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What is VCM on Acura?

VCM, or Variable Cylinder Management, is a technology used in some Acura vehicles to improve fuel efficiency. This system allows the engine to temporarily deactivate some of its cylinders when full power is not needed, such as during highway cruising or light-load conditions.


How VCM Works


Acura's VCM system is designed to seamlessly transition between different cylinder configurations to optimize engine performance and fuel economy. When the vehicle is operating under light loads, the VCM system can deactivate up to half of the engine's cylinders, reducing fuel consumption without sacrificing power.


The VCM system constantly monitors various vehicle parameters, such as engine load, speed, and driver input, to determine the optimal cylinder configuration. When more power is needed, such as during acceleration or hill climbing, the deactivated cylinders are quickly reactivated to provide the necessary thrust.


Benefits of VCM



  • Improved Fuel Efficiency: By deactivating unnecessary cylinders, the VCM system can improve fuel economy by up to 10% in certain driving conditions.

  • Reduced Emissions: With fewer cylinders in operation, the VCM system can also help reduce the vehicle's overall emissions output.

  • Seamless Performance: The transition between different cylinder configurations is designed to be imperceptible to the driver, ensuring a smooth and responsive driving experience.


Acura's VCM technology is a key component of the brand's commitment to developing more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles. By leveraging advanced engine management systems, Acura is able to deliver the performance and luxury that its customers expect while also reducing the environmental impact of its vehicles.

What is the life expectancy of the Acura MDX engine?


between 200,000 and 250,000 miles
With proper care, the Acura MDX can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, with many owners reporting well beyond 300,000 miles. Studies suggest an average lifespan of around 161,000 miles, translating to about 12 years of reliable use.



Is cylinder deactivation bad for your engine?


Is Cylinder Deactivation Bad? Engines can benefit greatly from cylinder deactivation. When paired with early or late intake valve closing technology, cylinder deactivation can help reduce fuel consumption by approximately five to 25% while maintaining high operating temperatures at low load conditions.



Is VCM good or bad?


VCM is definitely a problem. Good news is that it can be disabled fairly easily with a ``muzzler''. Bad news is that you won't know how much damage is done before it was disabled.



What is the most common problem with Acura MDX?


Below are some of the most common Acura MDX problems:

  • Poor Acceleration/Hesitation.
  • Stalling/Lurching on Light Acceleration.
  • Excessive Oil Consumption.
  • Parasitic Draw and Dead Battery.
  • Faulty A/C.
  • Rumble Strip Noise.
  • Transmission Failure.



What is the purpose of VCM?


The VCM enables companies to invest in high-integrity carbon credits now to accelerate climate mitigation beyond their value chain. While companies' priority must be to decarbonise their own value chains, the VCM provides a way for them to take responsibility for emissions they can't yet cut.



What is the recall on the Acura MDX engine?


What problem is causing the Acura TLX and Acura MDX recall? 2015-2020 Acura TLX V6 and 2016-2020 Acura MDX models are being recalled due to a critical rod bearing issue. A manufacturing defect can cause the engine to fail, stall, or not start, potentially leading to an accident.



Does VCM save gas?


Variable Cylinder Management
This saves fuel and lowers emissions.



Can you turn off cylinder deactivation?


Unfortunately, optimizing the system requires that we adjust the triggers that make us step from all cylinders to shut-off mode and back again. Looking at popular aftermarket tuning software options, there are several ways to disable the system, based on rpm, VSS, gear, voltage, run time, and more.



What does disabling VCM do?


If the cylinder rings are not completely worn out, disabling VCM should reduce oil consumption on your vehicle. If excessive oil consumption is a new problem for your vehicle, the sooner you apply VCMTUNER the less wear and damage to your engine.



Can Honda cylinder deactivation be turned off?


I know you can buy a switch that by-passes it and essentially turns it off the cylinder deactivation system but it's not problem-proof and can cause error codes to pop-up. I haven't seen anyone mention that the S-VCM system can cause error codes to pop up, and that device has been around the block for a while.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.