Not at all an odyssey expert so likely missed that.
Is the 2016 ody an "earth dreams" v6?
Honda V6 VCM, again.
- Thread starter JeffKeryk
- Start date
Not at all an odyssey expert so likely missed that.
Is the 2016 ody an "earth dreams" v6?
I don't think Honda is the same Honda ever since they started putting in turbo. Their strength was always the higher rpm engine with way over build internals, like a 140 hp engine that would be fine running up to 8psi boost with stock internal, and up to 300hp if tuned well.
I think a lot of the "why don't they fix them" problem is emission testing after release and the credit they have to cough up if they detune them for durability in some corner cases. Extended warranty is likely the cheapest way out that still makes customers happy. My Toyota and Honda / Acura both had some of those and they cover some of the stuff up to 150K and 10 years. I mean, what more do you want from a warranty?
At the moment it almost seems like Mazda got lucky because they know they are the small guy who can't afford to be too aggressive so they just stay old school, and end up being the more proven design. I don't mind that, that's kind of what I want in a boring commuter anyways.
I think a lot of the "why don't they fix them" problem is emission testing after release and the credit they have to cough up if they detune them for durability in some corner cases. Extended warranty is likely the cheapest way out that still makes customers happy. My Toyota and Honda / Acura both had some of those and they cover some of the stuff up to 150K and 10 years. I mean, what more do you want from a warranty?
At the moment it almost seems like Mazda got lucky because they know they are the small guy who can't afford to be too aggressive so they just stay old school, and end up being the more proven design. I don't mind that, that's kind of what I want in a boring commuter anyways.
We’re talking about a NA V6 with cylinder deactivation; this engine design launched long before the 1.5T.
Because Honda doesn't care about their customers. No automaker does. People hate on GM with the AFM/DFM issues but Honda has the same problems and just like GM shoves their head in the sand given that most of the vehicles make it out of warranty.
The VCM Tuner II in my Pilot shows a bit differently than the S-VCM I had prior. They both hold a 165F from ECT1 which is below the threshold for VCM to engage. The VCM Tuner II is a larger "box" and has inertia/vibration sensors or something. When I sit at a traffic light now after like 30 seconds the ECT1 shows actual temperature until you step on the gas and move. S-VCM just stayed at 165F which was OK. I didn't get a picture of the higher temps. I only get the Pilot if it needs gas or on trips normally.
Some people have no VCM issues as they don't meet the parameters. It needs temperature, light throttle, and whatever else. If all around town then it won't engage. If heavier foot or versions on highway than it won't. When I didn't have S-VCM I found I could get VCM to engage more by very conservative driving more then even leaving it on cruise control.
Last edited:
Thanks.
So 2017 was the "earth dreams" year for the Ridgeline and Odyssey.
The front 3 are easy to reach, so often people stretch out the back ones.
Id guess the bad coils are VCM coils on the ugly plugs?
None of the cylinder deactivation schemes are without issues, and VCM 3 is an improvement over 2.
From what I understand VCM 3 eliminated the 4 cylinder mode and improved the timing of the transition to (or close to BDC) eliminate the vacuum that could pull oil past rings.
You may want to try running something ester based - Id bet those VCM slugs are filled with crud.
This is the chart from dashboard light. It matches everything I found anecdotally on owner forums also - that every early iteration of VCM 1, 2 and 3 all had issues early that seemed to improve over the years until the next iteration. Notice the spikes on the Pilot - for each early VCM iteration.
What Honda changed who knows. They tend to keep this sort of stuff to themselves.
https://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Honda_Pilot.html
I don't know about any bad coils, I just believe all 6 were replaced. Possible wallet flush.
I am pretty sure there has been zero DIY work done on this Oddy. All dealer or shop.
For a new Honduh owner where do I get educated on VCM?
Is Piloteers the best resource or is there a good FAQ or Wiki or something?
That'd be safe.
Just took mine out at 101 and they were beautiful - should have taken picts but I was preoccupied with the being under the valve covers.
I was on the hunt for oil fouling like Jeffs pict but didnt see it.
As it was I was over on time but under on miles to get the belt notification - but decided to do the belt at 8.5 years. I expect I'll get the belt notice from the MM at the end of this OCI.
If you perform a service before the subcode appears, you are supposed to reset the service item. On older models this requires a scan tool; on newer models it can be done via the dash or radio.
I was just going to clear it out when it arrived - no doubt at the end of this OCI It'll pop.
Since the 2017 MM doesn't actually track time, but only miles, this part of it is off the factory spec by a year and half already, but a few K under the miles.
The MM also doesn't take into account mountain service for VTM differential so it's off there as well. (Odysseys dont have this problem which is a bummer as an AWD Odyssey would be phat)
I keep a completely separate manual paper log for every vehicle.
You may need a decoder wheel to discern what Im actually writing - but it's there.
Last edited:
You do know there was a class action lawsuit over this engine and its oil consumption. My daughter’s 2012 Odyssey was included. Honda’s super aggressive attorneys fought it tooth and nail. It turns out, their cylinder deactivation scheme, when activated for long periods (such as steady state highway driving), causes differential cooling in the deactivated cylinders thereby allowing oil to get past the rings and soil the plugs on its way out the pipe. Extreme examples include outright seizure for those who don’t bother to check oil levels frequently. This was the origin of the adoption of the ridiculous dealer mandated “standard” of 1 quart per 1000 miles being “normal” consumption. If you have a five quart sump and a 7500 mile OCI, guess what happens? Honda got off with no acceptance of blame and giving owners of these engines an extended warranty which was pretty worthless. Many, many diehard Honda fanboys swore them off. Honda could have cared less as long as they protected their bottom line. Do some research. You will find the court documents. They are enlightening to say the least.
Last edited:
Honda engines were the gold standard for reliability. I have the VCM Tuner II and will install it this week. Hopefully the engine is not yet damaged. I did an oil change a month or so ago, and the level was too low. I guess we'll see.
I should also look into the TSB for a piston ring replacement.
Similar threads
