I believe the VCM is only available with the 9 speed transmission models.


Buy an EX-L with Sensing or RES or NAV.

 

Nope, all models of the 2016 Pilot have VCM.

 

...I've read tons about it, so no offense, but you can save replies with "I haven't had any problems with VCM, it'll be fine", etc....

So, knowing my strong distaste for the VCM system, and the fact that I would almost certainly disable it from day 1, should I even be considering the Pilot?

OK I won't tell that I haven't had any problems with VCM on my '16 Pilot. So, if you want the Touring or Elite Trim then my answer to your question is, "NO, don't consider the Pilot - cuz VCM is on 'em dood!!!"

 

Well there's your answer.

 

I say go ahead and buy the new Honda Pilot. You won't regret it!

 

You have correctly identified the Pilot's sweet spot, as I looked at the Highlander and others and came to the same conclusion. I went with the new Pilot.

Probably wouldn't buy a new SUV that I'm immediately worried about, so you have to consider whether getting the Pilot and using that VCMuzzler is worth your worry. Do a little more research into disabling VCM until you know it won't cause an issue. Or, just go with the Highlander which is smaller inside, but close to as good as the Pilot overall.

 

After actually driving a `16 Pilot EX-L, I want one even more. This is becoming a tough choice.

Or, just go with the Highlander which is smaller inside, but close to as good as the Pilot overall.

The smaller inside thing is the killer for us. If we're going to get something with a 3rd row, it needs to be big enough for people larger than 5 year olds. Otherwise we'd just stick with a Subaru, as that's definitely still our favorite for a smaller vehicle. We've got an '03 Forester now and besides it being a bit small and getting a bit long in the tooth mechanically, we love that car.

New Foresters are great was well, they're just not roomy enough for our family of 4 plus stuff.

Minivans aren't as camping/adventure-worthy as we'd like, so here we are loving the Pilot more than anything else we've looked at. Curse that VCM, though.

 

As I read and re-read threads about the VCMuzzler device, I'm feeling more confident that it's a good long term solution the VCM issue, and one that I would I would feel comfortable enough putting on a brand new vehicle from day 1.

It sounds like the temperature reading the ECU gets is not reduced enough by the VCMuzzler to affect other engine operations (fuel mix, etc) at all, which is what I was concerned about. There also seems to be nothing but praise for it, even among people who have been using it for long periods (15k+ miles).

So, you might very well be seeing more of me around here...

 

If you think you would enjoy the Pilot, but have mechanical concerns about the long term effects of the VCM, you could buy an 8 year 120k mile Honda Care warranty for about $1,300. And it would cover everything else too. I'm not sure how to tell when the VCM engages, and I haven't noticed it either.


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I am in the same situation. Already put a deposit on a 2016 EXL RES but after learning about the VCM it makes me think twice as well. hopefully some one with third gen who already using VCMmuzzler could share some information in here. Also worried about the oil consumption for a brand new Pilot.

Philip.

 

Well, we went ahead and pulled the trigger on a sapphire blue EX-L yesterday. Pretty happy except for the strong new car smell, but hopefully that will dissipate soon. I'll be ordering a VCMuzzler ASAP

 

That's a new complaint, probably deserves it's own thread, "How do you want your car to smell?" :smile:

At a car wash I used to go to they had different sprays they would put on your carpet (at a small charge). Each had a different smell, including new car smell. Then there's the little pine trees you can hang from the mirror, saw a car with about 5 hanging the other day

 

I don't think you'll need a VCMuzzler. I can't tell when it even activates.

 

It likely would void your warranty if discovered by Honda at a service. It looks fairly easy to install. So you might want to just remove it before bringing your Pilot to the dealer for service (if that's how you plan to get service and/or warranty work done).

 

I'm not sure about voiding the warranty, but I would just remove it before taking it in for service.

I don't think you'll need a VCMuzzler. I can't tell when it even activates.

Just because I can't tell doesn't mean it's not active. I'm convinced that any form of cylinder deactivation is detrimental to an engine. You can hide it all you want with complex vibration and noise cancelling systems, but it's still bad for the engine. That's my conclusion and I'm sticking with it

 

BTW people: if you think the top managers, engineers and lawyers at Honda are willing to continue to allow a feature to exist on their new vehicles that is harmful even it risks lawsuits and bad press for them, you can keep VCM from operating by not engaging ECON mode ( the big O'l green button on the dash to the bottom left of steering wheel). You don't need an aftermarket item to accomplish this: )

Enjoy the lower MPG : )

 

you can keep VCM from operating by not engaging ECON mode ( the big O'l green button on the dash to the bottom left of steering wheel). You don't need an aftermarket item to accomplish this: )

Pretty sure this is not true. The econ button does not control VCM. It changes throttle response, transmission shift points, and air conditioner compressor operation.

 

The ECON mode is awful, in my opinion. Have had it off from the first week of ownership. Still not a fan of the 9 speed tranny, especially when it feels like it is lurching around when driving 15-25 mph through the neighborhood. Very hard to drive the car at those speeds smoothly. I think my Touring was bought after the transmission software upgrade.

 

VCM technology has been around for awhile now.. I would not get too worried about it. Dodge has been using it on their 5.7 Hemi with Automatic for at least 7 years now...

These new engines are designed with VCM in mind and not as an afterthought. The days of chopping two pistons off a V8 to make a V6 or just change the heads and convert that engine to a diesel are long gone.

With or without it, these engines are better than engines we were buying 5 years ago, 10 years ago, etc... They use less oil, last longer, and have less maintenance costs over the long run.

I have never rebuilt a Japanese engine and I have owned Japanese cars for 30 years.. I have never had to do any major replacements, etc.. I average over 200k miles per car..

Unless you have very bad luck, I doubt you would ever know the car uses VCM.

 

As I read and re-read threads about the VCMuzzler device, I'm feeling more confident that it's a good long term solution the VCM issue, and one that I would I would feel comfortable enough putting on a brand new vehicle from day 1.

VCM issue? What VCM issue. The new Pilots have a lot of issues, but VCM is not one that I've seen or experienced.

 

VCM issue? What VCM issue.

The issue that I believe running a conventional internal combustion engine with cylinders disabled is a bad idea.

 

Leave the engineering part to the engineers. They designed the engine TO WORK with VCM. VCM isn't a function that was tacked on like a mod.

 

Way back when, when it was first introduced there were some problems (like so many new ideas). But now through the normal evolution in engineering much improved engines, it has become a normal accepted function in engines for more and more vehicles all the time.

However, for some, VCM is a conspiracy theory thing just like Y2K. For these folks, they can't get past the hype they read and the propaganda of the marketeers of the devices.

Facts and logic don't matter.

 

VCM isn't the only issue. The thing that wears an engine out is driving. Keep in parked in your garage. Just take it out for exercise once in a while. It will last for decades.

Honestly by the time you pay for the muzzler and the extra gas you will use, is it really worth it on the 5% chance that the car won't go 200,000 miles. That is assuming the muzzer doesn't do more harm than good - which may or may not be the case.

It's a car - just drive it.

 

Honestly by the time you pay for the muzzler and the extra gas you will use, is it really worth it on the 5% chance that the car won't go 200,000 miles.

My answer to that: peace of mind is priceless.

I've done a fair amount of reading on VCM and cylinder deactivation in general, and I have a pretty good handle on how engines work. You just can't tell me that running an engine with less than all cylinders firing is anything but an extra burden on it. Are modern engines tough enough to take this abuse? Maybe.

Engines are better made now than ever, and there are lots of fancy things going on under the hood to minimize the impact of cycling cylinders on and off.

But the fact is, cylinder deactivation is a gimmick used by auto manufacturers to add a MPG or 2 on paper to satisfy increasingly strict government fuel efficiency regulations. Honda is not doing this to save us money at the pump, and they sure as heck aren't doing it to make their engines run better and last longer.

They are doing it so they can keep giving us the nice, powerful cars that we want without getting slapped with government fines. Or maybe they get "credits" for meeting a certain fuel efficiency standard on paper.

Also, by all accounts of the many people using the VCMuzzler, the effect on gas mileage is negligible at best.

That is assuming the muzzer doesn't do more harm than good - which may or may not be the case.

Again I've weighed this very carefully. I am the kind of person that could be considered anal when it comes to mechanics. I do my research, I try to figure out how things actually work before making a decision. And it's my conclusion that there is far more risk of harming the engine from running without all cylinders firing than there is from slightly reducing the coolant temperature value reported to the computer, which prevents VCM from engaging.

In my mind, all that's happening is the engine is being allowed to run normally, with all cylinders firing all the time, just like it's supposed to.

At the end of the day, if you disagree and prefer to run your Pilot stock, that's OK with me.

 

I dodnt even know ive got it at all, no problems...AND the Highlander goes have as much room BTW

 

I understand earlier gens had issues w VCM...not anymore.
Don't let it prevent a buy...try it...if it's a problem install the VCMuzzler.
If you are worried about life buy the extended warranty.
I planned on going the muzzler route before purchase but after 6 mos it's a non issue.

 

I just posted this response in the prices paid but I will also give you my two cents...if room is a big deal to you then definitely check out a QX60, best passenger space (especially 3rd row) of all the SUVs I tests (Pilot, Highlander, Explorer, MDX).

Been watching these forums pretty closely and at the end of the day actually bought an Infiniti QX60 with Premium and Premium Plus packages (basically a Touring without sensing and RES) but with some additional features like around view monitor. Odd thing is that we paid 42,500 on a vehicle with a 50,500 MSRP.

Yes there is a lot of mark up on luxury vehicles but my experience at the Infiniti dealership was FAR better than what it was at the Honda dealership. We had narrowed it down to a EX-L with sensing or the QX60 in either base (38,500), premium (40,500), or premium plus (42,500). So tried to match up apples to apples. End of the day my experience at Honda was really off putting when they didn't want to negotiate, told me vehicles were high in demand (yet they told me I could order one and receive in a week), and treated me like it was 90's era car buying (4 square anyone?).

While the QX60 does not review as well, probably due to CVT and slightly underpowered engine, it looks and feels so much more luxurious and has more passenger space. Not really buying a large crossover for sport driving, just need something with a smooth ride and space for the family.

End of story, if you are cross shopping the Pilot with other vehicles consider the QX60 as the prices are very competitive vs higher optioned Pilots.

 

Thx for the info but the QX was never an option for us because redesign of the new one was too late. Looks a bit better but not enough to consider. Nissans are great but their transmissions are not. Enjoy your QX60 and have fun in the Infiniti forums. Never even considered a CVT tranny suv. Simply not an option ?.

 

I'm guessing if the dealer finds the muzzler running it'll void your warranty? Vs running without and and having it covered. What's better? I also have an extended 8yr warranty.

 

My answer to that: peace of mind is priceless.

I've done a fair amount of reading on VCM and cylinder deactivation in general, and I have a pretty good handle on how engines work. You just can't tell me that running an engine with less than all cylinders firing is anything but an extra burden on it. Are modern engines tough enough to take this abuse? Maybe.

Engines are better made now than ever, and there are lots of fancy things going on under the hood to minimize the impact of cycling cylinders on and off.

But the fact is, cylinder deactivation is a gimmick used by auto manufacturers to add a MPG or 2 on paper to satisfy increasingly strict government fuel efficiency regulations. Honda is not doing this to save us money at the pump, and they sure as heck aren't doing it to make their engines run better and last longer.

They are doing it so they can keep giving us the nice, powerful cars that we want without getting slapped with government fines. Or maybe they get "credits" for meeting a certain fuel efficiency standard on paper.

Also, by all accounts of the many people using the VCMuzzler, the effect on gas mileage is negligible at best.



Again I've weighed this very carefully. I am the kind of person that could be considered anal when it comes to mechanics. I do my research, I try to figure out how things actually work before making a decision. And it's my conclusion that there is far more risk of harming the engine from running without all cylinders firing than there is from slightly reducing the coolant temperature value reported to the computer, which prevents VCM from engaging.

In my mind, all that's happening is the engine is being allowed to run normally, with all cylinders firing all the time, just like it's supposed to.

At the end of the day, if you disagree and prefer to run your Pilot stock, that's OK with me.

Perhaps, but you communicate this as though you know something that the rest of us lemmings are clueless about. However, I will state this again for others who read through this thread and get shaken by your special insights:

It is highly unreasonable and unlikely that a for-profit corporation with shareholders will take the risk of lawsuits and a major hit to reputation because of a screwed up fleet of vehicles due to VCM. They engineer the heck out of their engines to make sure that doesn't happen. (VW recently got popped because of major stupidity due to poor decisions, poor management oversight. They tried to fool the MPG regs and now they face billions in losses. Honda and other auto makers are not going to go down that road).

There are now thousands and thousands of Honda (and other makers) vehicles on the road with VCM with no issue and there won't be in the years that follow . So buy in confidence and drive your new Pilot "like you stole It" :surprise::grin: Don't fall to the "special" insider gimmicks of additives and devices to improve the longevity/quality of your new vehicle purchase :wink:

I Like what sofejay and drum said. Theirs is the logic and facts to consider not ramblings of conspiracies/old dated information/flawed analysis:

Leave the engineering part to the engineers. They designed the engine TO WORK with VCM. VCM isn't a function that was tacked on like a mod.

VCM isn't the only issue. The thing that wears an engine out is driving. Keep in parked in your garage. Just take it out for exercise once in a while. It will last for decades.

Honestly by the time you pay for the muzzler and the extra gas you will use, is it really worth it on the 5% chance that the car won't go 200,000 miles. That is assuming the muzzer doesn't do more harm than good - which may or may not be the case.

It's a car - just drive it.

But... if you want to bypass functions on your new pilot, fill your crank case/transmission with some super duper additive, or have the dealer spray rust proof undercoating, etc. cuz it "gives you peace of mind", go for it. More power to ya:x

 

Perhaps, but you communicate this as though you know something that the rest of us lemmings are clueless about.
...
So buy in confidence and drive your new Pilot "like you stole It" Don't fall to the "special" insider gimmicks of additives and devices to improve the longevity/quality of your new vehicle purchase
...

I Like what sofejay and drum said. Theirs is the logic and facts to consider not ramblings of conspiracies/old dated information/flawed analysis:

...

But... if you want to bypass functions on your new pilot, fill your crank case/transmission with some super duper additive, or have the dealer spray rust proof undercoating, etc. cuz it "gives you peace of mind", go for it. More power to ya

I don't think I've been preaching that everyone should disable their VCM or suffer disastrous engine failure. I'm just sharing my own conclusions, how I got there, and the choices I'm making based on that.

I'm 100% OK if folks don't agree, and I'm not going to tell you what to do, call you names or make fun of you for not thinking the same way as me.

 

I think this thread has run its course. That said, you guys want to buy some deer whistles to put on your bumpers?

 

Well I've done a fair amount of reading myself on deer whistle bumper modifications while I was in the mall waiting for my wife to finish shopping, and I can say that I have a pretty good handle on how much you're putting your vehicle's bumper at risk of catching rabies.