Disable VCM?

Tiny
BENJAMINTHERERRIBLE
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 HONDA ACCORD
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 181,000 MILES
What are my options for disabling the J35's VCM? Or is it safer to leave it as is? I've heard that VCM actually can do a great deal of damage to the motor, but I cannot say how credible that information is, not to mention makes it nearly impossible to do an my kind of performance upgrades.
Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 4:12 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

Why do you want to disable it? I would definitely not do this at all. It will effect many systems.

Do you have a specific issue that makes you want to do this?

Roy
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 4:29 AM
Tiny
BENJAMINTHERERRIBLE
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
Thinks for the quick reply. As of right now I am not having issues with it. I've just heard/read That Variable cylinder management, Active fuel management, etc. Can have detrimental effects in the long run.
However, this is the Internet after all, so I figured I would check with a more trustworthy source.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 4:48 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
That was not accurate information at all. It does not damage the engine in the long run at all. It is designed to be reliable and at the same time increase efficiency by increasing fuel mileage.

Roy
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 5:00 AM
Tiny
NESIA WILSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Doesn't seem to be aware of Honda VCM issues.
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Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,208 POSTS
Yep, disabling VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) is a common modification among enthusiasts, as VCM has been known to cause long-term engine wear issues.
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Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 AT 10:17 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,208 POSTS
A VCM muzzler plugs into the engine coolant temperature sensor and fools the ECM into keeping all cylinders active.
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Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 AT 10:18 AM

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