Welcome to the OdyClub.

Yes. You have some version of a VCM disable device. Please go over the stickies for the VCM Muzzling and learn about all aspects of it.

 

Thanks, how can you tell I have one, from the picture or the fact I've never seen my ECO light so far?

I've been reading the VCM sticky thread and the VCM muzzler/tuners I've seen so far don't look like my pictures, but I'm not sure.

 

The red wire peeking out of that black wiring loom is not factory original.

Us oldsters can recognize it because we know what the sensor wire and the connection is supposed to look like.

You as a new owner can figure out that the wire isn't a factory piece because it is extremely long compared to the other wires around that harness - factory wiring isn't left with that much slack.

 

The red wire peeking out of that black wiring loom is not factory original.

Us oldsters can recognize it because we know what the sensor wire and the connection is supposed to look like.

You as a new owner can figure out that the wire isn't a factory piece because it extremely long compared to the other wires around that harness - factory wiring isn't left with that much slack.

Thanks for the info. I didn't know what this was supposed to look like from factory. I did another test drive and can't get my Eco light to come on even driving steadily around 80 or 90km/hr. So this must be a VCM muzzler even though it doesn't look exactly like some I've seen online.

I'm happy it already has it as I was looking to add one.

 

For anyone with a new used 4th gen Ody, I would suggest removing plug #3 (that tends to get very oily without a muzzler) and inspect for an indicator of the overall impact of the VCM system over the life to date of the Ody. Also would suggest if no maint history of car, to replace PCV.

DanaH
2014 LX

 

Thanks for the info. You mean spark plug #3? I'm not mechanically inclined so I'm not sure what to look for there, or what oily vs clean would look like. Also what is the PCV? I see in the service history of my van the spark plugs were recently replaced. I wonder if the van did have VCM related issues and the VCM was recently installed.

 

One can only wonder

 

Green: factory plug
Yellow: Muzzle device.

 

You are lucky, I had to pay over 109.00 for my VCMmuzzler II.

 

I paid 2c. It's just a resistor. Maybe 5c for the solder and heat shrink tubing

 

Looks like you are already ahead of the game with your 2016 purchase! The previous owner actually checked on common issues with the Odyssey and tried to prevent that and make it a long-lasting vehicle!

 

I usually don't see the ECO light because my right foot is heavy.

 

I usually don't see the ECO light because my right foot is heavy.
[/QUO My 2014 RDX does not even have an eco light (which tics me off) but it has the notorious bank 2 "Spool valve" over the alternator, so I put a VCM II on it to make sure it never engages.

 

This looks like one of the Amazon ones with changeable resisters inside of the little black plastic box. Those buying quality products should easily see how much better made they are than this. Of course a cheap one may work just fine, but the folks who make better ones will warranty defects, incentivizing them to make them better. These things sit above a very hot engine.

 

I had a gen4 w/o a muzzler for as long as it took to get one shipped and it never showed an eco light. They probably removed the eco light in the gen4.

 

Perhaps you mean gen 5? Honda started making Odyssey's in 1995, so the 2nd gen started in 1999. 3rd in 2005, 4th 2011, 5th 2018. 2025 is technically a 6th gen, but they barely changed anything. The 5th gen do not have a ECO light. They also have VCM3 that shuts down 3 cylinders at a time only under light load. Very different than the truly variable set up Honda used in some models starting in 2008 and all 2011-2017. We have an Acura with VCM3 and I never muzzled the VCM. The plugs came out clean 95K when they got replaced early. Of course that could be because that RDX never really lugged like a big heavy Odyssey. Or perhaps my wife just kept her foot in it. I know I find it hard not to when I drive it. Imagine having this V-6 in a CRV, that is what the RDX was in 2013-2018. Still available as a Honda Passport.

 

Yes, positive muzzler. you're lucky.

 

You should thank them for protecting your van!!!

 

I think the 2013-2015 RDX is VCM 2. They are VCM-3 starting in 2016. My wife's 2016 RDX does not have a front spool valve.

 

Yes, that is the point I was making. The RDX is the only VCM-2 vehicle to not have an ECO light.

 

My 2006 Odyssey EXL bought new ECO mode has always worked without any problems. 146000 miles.

 

If the ECO light ain't turning on you're good to go! You're just like us.