Best VCM Disabler. Here's What You Can Buy

As a Honda or Acura owner, do you experience excess oil usage, failed motor mount, torque converters, and other engine malfunctions? Then chances are you are a victim of the controversial VCM system. In this article, we'll cover how you can solve the issues above using a VCM disabler and the best VCM disablers in the market. 

Engine electrical problems highlights

• Level of urgency:high
• DIY inspection:possible but complicated
• DIY repairs:impossible
• Can you drive?yes, if it starts
• Price of repairs:$150 - $650
• If ignored:no-start, harsh work, warning lights
• Ways to fix:good scanning for codes, professional repairs

What is VCM (Variable Cylinder Management)?

Honda and Acura vehicles feature a system called VCM (Variable Cylinder Management). It's a system that helps in reducing fuel consumption, therefore, improving the fuel economy. Basically, if your car has an automatic transmission and a 6-cylinder engine, it probably has the VCM system.

The VCM system works by shutting off cylinders that are not needed at the certain moment of driving. This often happens when driving on a highway where only a few cylinders are required to maintain the vehicle's speed. Shutting off the cylinders not in use saves on fuel. 

Why Would You Disable Your VCM?

Although the VCM system aids in improving fuel economy, there are a couple of reasons you would want to disable the VCM system in your Honda or Acura. This could be any of the defective issues below that contributed to the class-action lawsuit against Honda in 2013.

Defective Issues Attributed to VCM 

The issues below can cause the check engine light to come on with a fault code or a combination of different fault codes, such as P031, P032, P033, and P034. The issues are:

• Fouled spark plug.
• Damaged engine mounts.
• High consumption of oil.
• Failure of transmission torque converters.
• Worn-out piston rings.
• Engine vibrations at idle or when the car is at high speed (VCM activated).
• Misfiring and misfiring codes.
• Engine noise.
• Loss of power during cruising.

Disabling the VCM solves the issues above and saves you from costly engine repairs. It also makes your car run and accelerate smoothly.

Now that you know why you should use a VCM disabler, let's look at the best VCM Disablers in the market.

The Downside to Using a VCM Disabler

• Since the Variable Cylinder Management System's primary function is to reduce fuel consumption, using a VCM disabler reduces fuel economy. However, the drop in gas mileage is minimal - most report a decline of 1mile per gallon. Some even notice no change in the gas mileage, and others an improvement in gas mileage. That depends on the driving habits of a person.
• An increase in engine vibration and noise. This is because a disabler makes the engine operate on all cylinders all the time. The vibration becomes apparent when you start your car, but it subsides after a while.
• Some Honda dealerships can void your warranty if they find you using a VCM disabler. This means it's best to disconnect your VCM disabler before taking it to the dealership.
• Altering the design of the VCM may also result in unwanted complications like jerking around.

Best VCM Disablers in the Market

1) VCMUZZLER II

This is the latest version of Verbatim's invention. It differs from the discontinued original version in that it can switch resistors based on your needs. For instance, if the 82-ohm resistor does not suit your car, it allows you to change to a favorable resistor. The original version contained a hardwired resistor which was not a fit for all the cooling system components. 

The VCMuzzler II is cost-effective in that it can save you many trips to the car repair shop to fix engine defects. You can also easily install it. With the right tools, all it takes is five minutes of your time.

You can plug it in with your Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. It makes the ECU perceive the temperature to be below the operating temperature preventing the VCM system from being activated. The VCMuzzler plays a role in eliminating engine mount failure, engine driveline vibration, and excess oil consumption. It also keeps the engine running on all cylinders for increased power and performance.

What You Get from the VCMuzzler II

• Different resistor connectors that can accommodate various cooling systems of cars, and you can use them in all climates.
• Easy to follow installation manual.
• A bypass plug to enable you to disconnect the VCM disabler without having to take out the entire device.
• A harness that you can connect in line with an OEM wiring harness.
• A troubleshooting and FAQ guide.
• Easy installation, but consider getting a mechanic if you're not mechanically inclined.

The VCMuzzler operates on vehicles with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It can work on models such as:

Honda:

• Pilot 2006+
• Crosstour 2010+
• Accord and Accord Hybrid 2005+
• Odyssey 2005+
• Ridgeline 2017+
• Passport 2019+

Acura: 

• RDX 2013+
• RLX 2013
• MDX 2014+
• TLX 2015+
• RLX Hybrid 2015

2) S-VCM Controller

The VCM disabler doesn't use a fixed resistor and potentiometer, which other types of disablers use. It has an electronic output and programmed dynamic control logic. Before disabling the VCM, it ensures safety by constantly monitoring the coolant temperature.

What S-VCM comes with

• A smart technology feature that allows for the automatic disabling of the VCM depending on the weather conditions. Whether summer or winter, there's no need to swap the resistors manually. This is especially useful while driving on a hot day in stop-and-go traffic. That's when the coolant temperature is high, and other resistor-based VCM eliminators can't handle making the Eco light come back.
• A high-quality design-automobile grade industry standards-that is simple, durable, and long-lasting. Its simple design also allows easy access and prevents engine clutter. Also, it's easy to install but requires you to connect a fused wire to the 12V car battery.
• A safety feature that, unlike other resistor-based disablers, notifies you in case the engine begins to overheat. Other resistor-based VCM disablers reduce the sensor reading to prevent alerting you when the engine overheats. This is because they send false readings about the engine temperature to the engine control unit, preventing the ECU from acting accordingly. The resistor devices also make the dashboard's temperature dial appear normal, which is a false temperature indication in the true sense. That can cause damage to the engine, which a VCM disabler is supposed to prevent in the first place.
• Strength and durability since it's resistant to high temperatures(up to 300 degrees Farhenheit), harsh chemicals such as acids, bases, brine, corrosion, and water.
• It comes with a one-year warranty.

3) VCM Tuner II 

VCM Tuner II is an updated version of VCM Tuner I. VCM Tuner I has a selector switch as opposed to a resistor plug present in VCMuzzler I. It uses a variable resistor called a potentiometer. If the eco light engages, you can activate it by turning the switch clockwise during summer and turning it anticlockwise during winter. The updated version is an automatic electronic device that has a microcontroller.

The VCM Tuner II helps reduce the wearing out of the engine, minimizes oil consumption, prevents fouled spark plugs, and reduces damage to piston rings. It also prevents the Economic mode light(Eco light) from coming on. With CARB E.O. approval, you can use it in 50 states.

What You Get from the VCM Tuner

• A remote switch that you can use to disable the VCM.
• Safety features for overheating and low temperatures.
• Easy installation but takes a bit longer than other devices due to connecting a fused wire to the car battery for power supply.
• A one-year warranty.
• It allows Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) idle rerun with no actions.

It's compatible with the following models:

Acura:

• 2013+ MDX
• 2013+ TLX
• 2013+RDL
• 2013+ RDX

Honda:

• 2006 Honda Pilot
• 2008 Honda Pilot.
• 2005 Odyssey.
• 2007 Accord.
• 2008+ Accord.
• 2010+ Crosstour
• 2017+ Ridgeline.

4) VCM Disabling Kit

The system works through two disabling kits. One is called the OBDII plug kit, while the other is a resistor kit. The OBDII kit functions by tricking the Engine Control Unit (ECU) into that the engine is operating at a lower EPM while, in the real sense, it's operating at a higher RPM. This prevents triggering the VCM system that shuts off the engine cylinders from six down to four or further down to three. On the other hand, a resistor kit reduces the voltage heading to the VCM solenoid. The reduction of the voltage leaves the VCM disabled.

Bottom Line

Choosing the best disabler depends on your preference. However, the S-VCM Controller and the VCM Tuner II are better options than other VCM suppressors. This is because the S-VCM controller and VCM Tuner II use the latest technology to address the shortcomings of the conventional resistor-based VCM disablers.

Of the two, VCM Tuner II has the edge over the S-VCM controller since it has additional features and is more advanced. In my opinion, this makes the VCM Tuner II the best VCM, although it costs a tad bit more expensive than the others. Go forth and purchase a VCM disabler to save you from replacing costly engine parts.