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Comments
You stated that the surging (VCM) had nothing to do with your transmission (grade logic). Yet, both systems independently fixed themselves on their own without any explanation. You've also suggested that these systems are too complex for even Honda service departments to understand or diagnose. I respectfully disagree. The system is not so complex that this will remain a black hole forever. Any surging or bucking sensation is directly attributable to one or more of the components within the driveline, or software tied to the ECM or equivalent.
Or, it could be partially or totally explained by driver behavior.
Just as people prefer brands and designs, people also drive cars differently. If we were to ask each of the drivers who either love or hate VCM to tell us about themselves or driving variables, certain patterns will emerge that may help explain what is going on. Questions along these lines are not intended to downplay the issue, or question the credibility or veracity of their experiences. They are merely posed in an effort to understand what is going on.
Finally, sprinkle in the various stories from Accord owners who say their cars are operating normally, and you have the recipe for a wide open debate.
None of this is personal, or should be taken in that light. At no time have I questioned or downplayed your experiences. But I do admit to trying to understand and reconcile your experiences in an effort to not repeat it if I ever own a VCM-equipped Honda.
That is certainly understandable and of interest to all of us who own VCM equipped cars. What I do not appreciate is someone who has merely test driven a car or two suggesting that what we are experiencing is a transmission holding a gear too long, or that , using the guy with the Lincoln Town car and the MKX as an example, that we are merely having to adjust to a new car - this when my car demonstrated its behavior while on cruise control at 65-70 (hardly while changing gears), so noticeably that the sensation made my wife car nauseous. THAT I consider insulting to every mature experienced car owner here. Please...I think the real issue with VCM is that it is so complicated, there are so many "moving components" that any one or a combination of them not functioning 100% will result in the problems I and others have had with our cars, while I understand the majority of owners, judging by the informal statistical representation here, have had none. I consider myself very fortunate - my car stopped doing it at a little over 3000 miles. Considering that. to the best of our knowledge, the service departments have never diagnosed a problem with any one of our cars, its "curing itself" will forever remain as much a mystery as why the others haven't.
Relaying what the Lincoln MKZ owner felt was not intended to be a criticism. Just relaying how expectations may play a roll in how some perceive their car maladies.
I only offered my theories about what's going on. In no way did I mean to diminish you or your experience.
We're here to talk about the VCM in the new Accord. It's okay to offer theories and opinions about the VCM and we should all be careful not to take other peoples' opinions personally. We also must avoid making personal attacks.
If you have a theory that differs from someone else's, please feel free to offer it. But leave off the attacks on the person with whom you are disagreeing.
Thank you for your cooperation.
I like Honda products. I've owned an Acura in the past and found it to be another example of good Honda engineering and build quality.
Several years ago, Honda had some bad transmissions that went into their cars. Not a lot, but enough that it caused quite a ruckus here at Edmunds.
Like you, I'd rather hear and discuss what, if any, issues there might be regarding the VCM. If it's a perception issue, maybe a technology that takes some getting used to, or one that takes a little more understanding about how it works, then I'm not concerned.
But, if it's something that Honda engineering doesn't have a handle on, then my choices might be influenced about whether to consider the car.
I test drove an Altima coupe last night. It has another "different" technology with the CVT transmission. I wanted to like it. But, compared to the Accord (V6) coupe, Nissan can learn a lot about refinement, ride/handling trade-off, materials, and build from Honda. That said, the Altima was a fun drive. So is the Accord. But, the Honda trumps the Altima, IMHO, in just about every other category. Can't deny how good the Nissan V6 is, however.
I test drove another V6 Accord fairly thoroughly (just dropped it off at the dealership).....in town, highway, stop and go, full throttle, light throttle.
The one thing I noticed was its ability to discern between going down hill (and holding a gear for compression braking), and its ability to seem to always find the right gear, being quick to "kick down" when I pushed the "go pedal" further down. It is different, if you aren't used to transmissions in other cars, but not in a bad way.
Tried to notice the VCM, but couldn't. Aside from the "ECO" light, I couldn't tell when cylinder activation and deactivation happened. I even went so far as to ask the dealership service dept if they'd had complaints about the VCM. Don't know how truthful they would be, given the Honda dealership signs their checks, but they said "no".
So, I'm relatively at ease that the issues I'm hearing about here are isolated. No less frustrating for those who have had them, but still seems isolated.
To think I almost didn't by an Accord because of a few on here.
The Accord is a great car,if there's a problem with the VCM I certainly haven't noticed it.
Buy one,you won't be disappointed.
For some reason I would think that the variability in this engine would take longer to break-in. Thoughts? Some of the posts indicate that the engine seems to "surge" at times, moreover, other have stated that the symptoms have gone away after some time... "Engine Break-in period?"
For the record I have not noticed any issues with my car. Time will tell. I do have a 30 min commute to work (both highway and city). I have taken one extended (3 hrs) drive up and back on I-71 (in Ohio) that was mentioned by another poster with a potential concern. I did not experience any issues, but, I'll get to test that every time I visit family.
Just wanted to get some input on break-in, and, what to look for....
Thanks.
Driving at 35 to 40 mph is extremely annoying as the engine goes back and forth between 3 and 4 cylinder operation, making the car feel like it is accelerating even though the tach doesn't change speeds. At approximately 50 mph and above, the shimmy in the steering becomes more pronounced.
If there is anyone considering buying or leasing a 2008 Accord V6, do not. You should wait to see if Honda is able to address these flaws with the 2009 model.
http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1090/releases/4649
Golfr
Ok, so he wasn't word for word, but you do imply it there in post 1771.
Does anyone else notice that their 08 Accord stops at D3, or maybe, it is just my car that does this? If this is the way Honda designed their 2008 Accord, why would you want your car to default to stopping in D3 as oppossed to D?
I'd like to hear from other 2008 Accord owners who have a V-6 with an automatic transmission. Thanks for any help.
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2007/10/honda-accord.html
Yes, the 97 Malibu was supposed to be the car that was "On par with the Asian rivals". Not even close. My father had one, and I know better. Consumer Reports also had the 2000 Malibu included in the "Reccomended" models. Obviously, it doesn't take much to impress these people. :confuse:
The fear mongering on here almost caused me not to buy an Accord......would have been a huge mistake.
TransmissionsChoose a quick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission. Or opt for the available 5-speed automatic that features our Grade Logic Control system, which helps put an end to gear-hunting when climbing uphill or driving back down
Ironic that the Grade Logic is claimed to put an end to gear hunting when many (including myself) are complaining that one of the flaws with the VCM is that it causes a gear hunting sensation.
I do not have the high speed shimmy vibration that others speak of though, and I don't notice the surging either - it's just this low speed vibration. I asked them to swap the motor mounts out. They said they would call me when they have a set of mounts to install. They told me that although they feel strongly that swapping the mounts wouldn't make a difference, they would do it for me anyway. Anyone else getting this specific problem?
I drove someone's coupe and it does the same thing, but it's nowhere near as noticeable as my sedan - his has over 5k on it now.
Is this the problem that others have stated has gotten better after a few thousand miles? I know my friend's car now has over