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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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#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.
#2100 of 2179
Re: VCM - Torque Converter by elliott2
Apr 26, 2009 (2:04 pm)
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Replying to: jhinsc (Apr 26, 2009 6:59 am)

mmack90 - thank you for your honest opinion. I happen to share it and believe that Honda's engineering prowess is a thing of the past. If a car is designed so that you're watching whether the ECO light is on or off in order to get better gas mileage, the car represents a danger of distraction to the driver for very little economic benefit as the car gets less gas mileage than the previous, smooth running generation of Honda engines.
#2101 of 2179
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [elliott2] by thegraduate
Apr 26, 2009 (3:12 pm)
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Replying to: elliott2 (Apr 26, 2009 2:04 pm)

If a car is designed so that you're watching whether the ECO light is on or off in order to get better gas mileage, the car represents a danger of distraction to the driver
 
Then by all means get every hybrid off the road. You're driving for max economy in those, too. Take a look at the offerings below. Which seems most distracting? How about the ever-changing bar graphs on the mighty screen in the middle of the Altima's dash? Or perhaps you prefer the cartoons to be right there next to your speedo, as in the Camry and Fusion? You decide.
 
By the way, for those who can't quite make it out, the ECO light in the Accord is the dim thing just below the 8 in the tachometer, not the bright green thing between the gauges (that's the D indicator). Face it, the Accord is one of the LEAST distracting models out there.
 
Camry

 
Fusion

 
Altima

 
Accord
#2102 of 2179
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [jhinsc] by mrmack90
Apr 28, 2009 (2:47 pm)
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Replying to: jhinsc (Apr 26, 2009 6:59 am)

jhinsc,
 
Believe it or (and despite other comments about constantly looking for the ECO light), I actually don't have a problem with it... not do I pay much attention to it. My primary issue is with breaking. I've found that while simply coasting with no pressure applied to the gas pedal because I know I have a turn or a stop coming up there is a very noticeable "downshift feeling" almost an instant drag in the car the actually lurches you forward a bit. In addition, I also experience this when applying the break with even pressure to come to a complete stop. I've noticed that if I break more aggressively and more at the last minute, I don't sense the "dragging". However, driving conservatively, applying the break with plenty of lead time, you get the noticeably drag... almost consistently between 3rd and 2nd on the downshift.
 
Quite frankly, upon sensing a break, the system should either disengage ECO until the system senses acceleration or lock the ECO distribution (regardless of the number of cylinders in use) so that you have a smooth breaking situation.
 
I've never experienced this issue with the Honda Pilots that contained the same technology in the 2007 models.
#2103 of 2179
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [mrmack90] by jhinsc
Apr 28, 2009 (6:02 pm)
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Replying to: mrmack90 (Apr 28, 2009 2:47 pm)

mrmack90,
What you are describing has nothing to do with VCM or torque converter. It is the Grade-logic software of the transmission. It will hold the current gear going up or down hills to maintain speed. It will also downshift when slowing down as you described.
#2104 of 2179
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [mrmack90] by dpmeersman
Apr 29, 2009 (1:29 am)
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Replying to: mrmack90 (Apr 28, 2009 2:47 pm)

As noted by jhinsc, I believe it is the Grade Logic that you are experiencing. I feel it working but In use on my particular vehicle it seems to work smoothly as I only experience engine braking as one would if you shifted from 3rd to 2nd in a manual transmission. In this sense I feel it is one of the more intelligent and best implemented auto transmissions I've ever owned.
#2105 of 2179
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [thegraduate] by cstiles
Apr 29, 2009 (7:52 pm)
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Replying to: thegraduate (Apr 26, 2009 3:12 pm)

Hey Graduate--another stellar post (with photos) from you, as usual. This VCM discussion thread is my all time favorite on Edmunds...I come back every few weeks to be entertained.
 
It will be interesting to see if Honda continues to invest in this technology. Most of their models with six pot engines (Accord, Pilot, Odyssey) include VCM, yet none of the Acuras offer it. The TL, MDX, and V6 TSX eschew VCM, and it does not appear that the upcoming ZDX will have it. Will the next generation RL offer VCM? Will any Acura model include it? Sure doesn't look like it right now.
 
And as far as I can tell, VCM is offered in Australia, but not in most overseas markets, including Europe. But Honda's answer to fuel economy in Europe is to offer diesel powerplants.
 
I personally am not against VCM, although the complexity and frustrations created for a small minority of Accord owners may ultimately trump its MPG benefits. And you have to wonder---if Honda truly believes in this technology, why do they not make it available on their upscale Acura line?
#2106 of 2179
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [dpmeersman] by mrmack90
Apr 30, 2009 (12:46 pm)
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Replying to: dpmeersman (Apr 29, 2009 1:29 am)

So, is the Grade Logic something that can be adjusted/updated? Your experiences may be different than mine, but my car seems to have a more noticable (downshift) pull to it than I would like. When traveling in heavy traffic or along streets with many stoplights, the sensation can almost make one nautious. At times, it's almost as if I'm applying increased pressure suddenly on the brakes when I am not.
 
I welcome anyone's thoughts, as it's driving me nuts!
#2107 of 2179
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [thegraduate] by elliott2
Apr 30, 2009 (4:12 pm)
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Replying to: thegraduate (Apr 26, 2009 3:12 pm)

By the way, for those who can't quite make it out, the ECO light in the Accord is the dim thing just below the 8 in the tachometer, not the bright green thing between the gauges (that's the D indicator). Face it, the Accord is one of the LEAST distracting models out there.
 
It's amazing how using a smaller scale for the Honda makes the other offerings look so much larger. So, how long have you worked for Honda?

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