 4, and further down to 3 as the computer sees fit.
Unlike the pushrod systems used by DaimlerChrysler's Multi-Displacement System and General Motors' Active Fuel Management, Honda's VCM uses overhead cams. A solenoid unlocks the cam followers on one bank from their respective rockers, so the cam follower floats freely while the valve springs keep the valves closed. The engine's drive by wire throttle allows the engine management computer to smooth out the engine's power delivery, making the system nearly imperceptible on some vehicles. When the VCM system disables cylinders, an "ECO" indicator lights on the dashboard, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) pumps an opposite-phase sound through the audio speakers to reduce cabin noise, and Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) systems reduce vibration.
Owners of vehicles equipped with VCM frequently face vibration problems due to engine motor mount malfunction while ECO mode is enabled.[1] Instead of replacing motor mounts, owners often override the VCM with a bypass mechanism, such as an in-line resistor based temperature override module. This causes the vehicle computer to disable VCM under normal driving conditions.
Vehicles equipped with VCM
- 2003 Honda Inspire
- 2004+ Honda Elysion V6
- 2005–2007 Honda Accord Hybrid (JNA1)
- 2005+ Honda Odyssey (USDM) EX-L and Touring Models only (J35)
- 2006–2008 Honda Pilot 2WD Models only (J35)
- 2008–2009 Honda Accord except EX-L V6 6MT Coupe
- 2010–2012 Honda Accord V6 (except EX-L V6 6MT Coupe)
- 2013+ Honda Accord V6 (except EX-L V6 6MT Coupe)
- 2009+ Honda Pilot (all models)
- 2013 Honda Accord V6 (except 6MT coupe) *VCM operation is 3- or 6-cylinder mode, no longer 3, 4, 6-cylinder operation.[2]
- 2011–2016 Honda Odyssey (USDM) V6
- 2013 Acura RDX V6
- 2013 Acura RLX *3 or 6 cylinder mode
- 2014 Acura MDX *3 or 6 cylinder mode
- 2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid *3 or 6 cylinder mode
- 2016 Acura TLX V6
- 2017 Honda Ridgeline
See also
References
- ↑ "Vibration on ECO mode". www.odyclub.com. Retrieved 2018-04-12.
- ↑ http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1091517