[CUinaRidge]

I see the oldest member of the ROC has posted!!

Member #3

Sorry to hear that. Good luck and please share the outcome with us.

 

[Allen_Labradragon]

I heard from the dealership today. The way they describe it, is bad piston rings. They have ordered new parts, to basically rebuild the motor. I suggest you do some research as I did on Honda Ridgeline piston ring problems. I did this and a YouTube video came up explaining all about this problem. Unfortunately this is not an uncommon problem with the Ridgeline. In essence the VCM system shuts down a bank of cylinders to help save fuel which causes the resting pistons to form carbon that leads to excessive oil consumption, and leaky gaskets. I am not a mechanic, but what I do know is I will be selling this truck back to the dealer. I will keep everyone posted as I hear from Honda, but please do some research on your own.

I have owned 19 Hondas through the years, and this is the first one that I have ever owned that required anything being done to repair an engine, disappointed isn't the word for it, scammed is.

Even IF the rings are the problem, blaming it on VCM in just 5,000 miles is absurd.

 

[Allen_Labradragon]

I agree that most likely that the engine had some defect that contributed/caused the failure and it was not related to VCM.

Curious to learn more how VCM works -- I had some idea but I wanted to confirm -- I did a bit a of research and found this:

Variable Cylinder Management - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

It does offer some detail on how VCM works: Valves of certain cylinders are made inoperable and left in the closed position.

But it also covers VCM issues at least with earlier Honda engines.

Not VCM issues in only 5,000 miles in a thoroughly evolved VCM system!

 

[Emmojo]

What is the nature of the problem you had before taking it in to the shop?

The check engine light illuminated a few miles before arriving home, no misfires or symptoms. The next morning I leave home to take it to the dealer, and within a few miles, the dashboard lit up with warning lights of numerous systems. The transmission failed to shift into higher gears, and began misfiring.

 

[Emmojo]

Thinking 3 thoughts.

1. Turn off the Eco/Green mode. Haven't noticed more than a 1/10th of a diff in gas mileage.
2. Drive to avoid VCM - drive it like you stole it.
3. Use only fully syn oil to avoid carbon build up.

The truck only had 6,000 miles, and wasn't due for an oil change. I never used the ECO/Green mode.

 

[Emmojo]

OP, for some closure, could you post the repair invoice with the diagnosis and parts list.

I will do that once I get the vehicle back.

 

[Emmojo]

I don't think you are getting the whole story from your dealer. To my knowledge, Honda doesn't typically have the dealers rebuild any major engine or transmission component. I would think Honda would want the complete engine back to do a full diagnosis.

The dealer brought the Honda rep in to advise on what should be done to diagnose and how to move forward.

 

[Emmojo]

The "deal" will come from Honda with the dealer as an influential advocate.

True. This issue is with Honda, and not the dealer.

 

[BoulderBuster]

Not VCM issues in only 5,000 miles in a thoroughly evolved VCM system!

Probably not VCM.

But I have to point out any system even a highly evolved one can experience trouble due to a material/part/manufacturing defect. Even at 5K miles. This is why there is a new vehicle warranty. To cover these premature failures that while rare can and do arise.

 

[BoulderBuster]

The check engine light illuminated a few miles before arriving home, no misfires or symptoms. The next morning I leave home to take it to the dealer, and within a few miles, the dashboard lit up with warning lights of numerous systems. The transmission failed to shift into higher gears, and began misfiring.

On the surface those symptoms suggest an electrical wiring/power problem.

I have seen other vehicles manifest a number of seemingly unconnected symptoms that boiled down to in some cases a bad alternator in other cases bad wiring harness.

But of course Honda is the authority on what the cause of the behavior is.

Regardless at this point I would not fault you for seeking to have Honda buy back the vehicle.

 

[njamesj]

The dealer brought the Honda rep in to advise on what should be done to diagnose and how to move forward.

What is the recommendation from Honda? Rebuild engine? Replace engine? Buy back?

 

[Allen_Labradragon]

Probably not VCM.

But I have to point out any system even a highly evolved one can experience trouble due to a material/part/manufacturing defect. Even at 5K miles. This is why there is a new vehicle warranty. To cover these premature failures that while rare can and do arise.

Oh, I do not doubt that the VCM can fail at any mileage even 50 miles on the clock. However, I do not believe that the VCM could destroy the rings with carbon in just 5000 miles.

 

[eurban]

What is the nature of the problem you had before taking it in to the shop?

What is the recommendation from Honda? Rebuild engine? Replace engine? Buy back?

Did you actually read the first and 12th post in this thread.

 

[njamesj]

Did you actually read the first and 12th post in this thread.

And I also read your post #14...there are several curious minds searching for answers.

 

[BoulderBuster]

Oh, I do not doubt that the VCM can fail at any mileage even 50 miles on the clock. However, I do not believe that the VCM could destroy the rings with carbon in just 5000 miles.

Yeah, to "destroy" the rings in 5K miles of intermittent VCM operation is hard to accept.

 

[Mdaniels4]

Lemon laws do not usually apply to these types of situations. It generally requires at least the attempt to provide a fix which is unsuccessful for at least 3x before it can be invoked.

 

[mlfranks]

Lemon laws do not usually apply to these types of situations. It generally requires at least the attempt to provide a fix which is unsuccessful for at least 3x before it can be invoked.

Sometimes just securing an attorney to send a treatening letter will get things done. I've done that twice in two different occasions. It worked both times.

 

[WhiteChick]

So what's going on with this? 4 weeks have gone by. No new motor yet?

 

[hANNAbONE]

So what's going on with this? 4 weeks have gone by. No new motor yet?

inquiring minds want to know...so whats the verdict..?

 

[hANNAbONE]

I have a 2024 BE with barely 5,000 miles. The check engine light came on a few miles from home, and parked it until the next morning. I started the motor to take it to the dealership, and the dash lights lit up like a Christmas tree, I mean every system check light was on. I was able to limp to the dealership just a few miles away, lights flashing, not shifting gears and misfiring.

Long story short, dealer called me to tell me that the computer picked up numerous misfires , and the master mechanic found oil in the spark plugs. Honda rep was notified, and the decision was made to open up a case, and investigate to determine what went wrong. They 've had the truck 2 weeks tomorrow, but that's all I know for now. I will update when more info is made available.

so.......what's the verdict..!!!???!!??