This question seems to provoke a lot of folks on the Ridgeline forum, where I originally asked. People either hate VCM or think it’s fine. I was considering a VCM stopper device. I see a lot of arguments that make sense on both sides of the discussion. My 23 Ridgeline RTL-E is smooth and if I didn’…

Disabling VCM would certainly be considered tampering . . . and moreover, it would be tampering with your car’s emissions system If anything goes down with your engine during the warranty period and it’s discovered you tampered with VCM, coverage will be denied, afaik Food for thought

GM came out with the 8-6-4 engine in 81. Didn’t go over well. Only lasted a year. Let’s see if Honda got it right. Tester

IMO it’s mostly a software thing. When the spark is turned off, the fuel injectors need to stop at the same time. If any extra fuel gets into the cylinders, it is atomized but not burned. The fuel is then ejected into the exhaust manifold and ends up at the catalytic converter, where it is finally b…

[image] jtsanders: I’m not saying that your Ridgeline has the same problems. CR’s reliability rating for the '23 Ridgeline–overall–is “average”, but when you drill-down into specifics, engine reliability (both major and minor) is rated as “much better than average”, as is the fuel system. Th…

[image] jtsanders: IMO it’s mostly a software thing. The Honda approach also closes the valves for the deactivated cylinders. In earlier designs, like my 2012, this could lead to excessive oil consumption as oil was drawn into the cylinder from the vacuum created. A friend had that situation…

I appreciate all of the input. I actually am thrilled with the vehicle overall, and I don’t notice any adverse effects from VCM from a drivability standpoint. Many folks do rip the infotainment as being archaic, but I’m still driving my 06 CRV, so…it’s like the space shuttle in comparison. The th…

From what I read in the link, if you have an ECO switch, you have the VCM system. I didn’t realize that the ECO button on our 2019 Odyssey EX-L meant it has cylinder deactivation. I haven’t noticed a difference, except for occasional sluggish performance. We don’t use the ECO feature much, though. …

In the newer Ridgelines after 20 or 21 (can’t remember). There is an “Eco” button, which is different. That button turns on “Eco Mode,” and it remaps the pedal/throttle response as well as modifying the shift points. VCM is not related to this in these later Ridgelines. I cannot speak to other y…

Me, I would disable it if at all possible… If it is breaking engine mounts, I wouldn’t think it would be very good on the driveline. maybe, maybe not, time will tell… Maybe the mounts are the weak link and absorb all the shock that could possibly damage anything else??.. I don’t live in a state th…

Honda VCM Question?

Maintenance/Repairs

wolyrobb November 2, 2025, 10:22pm 4

The 2023 and newer so far seem to avoid most of the problems that plagued the older 6spd a/t Ridgelines. Doing a more conservative Maintenance schedule seems to help.

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Honda VCM Question?

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