[2011.2017.odyssey]

I don't know if I would go as far as calling him an idiot. Using a device to disable the VCM does sound like snake oil to many.
In this case I would take the fresh fluid as maybe the fix. All these newbies must realize that, just because they did get the trans TSB, that does not mean that the fluid does not still need to be regularly changed. The factory service interval is every 30k. That is a minimum. If you want to keep your van long term, change it every 15k. It is quite possible that the pressure switch gets gummed up with bad fluid. I would not be paying to have it changed unless it was happening repeatedly with fresh fluid. If it is really an issue, it will be back.

maybe not an idiot, but clearly out of his scope or depth of knowledge.
AKA ignorant.
😅

 

[CroMath]

I don't know if I would go as far as calling him an idiot. Using a device to disable the VCM does sound like snake oil to many.
In this case I would take the fresh fluid as maybe the fix. All these newbies must realize that, just because they did get the trans TSB, that does not mean that the fluid does not still need to be regularly changed. The factory service interval is every 30k. That is a minimum. If you want to keep your van long term, change it every 15k. It is quite possible that the pressure switch gets gummed up with bad fluid. I would not be paying to have it changed unless it was happening repeatedly with fresh fluid. If it is really an issue, it will be back.

You're more generous than I am. Any mechanic at all should know that if an engine doesn't fire on all of its cylinders it will shake - first year apprentices know that. And the normal fix to that shaking is to get all of the cylinders firing again. At best, that mechanic is speaking authoritatively before thinking the problem all the way through. I have very little patience for that - I am in a position where there is very little tolerance for misplaced or misguided words and (fairly or not) I tend to hold others to a similar standard.

I have far more respect for someone who tells me they aren't sure and needs some time than for someone who tries to bluster their way through an answer hoping or expecting they won't get called on it. In talking with mechanics and service advisors about my cars, I try to create openings for them to safely admit they may need to look something up before saying something for sure. I don't mind that at all. Not knowing doesn't have to be a sign of weakness. It's impossible to know everything (even as a specialist in something) and learning is valuable.

 

[2011.2017.odyssey]

You're more generous than I am. Any mechanic at all should know that if an engine doesn't fire on all of its cylinders it will shake - first year apprentices know that. And the normal fix to that shaking is to get all of the cylinders firing again. At best, that mechanic is speaking authoritatively before thinking the problem all the way through. I have very little patience for that - I am in a position where there is very little tolerance for misplaced or misguided words and (fairly or not) I tend to hold others to a similar standard.

I have far more respect for someone who tells me they aren't sure and needs some time than for someone who tries to bluster their way through an answer hoping or expecting they won't get called on it. In talking with mechanics and service advisors about my cars, I try to create openings for them to safely admit they may need to look something up before saying something for sure. I don't mind that at all. Not knowing doesn't have to be a sign of weakness. It's impossible to know everything (even as a specialist in something) and learning is valuable.

dont like laying gotcha traps myself, leaving openings as you mentioned, is always a good idea to have productive outcomes.

 

[egads]

Egads, I have a 15. We've not heard anything about a software update. We are pushing 153k so probably wouldn't do it anyway due to the miles.

The next question was about your fluid change history. The software update specifically addresses the premature deterioration of the fluid. Without it, you must change the fluid even more often. I have a 2015 with less than 30k (long story) and it already shows the symptoms of needing the update. It was not clear to me how much until I muzzled the VCM. Suddenly it was smooth enough for me to feel the shifts. Judder is the perfect description.

Not addressing the software reminds me of folks who don't want to go to or finish college because they are too old.
If you are not contemplating replacing this van soon, then keeping up with maintenance makes having a old car possible. I know, the 2002 I drove for years was sold with 256k (needing repairs) and my daughter just replaced her mom's 2003 Odyssey after well over 300k. Your van is not that old in Honda terms. The point is, if you are poor, like me, at least do the fluid.

Here is a link to the TSB:

http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SB/A17-043.PDF

Note that, even folks who have had the software update, with the complete fluid replacement, may need another complete fluid replacement. That warranty extension is only to 80k, so the software part would cost at least an hour of tech time. But the fluid you can do yourself if you can change the oil.

And, this thread is not really about Judder, but an actual switch failing.

 

[Thea20_1995]

listen to advice from owners and experienced technicians who know these vehicles.
aka this forum.

Definitely am... can't find a mechanic to disable it though yet. I've checked with two who won't touch it.

This mechanic is an idiot who doesn't understand what he's talking about. There's more than a few of those around. Ignore him.

I will most definitely ignore that one because he (or someone else there) changed the brake fluid & missed a connection. I drove an hour away not realizing I was leaking fluid until it was almost not braking anymore. It went back to the dealer for the fix.

 

[Thea20_1995]

I don't know if I would go as far as calling him an idiot. Using a device to disable the VCM does sound like snake oil to many.
In this case I would take the fresh fluid as maybe the fix. All these newbies must realize that, just because they did get the trans TSB, that does not mean that the fluid does not still need to be regularly changed. The factory service interval is every 30k. That is a minimum. If you want to keep your van long term, change it every 15k. It is quite possible that the pressure switch gets gummed up with bad fluid. I would not be paying to have it changed unless it was happening repeatedly with fresh fluid. If it is really an issue, it will be back.

Just reg. my van this is the 3rd time the trans fluid has been changed & it's only up to 38K mileage right now. It feels sluggish to me right now.

 

[egads]

I would suggest using one of the simpler Muzzler devices in your case. Anyone can install them. There are YouTube videos. The two most expensive ones do require a wire to the battery, but the simple ones just get connected in between the sensor and the wiring connector that was connected to the sensor. Cold engine, remove the plastic engine cover (really simple), unplug the wire to the sensor, plug the muzzler into each end, use velcro tape (included with some) to gather everything away from hot engine parts, replace the plastic engine cover, and you are done.

This is the one I used:

VCMTUNER for 2007+ Honda 3.5L I-VTEC - Disable VCM / ECO mode

In Stock. Read Reviews Note: Product normally ships same business day or within 24 hours of purchase. Customers with 2007-2008 Honda Pilot 2WD need to purchase 2005-2006 VCMTUNER due to connector style. See 'Connector Compatibility' section in this description to see what vehicle...

www.vcmtuner.com

Mostly because I got a good deal on a slightly used one here in the buy/sell thread. Because you are in the Northeast (according to your profile) one of the active ones would probably be better, but it sounds like you might need a friend, neighbor, or relative to install that. But anyone can do the simple ones, I know you could.