I use the VCMuzzler II on both my Pilot and Ridgeline. The difference in the temp gauge reading is so minor with Muzzler connected. If you have a overheating condition you will see it. The S-VCM product is still a work in progress. Check out the Ridgeline forum: S-VCM controller/ Smart VCM controller - Honda Ridgeline Owners Club Forums

 

I think that is a misconception, and the reason I have some discomfort with the VCMuzzler II. Yes, at normal operating temperature, the VCMuzzler II has only a slight “offset” between the actual temperature, and what is being returned by the Muzzler. No problem there. My concern is that in the instance of an overheating event, that “offset” becomes much greater. Using the 82 Ohm resistor (blue), when the actual engine temperature is 270 degrees, the computer is being told it is only 216 degrees, not far outside a normal operating range. I think few people understand that the “offset” provided by the Muzzler is NOT linear, and becomes much more weighted as the temperature increases. You would perceive only only a slight increase at the gauge, but your engine is well on its way to catastrophic failure. Although modern engines seem to rarely suffer cooling failure, the fact is you may not know when it happens. The S-VCM addresses this issue.

All that being said, there are very few complaints about the Muzzler. Does anyone else share these concerns, and/or see any potential drawbacks the S-VCM? The ones I have thought of include parasitic battery losses, and a more complex system that opens more avenues to failure.

 

You have two Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensors on the engine. If you have an overheat condition the PCM going to trigger an check engine light.

 

This may be true, but when the CEL is tripped the temperature gauge would not indicate an overheat condition. You’re likely to believe the problem is something other than an overheating condition, because the temperature gauge doesn’t indicate an issue.

 

Give the S-VCM a try and keep use posted with your results. Would be interested in actual engine temps while the device is being used.

 

Will do. This is something I’m interested in as well. Thanks for your input MtMan.

 

I have put several thousand miles on our 2011 Pilot 4WD with and without a VCMuzzler installed. Before installation the temp gauge read almost exactly at the halfway point no matter the ambient outdoor temp or load on the Pilot. After VCMuzzler install the temp gauge reads slightly less than half and again is rock steady no matter what. I would say weather you use a device to trick the VCM or not make a mark with a Sharpie where the temp gauge reads at full operating temperature. If at some point the gauge needle is above or below your mark after the engine has had time to fully warm you should probably start looking for an issue with your cooling system.

 

this interests me...looking at getting a device asap for my newly acquired 2011

 

You'll be glad you did, whichever you decide on. The difference between having VCM and having VCM disabled is night and day.

For those looking for an update on the S-VCM device, I'm still waiting to receive mine. Let's just say customer satisfaction leaves a lot to be desired. Hopefully the actual device performs better than the creator. When I ordered my Muzzler, the customer service was outstanding, shipped quickly with clear instructions. A definite win for the Muzzler.

 

I got a used VCMuzzler II from eBay but it yet to arrive. Where in the engine compartment do I install it? Lots of stuff in that tiny bay...

 

I just ordered S-VCM off eBay for our 2011. Will report how it works out

 

Received my S-VCM controller, and have spent a few days with it installed. So far, it’s imperceptable. No VCM, no check engine light. I really like the fact that there is no changing resistors based on climate, cooling system efficiency, etc. Even better, there’s no concern that the engine will overheat without a warning. At this point, I’m very pleased.

 

I just got my VCMuzzII yesterday, thanks to Verbatim! We're taking the Pilot (2011) on a trip from Ky to Florida this week; I'm installing it today or tomorrow morning...I'll report back.

I, too had no idea that the problem was so wide-spread and well known. I'm really disappointed in Honda for this- and I've been a Honda fan for many years...have had zero problems with the many 4cyls I've had.

 

Got S-vcm off eBay about 6 days to get it from canada to florida. 5min to install. No CEL or ECO anymore, smooth running again!

 

I agree. This device is about as close to a VCM kill switch as you can get. The VCM does not engage, not in traffic, on hills, or on hot days. It's always off.

 

Coolant temp gauge clearly shows a little bit lower than factory normal, with S-VCM installed.

Pilot runs like new

 

Glad to hear some ppl are trying out the S-VCM approach. I'm also interested in what he came up especially since it appears that he is using the battery power to help make measurements. My only drawback is how low his rating is on ebay. I like to see more results from the product is being used and how he has refined it for the scenarios he hasn't encountered yet.

 

The resistor fix is so easy to do at home for next to nothing, I could not make myself buy $100 resistor. I opted for S-VCM to have some flexibility in the operation and still be able to see the temperature increase if truck starts to overheat.

 

S-VCM shows 159.8F at operating temp, and needle sits like this:

 

Does the S-VCM controller resolve the oil consumption problem that these engines are plagued with?

 

If VCM is causing your oil consumption, then yes - these devices should help.

 

I recently installed the S-VCM Controller in my '08 Accord's V-6 with about 65K/mi too. So far, I'm very satisfied with it: no CEL, and the VCM stays fully deactivated regardless of outside temperature. No VCM-associated vibrations either, and the engine feels smoother working on all 6 cylinders. It also seems like the engine braking effect has increased, and it stays in gear somewhat longer than before.

 

just now have had the time to get on here...we did about 2,000 miles on the Pilot- NO stupid ECO mode, even in crawling Orlando traffic at 84 degrees outside!

 

Welcome to the club CitRon. I love my MuzzlerII. Simple is good.

 

Installed my Muzzler II a couple of days ago and so far it's fantastic. No CEL, no more ECO mode on/off, and a much smoother ride.

So glad I finally found out about this device! I have been irritated with the VCM since we purchased our 2011 Pilot used in 2013. It's my wife's car so I don't drive it all the time, but when I did the VCM drove me nuts!

 

Hi All, just received and installed the S-VCM from EBay. Received in 5 Days to NY. 10 min install as I have big paws and was hard to reach the plug. Works like a charm so far....about two tanks full of gas and no CEL or ECO light. Very happy so far.
Dean

 

Other than minor oil consumption - what negatives do you observe when the ECO light is on? Is it only when the ECO light is on?

Reason I ask, is that we have been driving our 2011, since 2014, and havent really noticed any ill effects of the VCM thus far. She is always .5 to .75 quarts low between 9000 mile oil changes.