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Honda Accord VCM

2715 messages,  Last post on Oct 23, 2012 at 6:25 PM

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#1 of 2715 08 Accord VCM? Be prepared! by golfrski

Nov 01, 2007 (7:42 pm)

Just picked up my new 08 Accord EXL-V6 with Navi etc Sat. This is my 6th Accord. Ok so I get the whole "gogreenloweremissionssavefuel gig". But here is what noone is talking about yet and so far, I appear to be the first..... VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) Hondas new generation engine for the Accord is different then engine they have been using in the Odyssey. Ya see in the Van version Honda implemented a 6 cylinder to 3 cylinder VCM function. in the 08 Accords its 6-4-3. The issue is this... when you are in the city you will rarely notice anything, maybe when the "ECO" light comes on you may feel a slight hesitation a 1/2 second after but, overall with all the stopping and starting etc you cant seem to notice anything out of the ordinary. Ok so here is the rub,,, take it out on the highway and run the car at about 65-70 miles per hour (normal within the speed limit) cruising and you will begin to feel the VCM system trying to figure out what it wants to be when it grows up... you "may" feel the car surging and slight hints of hesitation as it jumps from 6-4-3 cylinders.. those of you that like to feel the road and are "in tune" with your ride "may" just get frustrated. Add on top of that the new "Grade-Logic" system and what you end up with is a a car that can (at times), feel like its trying to get into gear (at least mine anyway). This seems to be minimized when in "cruise control". I found this hesitation and/or surging felling no matter how stable I kept my foot on the gas, even going so far as to lock my ankle in one position thinking the gas pedal may just be super sensitive. I took it into the dealer today and they ran about every computer test they had on it and all was ok (or at least within specs). in fact we road tested two other V6's and sure enough... same drill. So caveat emptor (buyer beware) the car is awesome in almost every respect BUT just be sure that you know what you're buying and how it operates. It is different than your run of the mill V6 engine. Yes its a new technology and yes I drove a standard V6 for years, so I need to get used to this, and (of course) I am sure I will, ( well a pray I will after dropping $30K)... but if you are concerned that yours is having issues or that it is not running correctly... it most likely is (as designed). My salesman had me believe that the only thing you I would notice is the "ECO" light coming on and that just isn't the case in my experience.

#2 of 2715 Re: 08 Accord VCM? Be prepared! [golfrski] by dpmeersman

Nov 02, 2007 (5:38 am)

Replying to: golfrski (Nov 01, 2007 7:42 pm)
I've posted similar comments in other Edmunds forums. This is my first Accord so I can't personally compare it to others. I consider myself an average driver and bought the V6 only for those times when that boost is needed to merge or pass, although I must admit to dipping in to it a little more often because it is responsive and reasonably agile so why not have a little fun now and then. The fuel economy versus the 4 cyl was marginal so the 6 feels a better fit for a car of this size. Others that have cylinder de-activation from other mfg's note they can't feel a thing. I'm not sure if this is attributable to better implementation or general drivetrain numbness. But I agree with you, that if someone picks up a coupe for example with the auto tranny they may feel as if there are things going on with the drivetrain that may detract from the sporty nature the car was intended for. For them the proper choice would always be the 6 spd manual and non VCM engine. All in all I'm still pleased with my purchase and feel my EX-L V6 non Navi is quite the car and feels like a $35-40,000 sedan not like a sub $30,000 one. It draws quite a bit of attention as it is truly a complete overhaul from the previous generation and most people have a hard time believing its an Accord.

#3 of 2715 Re:08 Accord VCM? Be prepared! by leroym

Nov 02, 2007 (7:33 am)

Noted the two above posts re operation of the VCM (3,4,6 cylinder operation) on the 08 Honda V6.
 
I too own an 08 EXL V6 non nav model. Now have about 3,800 miles on it, including an 1,800 mile highway trip.
 
Unlike the above users, I do not find the cylinder change objectionable. I do agree that you can "feel" it, especially if you are watching the "ecomomy" light. What I experienced, however, on the highway was I thought a rather pleasant addition of power when going up grades. On cruise control, I noted that as grades were encountered, it switched to 6 cylinder operation with a slight increase in power, much like a downshift.
 
A side benefit is that unless the grade is pretty steep, the transmission DOES NOT downshift as with most cars. (You can observe this by the rock steady RPM). The engine does run at relatively high RPM vs other V6's (my 07 Toyota RAV4 for instance), but probably due to this higher RPM and the ability to engage more cylinders, it does very little shifting at speed limits.

#4 of 2715 Re:08 Accord VCM? Be prepared! [leroym] by dpmeersman

Nov 02, 2007 (7:44 am)

Replying to: leroym (Nov 02, 2007 7:33 am)
Good points. I don't really find that the VCM is objectionable, just noticeable where most reviewers have stated that it is invisible in the background. I've only got 1,500 miles of which only 300 are highway miles. The highway trip consisted of 4 adults and luggage for a long weekend and all were comfortable and I managed 28 MPG, very impressive in my eyes. What did you get for MPG on your 1,800 mile trip?

#5 of 2715 Re: 08 Accord VCM? Be prepared! [golfrski] by hpowders

Nov 02, 2007 (7:45 am)

Replying to: golfrski (Nov 01, 2007 7:42 pm)
Thanks for the heads up. I was afraid of what you describe happening. Your post was the first to indicate it in detail.
 
On one of the non-Edmunds 2008 Accord forums, several posters have become alarmed because a few almost new 2008 EX-L V-6's with 1000 miles or less have been immediately put up for sale by private owners. Nobody knows why... could be because of what you described.
 
I have yet to drive the 2008 EX-L V6. The car is on my list. I would insist on driving it on the interstate to see if I can duplicate what you describe. Coming from three BMW's, that would definitely bother me.
 
None of the reviews I have read indicate the VCM problem.
 
Disappointing.

#6 of 2715 Re:08 Accord VCM? Be prepared! [dpmeersman] by leroym

Nov 02, 2007 (7:53 am)

Replying to: dpmeersman (Nov 02, 2007 7:44 am)
On the 1,800 mile trip (Springfield, MO to Cleveland, OH & return) I averaged 28.3. Had a high of 33.1 and a low of 25.4. Drove at speed limits or a little over (65 to 75) and terrain ranged from level (Illinois & Indiana) to pretty rolling (Southern Missouri & Northern Ohio).

#7 of 2715 08 Accord VCM Continued...... by golfrski

Nov 02, 2007 (10:44 am)

Let me clarify that I don't feel the VCM issues (at this point) are objectionable. I do feel that the marketing of the engine is vague.. you can definitely feel the changes in cylinders when driving on the highway.. without question its there. Based on the Honda Service Managers opinion "it almost can feel like a 5 speed in overdrive". I don't find the "feeling" to be as aggressive as shifting gears by any stretch but I do feel constant changes in the engine's consistency when driving at 65-70 mph. hesitations and or surges can be felt and are present in the operation on my car. Again, I had this thoroughly inspected and the dealer says it is operating "within spec" so... do I think I will learn to live with it? Yes of course. The car is awesome in every respect but that.. the design is sharp, it gets alot of stares, the hints of the BMW are great in this car. It does indeed ride like a 40-50K automobile. I would by lying if I did not say that I am disappointed in the transparency of the VCM operation and hope that Honda many come out with a tuning process or improvement for the 08's and future vehicles to lessen this inconsistency.

#8 of 2715 Re:08 Accord VCM? Be prepared! [leroym] by golfrski

Nov 02, 2007 (10:46 am)

Replying to: leroym (Nov 02, 2007 7:33 am)
Let me clarify that I don't feel the VCM issues (at this point) are objectionable. I do feel that the marketing of the engine is vague.. you can definitely feel the changes in cylinders when driving on the highway.. without question its there. Based on the Honda Service Managers opinion "it almost can feel like a 5 speed in overdrive". I don't find the "feeling" to be as aggressive as shifting gears by any stretch but I do feel constant changes in the engine's consistency when driving at 65-70 mph. hesitations and or surges can be felt and are present in the operation on my car. Again, I had this thoroughly inspected and the dealer says it is operating "within spec" so... do I think I will learn to live with it? Yes of course. The car is awesome in every respect but that.. the design is sharp, it gets alot of stares, the hints of the BMW are great in this car. It does indeed ride like a 40-50K automobile. I would by lying if I did not say that I am disappointed in the transparency of the VCM operation and hope that Honda many come out with a tuning process or improvement for the 08's and future vehicles to lessen this inconsistency.

#9 of 2715 Every Review... by hpowders

Nov 02, 2007 (2:19 pm)

that mentions the VCM in the 2008 Accord EX V-6 sedan states that the VCM is totally unnoticeable to the driver except for the indicator light.
 
Must be at least 10 reviews saying the same thing.
 
One reviewer called the VCM's operation "seamless."
 
This is the first time I have heard anything to the contrary.
 
On the other hand, there seems to be a consensus of unhappiness with the performance of the 5 speed automatic transmission.

#10 of 2715 To the contrary . . . by bug4

Nov 02, 2007 (2:39 pm)

Although the reviewers often say the VCM's operation is seamless, I have seen a number of posts over the last month which have mentioned feeling the system operate. None have said it is overly-objectionable . . . just that they feel it. I think this is consistent with golfrski's post.
 
With regard to the 5 speed auto tranny, I do not believe there is a "consensus of unhappiness" with its performance. It gets glowing reviews from the pros and gets a glowing review from me . I was dead-set against an automatic when I purchased my 4cyl EX-L. But, after several long test drives and the unavailablity of a manual, I bought the auto. I have not regretted my decision! The automatic is still no manual in terms of control, but I think it does a wonderful job for an automatic. Its upshifts are smooth and, most importantly, predictable and its downshifts are right on the mark. The system is smooth (and I hear even more smooth when mated to the V6) and never searches for gears. If there is one thing I would go to bat for on the new Accord, its the automatic transmission. I think it does a superior job of reading my right foot!!

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