Loading

Which Honda models have cylinder deactivation?

Several Honda models feature cylinder deactivation technology, which helps improve fuel efficiency by temporarily shutting off some of the engine's cylinders during low-load driving conditions. This technology allows the engine to operate more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.


Honda Models with Cylinder Deactivation


The Honda models that currently offer cylinder deactivation technology include:



  • Honda Accord (2018 and newer models)

  • Honda Pilot (2016 and newer models)

  • Honda Odyssey (2018 and newer models)

  • Honda Ridgeline (2017 and newer models)


These Honda models are equipped with V6 engines, and the cylinder deactivation system allows the engine to run on fewer cylinders when full power is not required, such as during highway cruising or light-load conditions. This helps improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.


How Cylinder Deactivation Works


Cylinder deactivation, also known as variable cylinder management (VCM), is a technology that temporarily shuts off some of the engine's cylinders when they are not needed. This is achieved through the use of special valvetrain components that can disengage the fuel injection and ignition systems for specific cylinders.


When the engine is operating under light loads, the cylinder deactivation system will shut off half of the engine's cylinders, allowing the remaining cylinders to operate more efficiently. This reduces fuel consumption and emissions, as the engine is not working as hard to maintain the desired speed or power output.


As the driver demands more power, the cylinder deactivation system will seamlessly reactivate the deactivated cylinders, providing the full power of the engine when needed.


Benefits of Cylinder Deactivation


The main benefits of cylinder deactivation technology in Honda models include:



  • Improved Fuel Efficiency: By reducing the number of active cylinders during low-load conditions, the engine can operate more efficiently, resulting in better fuel economy.

  • Reduced Emissions: With fewer cylinders running, the engine produces fewer emissions, contributing to a more environmentally friendly driving experience.

  • Seamless Performance: The transition between active and deactivated cylinders is designed to be seamless, ensuring that the driver does not experience any noticeable changes in power delivery or engine performance.


Overall, the cylinder deactivation technology in Honda models helps to strike a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, providing drivers with a more economical and environmentally conscious driving experience without sacrificing the power and capability of their Honda vehicles.

Can Honda VCM be turned off?


CURRENTLY SUPPORTED MODELS. Position 40,50,60 (Disable VCM) is tunable between different climates. Users who have had to replace CTS sensors will now have a very precise way of disabling VCM as well as calibrating the dash temperature gauge. For cold climates like Alaska, a setting of 35-40 will work in most cases.



Does the Honda 3.5 have cylinder deactivation?


Intro to Variable Cylinder Management Technology
The 2005-2007 Honda 3.5L V6 is a VCM-1 engine and only does cylinder deactivation on cylinders 1-3 instead of 1-4 like the VCM-2 engine.



What year did Honda use VCM?


2005
Honda introduced this system in 2005 and, if it didn't work, do you think that the company would still use it?



What year did Honda start using VCM?


2006: Revised exterior styling with new bumpers, headlights and taillights. A new two-wheel-drive model received Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®), Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC), Honda's Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system and the new i-VTEC® valvetrain system.



Can you turn off a Honda VCM?


Position 40,50,60 (Disable VCM) is tunable between different climates. Users who have had to replace CTS sensors will now have a very precise way of disabling VCM as well as calibrating the dash temperature gauge. For cold climates like Alaska, a setting of 35-40 will work in most cases.



Which Honda models have VCM?


Vehicles equipped with VCM
2005-10 Honda Odyssey (USDM) - EX-L and Touring Models only (J35A7) - 2005-2007 models are equipped with VCM-1 (3- and 6-cylinder operation) - 2008-2010 models are equipped with VCM-2 (3-, 4-, and 6-cylinder operation).



Do Hondas have cylinder deactivation?


When maximum power isn't needed, the VCM system can deactivate one bank of cylinders—depending upon the torque requirements to maintain cruising speed—by shutting off the appropriate fuel injectors and stopping valve operation with the VTEC® system.



Can you disable 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.



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.



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.