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Honda Accord VCM

2179 messages,  Last post on Nov 19, 2009 at 8:41 AM

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What is this discussion about? Honda Accord, Transmission, Sedan


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#2090 of 2179
Re: VCM Annoyed [elliott2] by jhinsc
Apr 05, 2009 (5:29 pm)
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Replying to: elliott2 (Apr 05, 2009 4:04 am)

The driver and passengers should not be able to hear the sound of the misfiring cylinders.
 
Elliot, I know you're unhappy with your Accord, but how exactly are the cylinders misfiring? Whether it's running on 6, 4, or 3, they're all firing as Honda intended to. Honda didn't make a mistake, they designed it that way. I love the fact when I'm cruising down the road on 3 cyl's because I'm getting great mpg's. My 08 V6 runs beautifully and now is exceeding my average mpg's over my previous 06 V6. My 08 doesn't run the same as the 06 did, but it wasn't designed or intended to. As for the noise problem you're having, could it possibly be subjective? I can 'hear' and 'feel' it when in 3 cyl mode but it's not annoying - for me it's better than having the louder 4 cyl all the time. I don't hear any sloshing in my gas tank so maybe you have a problem there. Have to ask; sure you don't have anything in the trunk?
#2091 of 2179
VCM Annoyed [jhinsc] by elliott2
Apr 06, 2009 (1:20 am)
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Replying to: jhinsc (Apr 05, 2009 5:29 pm)

Sorry, I used "misfiring" as shorthand for not firing. Strange when you think about it: a engine that is designed to not fire all cylinders with liquid-filled, computer-controlled engine mounts, coupled with an active noise cancellation system that's designed to cover it all up. I don't believe the noise and vibration is subjective, the engine/transmission is either working as designed with no problem or, as is more likely the case, there is one component that is not working exactly as designed, causing the noise and vibration. Each time I've taken the care in, I've gotten a different mechanic (all the way up to the service manager) and their first reaction when they drive the car is, "what the hel! is that noise?". One of the mechanics stopped the car to look in the trunk to see if there was anything in it that was causing the sloshing and movement sensation. We went back and tried several other new cars off the lot and found (unscientific sampling) that about 2 out of 3 had the sloshing going on. As I stated on my earlier post, Honda has developed a quality issue with the Accord (note that Consumer Reports has lowered its rating on reliability on the 2008 Accord from prior model years.)
#2092 of 2179
Re: VCM Annoyed [elliott2] by jhinsc
Apr 06, 2009 (6:31 am)
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Replying to: elliott2 (Apr 06, 2009 1:20 am)

Well the good news is Honda isn't looking at you like you have 2 heads - LOL! But seriously, it sounds like you have several problems with your Accord that does not seem to prevalent among all V6's. The only thing I have a concern with is reading reports of premature rear brake wear. It is what it is, but I swear if I take it in for an oil change and the service guys tell me I need new rear brakes, I'll quietly but firmly tell them and the sales manager together that if I have to pay for replacement, it will create serious reservations about purchasing another Honda. Since they're the only game in town for Honda, I'm sure they will at least listen to me carefully and hopefully make the right decision. Who knows, I may not even have any problems with it, but it seems to be an ongoing problem with the 08's. Good luck to you.
#2093 of 2179
Re: VCM Annoyed [elliott2] by jmillerjmiller
Apr 06, 2009 (7:53 pm)
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Replying to: elliott2 (Apr 05, 2009 4:04 am)

Mine has a high speed shimmy in the steering wheel (a rapid, but small left to right movement in the steering wheel). Its been there since day one, after the two new tires and three road force balances it is very minor in amplitude, but if you know what to look for it is still there at various highway speeds. At this point if I complain again I will get the - normal road vibration - diagnosis. When it is time to rotate the wheels this will become a problem again, but it won't be under warranty for tire work anymore. I may resort to adding some ceramic balance beads inside the tire in addition to the road force balance. The wide wheels exacerbate lateral imbalance issues, and the cars suspension appears to be quite sensitive. I will say that the V6 demonstrator had it too, but at the time I thought it was just that particular car - I had to wait a few weeks for mine to arrive.
The VCM is too much effort for too little mileage gain in my book, but it is an integral part of the car - only way to get rid of it is to trade it. I now have around 5000 miles on the car and have noticed that at about 2500rpm it has gotten a bit of a 'droning' sound to the engine note in the front of the car.
I like the car, but it does feel like Honda is subscribing to the larger and cheaper is better school, unlike my prior Subaru which most people got sticker shock looking at what you got (size and techno toys wise) for the money.
We need to add Honda to the list of automakers where we don't by the first years model.
The old saying with domestics was that the first year they found and fixed the bugs, so the second year was more reliable, then the third year they would finally add the more powerful engine and features that the car should have had from the beginning. Then they would redesign it and start the process over. So only buy the third year of any generation car.
Brake wise, I had a 1990 Dodge Spirit ES V6 with four wheel disc brakes that only got to the mid 20K miles on each set of front brakes.
#2094 of 2179
Re: VCM Annoyed by elliott2
Apr 18, 2009 (4:00 am)
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Replying to: jmillerjmiller (Apr 06, 2009 7:53 pm)

If you also follow the Consumer Reports website on the 2008 honda accord, note that customers having the vibration problem have begun winning against hond in arbitration. Honda lost and is being ordered to repurchase the cars from the owners. To file, you must go through the BBB autoline as described in the warranty manual provided by Honda. Go get 'em!
#2095 of 2179
VCM - Torque Converter by dc10plt
Apr 20, 2009 (12:02 pm)
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I just got my 2009 EX v6. I like the car alot. I'm getting used to VCM but it isnt that bad for those that are on the fence. When VCM kicks on I can tell barely...but truth be told it isnt much. What I am however trying to figure out is the feeling that after going into VCM, it feels like it makes another transmission shift. I however note that there is NO change in RPM and the car was already in 5th gear at the time. Is this the torque converter? If so what is the purpose? It isnt intrusive or rough, just feels like after i'm crusing around 50mph and VCM kicks it shifts.
 
Only part of this VCM system that could do without is going into VCM when letting off the accelerator. It keeps the car in gear as you slow and just feels like their is strain on the drivetrain as opposed to just going to neutral like all other cars out there. Slowing through 25mph you can feel the torque converter lock up.
 
Again I'm sure this was well designed by HONDA for some reason but if anyone knows better Id love to know. I would sacrafice the extra 1mpg or whatever difference VCM makes if they would just make a mod where I could turn off VCM. When the car is cold in the morning and drive around..the car drives so great! Even with VCM..it drives fine but I just notice very little nitnoid stuff such as posted before.
 
Otherwise I have no shimmy issues and my car is registering great mileage. ~25mpg average. Knowing what I know now..Id still by the V6 as the I4 doesn't have the power or good gas mileage anymore comparatively speaking. The only other car I would consider is the TL but that is much more money wise. I still feel the accord offers the best bang for the buck value and looks great. I'm sure HONDA tested VCM out and that my car will last for many worry free years.
#2096 of 2179
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [dc10plt] by dpmeersman
Apr 20, 2009 (12:45 pm)
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Replying to: dc10plt (Apr 20, 2009 12:02 pm)

"Only part of this VCM system that could do without is going into VCM when letting off the accelerator. It keeps the car in gear as you slow and just feels like their is strain on the drivetrain as opposed to just going to neutral like all other cars out there. Slowing through 25mph you can feel the torque converter lock up. "
 
Sounds like your experiencing the Grade Logic Control of the 5 spd auto tranny. It does fly in the face of convention that the VCM indicator light stays on as your engine breaking on a downhill incline causing the engine to rev higher then if you were coasting in a higher gear. There are times I feel this feature achieves it's intended goal and times that I wish it would allow for a more efficient coast. It's a smart tranny but nothing can take the place of the human brain and a manual shifter or automated paddle shifter tranny. Like everything else the Accord is built to a price point and remains first and foremost a family sedan, and a fine one at that.
#2097 of 2179
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [dc10plt] by jmillerjmiller
Apr 23, 2009 (8:41 pm)
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Replying to: dc10plt (Apr 20, 2009 12:02 pm)

All the Honda Accords with automatics I have driven (95,99,08,09) have that as part of the grade logic, as another reply noted.
 If you want the coast sensation, just keep your foot 'barely' (just touching) on the gas pedal. Only when you completely lift off the pedal does the engine braking come into play.
Once you get used to it, you can avoid having to hit the brakes all the time in traffic - unlike the people where the brake lights go on and off every ten seconds.
Maybe this will help the rear brake pads last....
The Honda transmission also downshifts as you slow to a stop - almost like a manual (watch the tack bump up each time), and is therefore ready to go if you step back on the gas as well as helping to slow the car a bit.
The sensation on the highway (I think) is just what it feels like when you lose or gain a couple cylinders of power. The added power feels like a mini downshift, and when you lose the extra power it feels like a mini up-shift.
#2098 of 2179
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [jmillerjmiller] by mrmack90
Apr 26, 2009 (1:54 am)
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Replying to: jmillerjmiller (Apr 23, 2009 8:41 pm)

This message isn't in direct response to jmiller, but more a response to the entire group attempting to justify Honda's current issues with the V6 VCM. I recently traded in a '98 Volvo for a 2009 Honda EXL - V6. With less than 200 miles on the new Honda, I am absolutely shocked with Honda's engineering screw up over their VCM technology. The only advantage for me right now is that I chose to lease this vehicle, so I can happily turn the darn thing in after 3 years!
 
The fact that so many people here try to make excuses for Honda or make blind statements that they are sure the excellent Honda engineers "have tested the VCM engine and therefore it should be fine" is absolute crap. Bottom line is that Honda had too much vested in this engine and it went to production before it was ready. Honda should be ashamed of putting any car out that requires a driver to adjust their style of driving (to the point of walking on eggshells) in order to get a smooth ride and avoid downshifting drag and a perception of transmission issues while coasting at a constant MPG on the freeway with no rash traffic adjustments.
 
As for my experience with the new car, despite its great new roomy interier and sleek exterior... the car is simply crap without acceptable, smooth engine performance. From my vantage point, if a 4 cylinder Jetta drives more smooth than a Honda Accord V6, then the Honda should be viewed as nothing but a failure by Honda engineers.
 
I'm already marking the months off my calendar until my lease runs out...C'mon 2012!!!! And to those experiencing the same issues... stop making excuses for Honda... they let us down... and we should let them hear about it!
 
All the best to everyone with your cars...
#2099 of 2179
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [mrmack90] by jhinsc
Apr 26, 2009 (6:59 am)
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Replying to: mrmack90 (Apr 26, 2009 1:54 am)

mrmack90, thank you for your opinion, if you can call it that with less than 200 miles on your car. I'm sorry your intial experience hasn't been good. I wish Honda sales people would help educate buyers on VCM and how to get the most out of it. Spend some time in your new Accord. Heck, I put almost 50 miles on one before deciding to buy. You will find that if driven properly, the V6 with VCM will provide great mpg and performance. I read one post where the driver complained the ECO light flashed on and off over 60 times on their commute to work, and then went on to complain about their mpg's. Uhhh, one the ideas of the ECO light is to help make us more efficient drivers. The object is to have the ECO stay on as much as possible. The only reason the ECO flashes on/off all the time and due to the right foot pressing up and down on the gas pedal all the time. That is not efficient driving. Keep the right foot steady, accelerate moderately without holding up traffic to get up to speed and then let VCM take over and do it's thing. It's a remarkable piece of engineering that allows you the power of a V6 and the economy of 3 and 4 cyl and works well.

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