- #2110 of 2183
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Re: VCM - Torque Converter [mrmack90]
by jam1000
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May 01, 2009 (8:35 am)
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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.
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- #2111 of 2183
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Re: VCM Irritation
by elliott2
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May 17, 2009 (5:37 am)
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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.
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- #2112 of 2183
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Re: VCM Irritation [elliott2]
by accordguy0325
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May 17, 2009 (6:18 pm)
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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.
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- #2113 of 2183
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Re: VCM Irritation [accordguy0325]
by elliott2
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May 21, 2009 (5:01 pm)
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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.
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- #2114 of 2183
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Re: VCM Irritation [elliott2]
by stove1
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Jun 07, 2009 (7:33 am)
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Replying to: elliott2 (May 21, 2009 5:01 pm)
Hi everybody. I plan to test drive an Accord V6 this month. I hope the VCM is not a deal killer. really like the look inside out over the Camry. And Accord has double wishbone suspension. I missed it last 20 years.
At what speed does the VCM kick in ? Honda brochure only mention low cruising speed for 3 and high cruising for 4 cylinder. Does it kick in in city driving? Lots of acceleration to 45mph then brake to stop driving. On the highway I can maintain speed of 60 mph without much variation. Houston is all flat.
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- #2115 of 2183
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Re: VCM Irritation [stove1]
by elroy5
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Jun 07, 2009 (9:10 am)
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Replying to: stove1 (Jun 07, 2009 7:33 am)
I would inform the salesman of my concerns, and let him know I want to do an EXTENSIVE TEST DRIVE, at various speeds (from 30mph to interstate speeds). Make sure you test drive THE car you plan to purchase, and not assume each car will be the same.
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- #2116 of 2183
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Re: VCM Irritation [stove1]
by dpmeersman
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Jun 07, 2009 (10:38 am)
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Replying to: stove1 (Jun 07, 2009 7:33 am)
During any driving situation VCM activity is in direct proportion to input and backing off on the throttle. The sensation felt is sometimes more evident as you slowly depress the throttle causing the 3 or 4 cyl mode of operation to switch to full 6 cyl power, but not if you aggressively engage the throttle. The schizophrenic nature of the design can be felt on a regular basis as the on again off again relationship your foot will have with the throttle during typical city driving. In my particular car it seldom is any more noticeable than a transmission shift. 21 months and almost as many miles of motoring with VCM as my constant companion and it would not deter me from buying an Accord again. Just seems that the rest of the mfg's have achieved the same results in fuel economy by going the traditional route of adding another cog to the tranny.
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- #2117 of 2183
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Re: VCM Irritation [elliott2]
by accordguy0325
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Jun 07, 2009 (5:39 pm)
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Replying to: elliott2 (May 21, 2009 5:01 pm)
Only problem with the Fusion is its lower resale value - not to mention its questionable long-term reliability. The folks at Ford may know how to beat imports in initial quality ratings, but long term dependability remains to be seen.
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- #2118 of 2183
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Test Drive
by stove1
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Jun 08, 2009 (3:56 pm)
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Test drove Accord Ex-L V6 today. The Accord VCM is totally transparent to me. I don't feel it. The engine does what I want it to do. I step on the gas it speeds up, take my foot off it slows down. I can see the ECO light come on and off during all kinds of driving, no surge ,no hesitation associated with 3,4,6 operation. Maybe this 50 year old is just too old dumb and numb to feel it.
The car as a whole package is a different story though. The Accord is terribly noisy ,the tires, wind , engine sound fills the passenger compartment. I can feel more engine vibration through the steering wheel. It reminds me of my 1980's Corolla. Not a top of the line $25000 Accord. Maybe I'm too spoiled by my Toyota 4runner V8, one of the most silky smooth quiet vehicle there is.
Disappointed. I went on to drive a Mazda6. Very nice car. Quiet and competent but I dislike the exterior and interior look. Gets only 25 mpg on the highway. Forget that one. On to the Toyota dealer. Asked for a SE V6. What a pleasant surprise. Quiet like my 4runner. Silky smooth powertrain. That blue tint instrement panel is beautiful. I still don't like the Camry's look. I will just have to focus my eyes on the road ahead instead of the car itself.
Golfski and other Accord critic: I hope you succeed getting Honda to drop the VCM. While it doesn't bother me I don't see no reason the engine should run at 2500 rpm instead of 1500 (my 4runner) at freeway speed. Everytime the engine turns, it takes a little life out of it. There's no excuse for this.
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- #2119 of 2183
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Re: VCM Irritation [accordguy0325]
by thegraduate
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Jun 08, 2009 (7:28 pm)
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Replying to: accordguy0325 (Jun 07, 2009 5:39 pm)
So far, its got the other guys beat based on previous generation models (Comparing my 2006 Accord with a 2006 Fusion, for example).
I must say, I'm happy to see at least one of the "home team" guys getting it right.
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