[DogOnBoard]

...Hopefully Honda will rethink designing a system, just for a mpg test, considering the implications further down the road in warranty costs. If not, please include an OFF button or I will have to order up another VCMuzzler...

Our good source (Joe) says the new RL gets the same VCM (v2.0) that Honda put on the 2016 Pilot -- with no "Off" button. There has been ongoing discussion whether turning off "Econ" mode reduces VCM engagement in the new Pilot, as well as some interest in using/adapting the VCMuzzler to work on the vehicle (and likely the new RL too). Last I checked on the Piloteers forum, it was not clear if Honda changed the connectors for the ECT1 sensor on the 2016 Pilot. Aside from possible premature wear issues, most new Pilot owners haven't expressed concerns about how the new-and-improved VCM is affecting the cars performance, which seems to have decreased interest overall in using the VCMuzzler on new Hondas. So I guess the jury is still out...

 

[DogOnBoard]

I hear you guys. I'm not a fan of the VCM by any means. I have read from credible sources that Honda could, in fact, put a "VCM Off" switch on these vehicles and report mpg to the US EPA with "VCM On". However, the "VCM On" setting must be the default setting to which the engine returns upon each start up. This is analogous to a selectable "Sport" mode setting that delays shift points for performance purposes but is less fuel efficient. Automakers can report mpg for the "Normal" mode as long as it is the default mode. IMO, Honda chooses not to allow VCM disabling for their own green purposes and believes their "fixes" have reduced warranty claims to acceptable levels.

Retro: Do you have confirmation that the VCMuzzler will mate to the ECT1 connections on the 2016 Pilot? If so, it should work on the new RL too, and I wouldn't think $60 + shpg would be much of an obstacle for someone spending $40K on a new truck. I mean that's like less than a deluxe set of floor protectors. However, one poster here thinks Honda will figure out how to eliminate such easy tampering with the ECT1 sensor if dealership service technicians start seeing them on more vehicles (too many users forgetting to take them out before going in for service). But if the Muzzler is as benign as it seems to be -- and a growing record suggests it causes no harm -- then I don't really see why Honda would care about it.

 

[DogOnBoard]

So I'm a little puzzled by all the chatter about VCM v.2.0 -- as if there is any real question about it being on the G2 RL. Unless Joe's info is just plain wrong, the next gen Ridge will get the same ED DI 3.5 with VCM just like the 2016 Pilot (albeit with tuning tweaks). I suppose there is still a very slight chance that Honda will provide an override switch but that seems like a pipe dream to me. Either VCM is a deal-breaker for some folks or they'll consider installing a VCMuzzler. And that's why I was trying to get an answer regarding the Muzzler's compatibility with the new Pilot. Maybe it's time to head back over to the Piloteers and do some research.

 

[DogOnBoard]

On the Piloteers forum, most 2016 Pilot owners say that VCM v.2 is so seamless that they have difficulty detecting its engagement. There is suspicion that VCM may not engage as frequently with "Eco" off, but nobody believes that VCM is completely disabled. However, many owners don't like the engine restraint with "Eco" on and they always turn it off.