Does the 2016 Acura RDX have cylinder deactivation?
Yes. The 2016 Acura RDX uses Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) on its 3.5-liter V6 to shut down three cylinders under light-load conditions, boosting fuel economy.
How cylinder deactivation works in the 2016 RDX
In practical terms, cylinder deactivation lets the engine run on fewer cylinders when full power is not required. Acura's implementation of Variable Cylinder Management toggles between six and three cylinders, managed by the engine control unit (ECU) in tandem with the transmission and intake/exhaust timing. The system aims to provide better efficiency without sacrificing daily drivability.
What VCM is and why it matters
- System name: Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC
- Deactivation pattern: switches between 6 and 3 cylinders depending on load, speed, and throttle input
- Control: coordinated by the vehicle's ECU and engine sensors
- Goal: improve city/highway fuel economy and reduce emissions during steady cruising
The transitions between 6 and 3 cylinders are engineered to be smooth for most drivers, with minimal noticeable vibration or noise during normal driving. If a driver demands more power or rapid acceleration, the system reactivates the cylinders seamlessly.
Driving experience and reliability considerations
VCM typically engages during light-load highway cruising or gentle acceleration. Most RDX owners report that the switch between cylinder counts is unobtrusive, though a small change in engine tone or feel may be audible to sensitive ears, especially when the car is cold. Regular maintenance for the V6 engine remains the same as any modern Acura engine.
Notes on reliability and maintenance
VCM is a long-running feature of Honda/Acura V6 engines and is generally reliable under normal maintenance intervals. Some drivers may notice occasional roughness during transitions on certain vehicles or under unusual conditions, but such issues are not widespread.
As with any vehicle system, ensure periodic oil changes, spark plug service, and transmission service per the owner's manual. If a check engine light appears or you notice persistent drivability issues, an authorized Acura technician can diagnose whether VCM or related sensors are involved.
Summary
In short, the 2016 Acura RDX does feature cylinder deactivation via Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system on its 3.5-liter V6. This system disables three of the six cylinders under light load to improve efficiency and automatically reactivates them when more power is needed. For most drivers, VCM operates transparently, contributing to better highway fuel economy without compromising everyday usability.
What is the most common problem with the Acura RDX 2016?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Brakes.
- Engine Major.
- Drive System.
- Transmission Major.
- Engine Minor.
- Noises/Leaks.
- Engine Cooling.
- Transmission Minor. Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Does Acura use cylinder deactivation?
VCM uses your engine's oil pressure to activate and deactivate cylinders in select Acura engine designs. It happens faster than you can imagine and the transition is seamless. In most cases, you won't even notice cylinders have been deactivated. Depending on the situation, either two or three cylinders are deactivated.
Does the 2016 Acura RDX have VCM?
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Control
The 2016 RDX also uses a floating-style front subframe assembly that helps improve NVH. An Active Control Engine Mount system (ACM) is used to minimize the effects of engine vibration as the VCM® system switches cylinders on and off.
How do you turn off auto idle permanently on Acura RDX?
You can permanently turn off the auto idle stop on an Acura RDX by setting the "Individual" driving mode to have idle stop disabled and setting the vehicle to start in that mode by default. Alternatively, you can install an aftermarket module like the Idlestopper.
Method 1: Use the "Individual" driving mode
- Press the "A" logo button to open the dynamic mode selector.
- Press and hold the "A" logo button to access the "Individual" mode settings.
- Navigate to the "Idle Stop" option and select "Off".
- Set the other desired engine and steering settings (e.g., Sport).
- Ensure the vehicle is set to use this "Individual" mode by default on startup. This is typically found in the vehicle settings menu.
Method 2: Install an aftermarket module
- Purchase an aftermarket module designed for your Acura RDX, such as the Idlestopper.
- Follow the product's instructions for installation, which usually involves connecting it to the idle stop switch and power outlet.
- Once installed, the system will automatically disable the auto idle stop feature every time you start the car.
Temporary disabling methods
- Drive in Sport mode: The auto idle stop feature is disabled when the vehicle is in Sport mode.
- Use the "Auto Idle Stop OFF" button: Press the button on the dashboard to temporarily disable the system. However, this setting will likely reset the next time you start the vehicle.
