What is VCM?
Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) is Honda's term for its variable displacement technology, which saves fuel by using the i-VTEC system to disable one bank of cylinders during specific driving conditions—for example, highway driving.
When the VCM system disables cylinders, an "ECO" indicator lights on the dashboard, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) pumps an opposite-phase sound through the audio speakers to reduce cabin noise, and Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) systems reduce vibration.
Owners of vehicles equipped with VCM frequently face vibration problems due to engine motor mount malfunction while ECO mode is enabled. In 2013, Honda agreed to settle a class action lawsuit including the Accord (2008-12), Odyssey (2008-13), Pilot (2009-13) and Crosstour (2010-13) models equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 with Variable Cylinder Management. They all suffered from engine misfire, excessive oil burning and premature spark plug fouling issues.
Vehicles equipped with VCM:
2003 Honda Inspire
2004+ Honda Elysion V6
2005–2007 Honda Accord Hybrid (Engine JNA1)
2005+ Honda Odyssey (USDM) EX-L and Touring Models only (J35)
2005–2008 Honda Pilot 2WD Models only (J35)
2008–2017 Honda Accord V6 (except EX-L V6 6MT Coupe)
2009+ Honda Pilot (all models)
2011–2016 Honda Odyssey (USDM) V6
2013 Acura RDX V6
2013 Acura RLX
2014 Acura MDX
2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid
2016 Acura TLX V6
2017 Honda Ridgeline
What does the AST Smart ECO VCM module do?
Before VCM is allowed to kick in and ECO mode is enabled, certain parameters must be met by the computer in your car - one of which is engine temperature. Once the computer detects the engine has reached approximately 167 degrees F, it allows VCM to enable and ECO mode to engage.
The Smart ECO VCM plugs inline between your computer and Engine Coolant Temperature sensor [ECT1] to adjust the temperature it reads, working to keep the value below the threshold that would allow the ECO mode to engage. While this cannot guarantee that VCM will be disabled (eg. differing climates/load scenarios), it can generally keep VCM from engaging under normal driving conditions.
What benefits does the AST Smart ECO VCM module have?
Helps Disable ECO Mode from Engaging on Popular Honda + Acura Vehicles
Helps Prevent Spark Plug Misfire, Fouling, and Premature Failure
Helps Eliminate Unwanted Engine Vibrations Due to VCM Engaging
Keeps Your Car Firing on All 6 Cylinders for Increased Power and Throttle Response
Made with OEM Connectors + Terminals, Professionally Crimped and Soldered with Approved Tooling
Plugs Directly Inline With Your Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
How do I install the AST Smart Eco VCM module?
1. Locate the existing coolant temperature sensor, known as ECT1 [noted in photo at bottom of page]
2. While your engine is cold, unplug the existing connector. Push the side with your thumb to unlock it before pulling it out.
3. Plug the AST Smart ECO VCM Module into the engine. You should hear it 'click' into place.
4. Plug the connector you removed from the engine into the AST Smart ECO VCM Module.
5. Position the thermal switch so it is making contact with the engine.
*More detailed instructions are included with the unit*
What do the different AST Smart ECO Modules do?
We currently offer 2 different versions of our product, models SC and DC.
The SC models are smaller and have a single, fixed value which can reduce the VCM over 90% of the time.
The DC models are larger and have a manually variable control knob that allow the user to adjust the level of VCM / ECO suppression and fine tune the unit to work optimally with the vehicle and your driving style. If setup properly, it can remove your ECO mode nearly 99% of the time.
What units can I use with my vehicle?
The SC1 and DC1 units are currently compatible with the following vehicles:
Honda Accord 2008-2017 (except V6 manual coupe)
Honda Accord Crosstour 2010-2015
Honda Odyssey 2007-2017
Honda Pilot 2009-2017
Honda Ridgeline 2017
Acura RLX 2014-2017
Acura RDX 2013-2017
Acura MDX 2014-2017
Acura TLX 2015-2017
The SC2 and DC2 units are currently compatible with the following vehicles:
Honda Odyssey 2005-2006
Honda Pilot 2005-2008
View our product page to see our full line of items
Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) is Honda's term for its variable displacement technology, which saves fuel by using the i-VTEC system to disable one bank of cylinders during specific driving conditions—for example, highway driving.
When the VCM system disables cylinders, an "ECO" indicator lights on the dashboard, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) pumps an opposite-phase sound through the audio speakers to reduce cabin noise, and Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) systems reduce vibration.
Owners of vehicles equipped with VCM frequently face vibration problems due to engine motor mount malfunction while ECO mode is enabled. In 2013, Honda agreed to settle a class action lawsuit including the Accord (2008-12), Odyssey (2008-13), Pilot (2009-13) and Crosstour (2010-13) models equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 with Variable Cylinder Management. They all suffered from engine misfire, excessive oil burning and premature spark plug fouling issues.
Vehicles equipped with VCM:
2003 Honda Inspire
2004+ Honda Elysion V6
2005–2007 Honda Accord Hybrid (Engine JNA1)
2005+ Honda Odyssey (USDM) EX-L and Touring Models only (J35)
2005–2008 Honda Pilot 2WD Models only (J35)
2008–2017 Honda Accord V6 (except EX-L V6 6MT Coupe)
2009+ Honda Pilot (all models)
2011–2016 Honda Odyssey (USDM) V6
2013 Acura RDX V6
2013 Acura RLX
2014 Acura MDX
2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid
2016 Acura TLX V6
2017 Honda Ridgeline
What does the AST Smart ECO VCM module do?
Before VCM is allowed to kick in and ECO mode is enabled, certain parameters must be met by the computer in your car - one of which is engine temperature. Once the computer detects the engine has reached approximately 167 degrees F, it allows VCM to enable and ECO mode to engage.
The Smart ECO VCM plugs inline between your computer and Engine Coolant Temperature sensor [ECT1] to adjust the temperature it reads, working to keep the value below the threshold that would allow the ECO mode to engage. While this cannot guarantee that VCM will be disabled (eg. differing climates/load scenarios), it can generally keep VCM from engaging under normal driving conditions.
What benefits does the AST Smart ECO VCM module have?
Helps Disable ECO Mode from Engaging on Popular Honda + Acura Vehicles
Helps Prevent Spark Plug Misfire, Fouling, and Premature Failure
Helps Eliminate Unwanted Engine Vibrations Due to VCM Engaging
Keeps Your Car Firing on All 6 Cylinders for Increased Power and Throttle Response
Made with OEM Connectors + Terminals, Professionally Crimped and Soldered with Approved Tooling
Plugs Directly Inline With Your Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
How do I install the AST Smart Eco VCM module?
1. Locate the existing coolant temperature sensor, known as ECT1 [noted in photo at bottom of page]
2. While your engine is cold, unplug the existing connector. Push the side with your thumb to unlock it before pulling it out.
3. Plug the AST Smart ECO VCM Module into the engine. You should hear it 'click' into place.
4. Plug the connector you removed from the engine into the AST Smart ECO VCM Module.
5. Position the thermal switch so it is making contact with the engine.
*More detailed instructions are included with the unit*
What do the different AST Smart ECO Modules do?
We currently offer 2 different versions of our product, models SC and DC.
The SC models are smaller and have a single, fixed value which can reduce the VCM over 90% of the time.
The DC models are larger and have a manually variable control knob that allow the user to adjust the level of VCM / ECO suppression and fine tune the unit to work optimally with the vehicle and your driving style. If setup properly, it can remove your ECO mode nearly 99% of the time.
What units can I use with my vehicle?
The SC1 and DC1 units are currently compatible with the following vehicles:
Honda Accord 2008-2017 (except V6 manual coupe)
Honda Accord Crosstour 2010-2015
Honda Odyssey 2007-2017
Honda Pilot 2009-2017
Honda Ridgeline 2017
Acura RLX 2014-2017
Acura RDX 2013-2017
Acura MDX 2014-2017
Acura TLX 2015-2017
The SC2 and DC2 units are currently compatible with the following vehicles:
Honda Odyssey 2005-2006
Honda Pilot 2005-2008
View our product page to see our full line of items
Installation location, circled in red below:
