- #2104 of 2179
-
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [mrmack90]
by dpmeersman
-
Apr 29, 2009 (1:29 am)
-
|
|
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)
-
|
|
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)
-
|
|
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)
-
|
|
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?
|
- #2108 of 2179
-
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [elliott2]
by thegraduate
-
Apr 30, 2009 (4:25 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: elliott2 (Apr 30, 2009 4:12 pm)
It's the first pic that I found when I googled; no need to be snide. Below is yet another photo, showing the smaller-font, dimmer than the PRND321 or Odometer, ECO light.
I'll pass on responding to the personally-directed comments. Others should follow suit. My sincere apologies, it appears the Fusion's picture wasn't the same size as the others either. 
|
- #2109 of 2179
-
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [mrmack90]
by jhinsc
-
Apr 30, 2009 (4:25 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: mrmack90 (Apr 30, 2009 12:46 pm)
mrmack90, Grade Logic has been on all Honda's and Acura's since the mid-90's at least. It can be a little disconcerting and weird at first, but you do get used to it. Once you become accustomed to it, your driving style will anticipate it without thinking. Now when I drive a non-Honda vehicle, I find I have to adjust to not having Grade Logic, meaning I have brake differently in stop/go traffic or when approaching a stop light.
|
- #2110 of 2179
-
Re: VCM - Torque Converter [mrmack90]
by jam1000
-
May 01, 2009 (8:35 am)
-
|
|
Replying to: mrmack90 (Apr 30, 2009 12:46 pm)
This was the exactly the problem (the most significant one, at any rate) I had with my 08 V6 Accord before I got rid of it. To this day I don't know whether it was purely the grade logic or some combination of the grade logic and the VCM. In any event, when I had my first regular service done (~ 6,500 miles), I asked the dealer's service dep't to look at it, and they applied a software update. That helped the issue considerably, though did not entirely eliminate it.
|
- #2111 of 2179
-
Re: VCM Irritation
by elliott2
-
May 17, 2009 (5:37 am)
-
|
|
Replying to: jam1000 (May 01, 2009 8:35 am)
Honda engineering just finished looking at my 2008 Accord V6 and concluded that the droning noise, vibration, and sluggishness caused by the engine operating in 3 cylinder mode "is a normal characteristic of this make/model". If you're considering acquiring an Accord with VCM and are accustomed to the quiet smooth running engine in the previous generation of Accords, you will be annoyed by the VCM engine.
For me, I just filed papers for arbitration.
|
- #2112 of 2179
-
Re: VCM Irritation [elliott2]
by accordguy0325
-
May 17, 2009 (6:18 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: elliott2 (May 17, 2009 5:37 am)
While it can be noticeable at times, I really like the VCM's fuel mileage... I had an 08 EX 4 cylinder that got around 20-22mpg consistently, and my new 09 EXL V6 gets similar mileage with allot more ooomph. Im sure as Honda improves this technology it will become even more seamless to the point where it really isn't noticed.
|
- #2113 of 2179
-
Re: VCM Irritation [accordguy0325]
by elliott2
-
May 21, 2009 (5:01 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: accordguy0325 (May 17, 2009 6:18 pm)
The VCM's fuel mileage is not so great. In looking at the new consumer reports, they mention that the gas mileage on the VCM equipped models is a negative (not to mention that this model is now the lowest rated Accord by consumer reports in the last ten years). The new Ford Fusion is rated higher than the Accord for reliability, customer satisfaction, and cost (since the overall mpg for the Accord is lower that the previous Honda Accord V6). My 2003 Honda Accord V6 got between 26 and 30 mpg without any noise, vibration, or surging. Honda needs to go back to the drawing board on this one.
|
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Sedans 
