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TPMS seems to work fine. Lose pressure constantly in front pass. side tire. Had the same issue previously with driver's side and had to replace sensor, calibrate, and re-seal tire at 116K miles so probably will need to do same on other side.

UPDATE: Took the van to a recommended local mechanic yesterday for a "second opinion" and to do TB, serpentine, spark plugs, and mirror.

Noticed that it ran pretty well after sitting "cold" for a few days even with the engine light on.
Was that perhaps my first experience of driving the vehicle with VCM disabled?
And now just need to decide between VC Tuner II or S-VCM; leaning toward VC Tuner II based on responses in the VCM mega thread.

Thanks to all for your helpful responses. You have all taught this non-DIY'er much and hopefully not too late for an old guy and his van.
I hope your mechanic installed a quality timing belt kit (such as Aisin) that included the tensioner, rollers, water pump, etc.
 
How was the VCM disabled if you haven't installed anything yet?

And, the VCM Tuner II is on back order. Get on their mailing list to be notified when they are available. Or consider purchasing another product.
Because VCM gets disabled when CEL is on which is what he mentioned.
(but if he needs ring job how can his car run well with misfire? I do not know)
 
I have VCMTuner1 on one of my cars and VCMTuner2 on another one. They both work great. VCMTuner2 is more intelligent since it meant to be fire and forget. Once installed, there is no user intervention required and has automatic idle relearn. When idling for more than 2 or 3 minutes it temporarily and automatically disables itself. It also disables itself in case of an overheat condition to show the true temp on the gauge. On the plus side for VCMTuner1 is its a bit cheaper and easier to install.
 
It seems that they are opening up VCMTuner II stock every Monday so keep checking.
 
Discussion starter · #25 ·
How was the VCM disabled if you haven't installed anything yet?

And, the VCM Tuner II is on back order. Get on their mailing list to be notified when they are available. Or consider purchasing another product.
My understanding is that ironically the VCM disables when the engine/emissions malfunction indicator is thrown/ activated. Is that not true?
 
Have enjoyed my 2010 EX-L van since buying it new, now with ~119k miles. But it's now looking a little rough (dents, dings, scratches, pass. side rear view mirror crunch) and having significant and expensive issues. First was new spool valve, valve cover gasket, and a tire pressure sensor in Feb. 2022. And now diagnosed with cylinder 2 piston ring failure, having pass. side sliding door closing issues, and other side front tire pressure sensor leak. Did regular maintenance other than the TB replacement and VCM "muzzler" (which I've now learned from this forum was a mistake) at the dealership. Am not mechanically inclined like many of you so will need to pay for repairs and TB replacement. Given the cost (quoted $6,500 by dealership), thinking of simply junking the vehicle. Would welcome any suggestions from this forum of experts... Is there any re-sale value to this vehicle in need of some TLC? :rolleyes:
Have you seen what used cars are selling for nowadays? With the supply chain crisis on new cars all used cars are being sold for a premium!
 
TPMS seems to work fine. Lose pressure constantly in front pass. side tire. Had the same issue previously with driver's side and had to replace sensor, calibrate, and re-seal tire at 116K miles so probably will need to do same on other side.

UPDATE: Took the van to a recommended local mechanic yesterday for a "second opinion" and to do TB, serpentine, spark plugs, and mirror.

Noticed that it ran pretty well after sitting "cold" for a few days even with the engine light on.
Was that perhaps my first experience of driving the vehicle with VCM disabled?
And now just need to decide between VC Tuner II or S-VCM; leaning toward VC Tuner II based on responses in the VCM mega thread.

Thanks to all for your helpful responses. You have all taught this non-DIY'er much and hopefully not too late for an old guy and his van.
I have gently used VCM muzzlers that I used with my accord. Please DM me if interested.
 
I was lucky enough that I found a Retired Honda Factory Tech Rep that opened his own shop and have been using him since 2004. I have a 2005 oddy exl with 407,000 miles on it and it's still going strong. I thought it would be funny if I had. Dealership change my oil and then give me a LONG list of things that needed to be done. Like fuel injector cleaning which my mech said in all the years with Honda and his own shop he has Never seen aHonda thaT needed fuel injectors cleaned. So I am still on my original breaks they have never been turned just pads replaced with Honda pads that were sized correctly. Fond a good small shop that's honest amd ssi think if you found one like I did that only works on acuras and Hondas you will be in great shape. Last example my sons accord dealer wanted $475. To fix gas cap door my guy charged less than $50]. I asked why he said he uEd the clip from the package and a little bit of labor.
 
Have enjoyed my 2010 EX-L van since buying it new, now with ~119k miles. But it's now looking a little rough (dents, dings, scratches, pass. side rear view mirror crunch) and having significant and expensive issues. First was new spool valve, valve cover gasket, and a tire pressure sensor in Feb. 2022. And now diagnosed with cylinder 2 piston ring failure, having pass. side sliding door closing issues, and other side front tire pressure sensor leak. Did regular maintenance other than the TB replacement and VCM "muzzler" (which I've now learned from this forum was a mistake) at the dealership. Am not mechanically inclined like many of you so will need to pay for repairs and TB replacement. Given the cost (quoted $6,500 by dealership), thinking of simply junking the vehicle. Would welcome any suggestions from this forum of experts... Is there any re-sale value to this vehicle in need of some TLC? :rolleyes:
If it was me, I would keep the car. A muzzler install, which you can do as it is very easy, and new spark plugs, which are due anyway, should fix the VCM/ piston ring issue. The TB needs to be done no matter what. I would find an independent shop that will use an Aisin TB kit do that work. It should be under $1000. Then your car is back to working condition. If you decide to not do all the work, your car still has value.
 
really biggest question is WHAT do you plan to get IF you sell this off?

Another used car around same price? I don't think you will find anything around this price that is NOT going to need tons of work. With this car, since you had it since new to begin with, you KNOW the history and what was/was not done to it and what needs to be done.

Now, brand new car? Average brand new car prices are hitting around $40k now.
CHEAPEST new 2023 Ody = $38600 (no LX any more)
Sienna is a bit better at $36000
Pacifica is $37k
Carnival at $33k

So, cheapest is Kia Carnival at $33k + tax. IF you can find one at MSRP.
CHEAPEST around my place is Carnival LX at $36K near my place.
Even at that price, we are talking at LEAST $600/mo for 60 mo. (given your downpayment covers taxes).

$600/mo goes LONG way for repairs. You can do MOST of the listed repairs with about 3 monthly payments.

Certified?
Around $30k for Ody LX and this was cheapest around - other than a Sienna for $28k with 80+k miles on it.
So, instead of $600/mo you pay $500/mo.
 
Discussion starter · #33 ·
Getting great feedback and suggestions from all, thank you!

UPDATE: Been shopping for a new/low mileage used vehicle since my original post last week. What an experience! Very limited or no new stock and sky-high prices for an off-lease 2019 - 2020 (very close to and some at or even above original sticker!) here in Detroit where "domestic" vehicle leases were numerous. So finally got the Odyssey over to a recommended independent shop yesterday. He will do all the recommended work for less than a third than what the Honda dealership that I was so loyal to over the years, who did nothing for this issue, and wouldn't budge on the cost for the piston ring "diagnosis." Foolish me... :oops:

So, decision made to keep the Odyssey at this point and hopefully have found a good, reliable shop going forward. Still need to get my hands on a VCM disable/muzzle device. Am considering getting the S-VCM product as it seems to be in stock and don't want to mess with it given the often-changing temps here in MI. Not sure I get the differences vs. VCM Tuner II. Anyone with experience or feedback on the S-VCM product?
 
UPDATE: Been shopping for a new/low mileage used vehicle since my original post last week. What an experience! Very limited or no new stock and sky-high prices for an off-lease 2019 - 2020 (very close to and some at or even above original sticker!) here in Detroit where "domestic" vehicle leases were numerous. So finally got the Odyssey over to a recommended independent shop yesterday. He will do all the recommended work for less than a third than what the Honda dealership that I was so loyal to over the years, who did nothing for this issue, and wouldn't budge on the cost for the piston ring "diagnosis." Foolish me... :oops:
Yah, the used vehicle market is CRAZY. Heck, I was able to sell my 2014 Rogue with 110K miles which I bought back in 2016 for less than $20k ($20500 total is what I paid including tax) with 20k miles on it for $11500. (so, drove for 90k miles for $9000 in 6 years = 10 cents/mile).
 
So, decision made to keep the Odyssey at this point and hopefully have found a good, reliable shop going forward. Still need to get my hands on a VCM disable/muzzle device. Am considering getting the S-VCM product as it seems to be in stock and don't want to mess with it given the often-changing temps here in MI. Not sure I get the differences vs. VCM Tuner II. Anyone with experience or feedback on the S-VCM product?
If you can get on it, VCM Tuner II will be back in stock this coming Monday. They usually sell out within a few hours but if you can get on it then, you will be able to get it.

The big benefits with VCMTuner II is CARB certification if you live in a CARB state and the idling shut off for certain service procedures. Though for what it's worth, I've heard of a few S-VCM units failing after a few years and requiring replacement, while I haven't heard of such failures with the VCMTuner II. Both are still solid options.
 
Discussion starter · #37 ·
UPDATE: Had all the listed repairs, maintenance items, and new side mirror done for ~$2K and installed VCM Tuner 1. So far so good, running like new! Had to increase the VCM setting to 5 for the summer season but seems to keep the VCM muzzled. Hope to get another 3+ years and 30-35K more miles. Very glad to have found this forum and appreciate all the recommendations on how to get and keep the old Ody back on the road!
 
FWIW,
Back when my Son still owned a Civic, he brought it to the dealer for an airbag recall. While the car was there the dealer inspected the entire car and gave my Son a long list of suggested repairs with a total slightly over $4000. Over a period of several months I replaced all the parts they listed for a total cost of under $700. :)
 
FWIW,
Back when my Son still owned a Civic, he brought it to the dealer for an airbag recall. While the car was there the dealer inspected the entire car and gave my Son a long list of suggested repairs with a total slightly over $4000. Over a period of several months I replaced all the parts they listed for a total cost of under $700. :)
Prices are getting so ridiculous that I am seriously considering changing tires by myself from now on. Nobody will tell me "you have to have TPMS sensors installed in those steelies of yours".
Similar story - last year brought my '04 Subaru to a dealer for air bag recall. They gave me laundry list with the $6K price tag.
"Thanks but no thanks". Just a couple of months later it blew the head gasket..... Car had 250K miles and probably had value of $2K before HD fail. Still drove it around town for another year.
 
Prices are getting so ridiculous that I am seriously considering changing tires by myself from now on. Nobody will tell me "you have to have TPMS sensors installed in those steelies of yours".
Similar story - last year brought my '04 Subaru to a dealer for air bag recall. They gave me laundry list with the $6K price tag.
"Thanks but no thanks". Just a couple of months later it blew the head gasket..... Car had 250K miles and probably had value of $2K before HD fail. Still drove it around town for another year.
Car parts are up 15% so far this year: Car parts price inflation, 1977→2022
 
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