{"product_id":"afm-dfm-vcm-disabler-acura-mdx-2014-2020-2022-2026-vcm-disabler","title":"Acura MDX 3.5L V6 VCM Disabler Harness – 2014-2020 Non-Hybrid \u0026 2022-2026 Non-Type S","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor the 2014–2020, 2022–2026 Acura MDX: an inline ECT1 harness that stops Variable Cylinder Management from engaging. No OBD-II plug, no software change. It sits between the coolant temperature sensor and the factory connector, with four resistance settings to match the vehicle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe factory system is not reprogrammed, and the harness comes out by unplugging it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFitment\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eListed applications (100% fitment match):\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eAcura MDX: 2014–2020, 2022–2026\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 2014 redesign brought the MDX a direct-injected 3.5L V6 (J35Y5) with VCM-3 (3- or 6-cylinder operation). This listing covers the non-hybrid 3.5L models only; the Sport Hybrid and the turbocharged Type S use different powertrains.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEngine generations above come from Honda and published engine references; check your VIN against them before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow the factory system decides\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt light load, Honda's VCM idles one bank of cylinders. A synchronizing piston inside the rocker assembly disconnects the rocker arms for those cylinders from the cam, so their valves stay shut, and their injectors stop. Depending on generation, the engine runs on 3, 4 or 6 cylinders. The engine computer only allows this when its temperature and load conditions are met.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eInside the harness\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe engine computer will not switch to VCM until coolant temperature is in range. The ECT1 sensor reports that temperature as a resistance that drops as the engine heats up. This harness adds resistance in series, so the computer sees a slightly lower temperature than the actual one and keeps the engine in six-cylinder mode. The 68Ω, 82Ω, 100Ω and 120Ω settings are resistance values, not power levels; the supplied guide tells you which one to start with.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eInstallation\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe harness has a sensor-side plug and a vehicle-side plug. Fit it with the engine off and cool, confirm both locks click, select the resistance value from the instructions, and route the lead away from heat and moving parts. Removal is the reverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhich VCM your engine has\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHonda has used several versions of VCM. The first (2005–2007 Odyssey, early Pilot 2WD) switched between 3 and 6 cylinders. VCM-2, used on many 2008–2015 engines, added a 4-cylinder mode that idles one cylinder on each bank. VCM-3, on the direct-injected J35Y engines from around 2013–2014 onward, went back to 3 or 6. The harness works the same way on all of them, since each version waits for the engine to be warm before switching.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCommon reasons to disable VCM\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOwners usually want three things: no shudder at steady cruise, smoother behavior at the moderate, steady speeds where VCM switches most, and fewer worries about oil getting past the rings on the idle bank. The harness gives consistent six-cylinder operation. It does not add power and it is not a repair for an engine that already burns oil or misfires.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe change is most noticeable at steady cruising speed on a warm engine, where VCM previously cut in. With the harness installed, that mode change should no longer happen. Acceleration and full-throttle behavior are the same as before. If a check-engine light appears, recheck the connections and the resistance setting against the instructions, then contact support with the code.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCheck the engine first\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStart with a healthy engine: no check-engine light, coolant at the correct level, a thermostat that opens normally and no misfire history. The harness relies on a working ECT1 sensor; if that sensor is faulty, replace it before installing the harness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBefore ordering\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour model and year match a row above (2014–2020, 2022–2026 Acura MDX).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour vehicle has the V6 with VCM described in the notes above (not a four-cylinder, hybrid or turbo model).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe connector at your ECT1 sensor matches the product photos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEngine swaps, aftermarket ECUs or modified wiring need a fitment check from support first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnsure? Send your VIN to support@automotivebypass.com.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFitment table\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne row per model year from the fitment data. Check the generation notes above for years without VCM:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eYear\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMake\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eModel\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEngine\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eListing note\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2014\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMDX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5L V6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Fitment Match | OEM-Grade Quality | Plug \u0026amp; Play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2015\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMDX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5L V6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Fitment Match | OEM-Grade Quality | Plug \u0026amp; Play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2016\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMDX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5L V6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Fitment Match | OEM-Grade Quality | Plug \u0026amp; Play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2017\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMDX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5L V6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Fitment Match | OEM-Grade Quality | Plug \u0026amp; Play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2018\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMDX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5L V6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Fitment Match | OEM-Grade Quality | Plug \u0026amp; Play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2019\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMDX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5L V6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Fitment Match | OEM-Grade Quality | Plug \u0026amp; Play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2020\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMDX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5L V6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Fitment Match | OEM-Grade Quality | Plug \u0026amp; Play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2022\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMDX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5L V6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Fitment Match | OEM-Grade Quality | Plug \u0026amp; Play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2023\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMDX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5L V6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Fitment Match | OEM-Grade Quality | Plug \u0026amp; Play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2024\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMDX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5L V6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Fitment Match | OEM-Grade Quality | Plug \u0026amp; Play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2025\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMDX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5L V6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Fitment Match | OEM-Grade Quality | Plug \u0026amp; Play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMDX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5L V6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100% Fitment Match | OEM-Grade Quality | Plug \u0026amp; Play\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGlossary\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eACM:\u003c\/strong\u003e Active Control Engine Mount, used by Honda to counter vibration in reduced-cylinder mode.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ35:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honda's 3.5L V6 engine family; suffixes such as Z4 or Y6 identify the version.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThermistor:\u003c\/strong\u003e A sensor whose resistance changes with temperature; coolant sensors drop in resistance as the engine warms.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVTEC:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honda's variable valve system; VCM uses its rocker-arm mechanism to keep valves closed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVCM:\u003c\/strong\u003e Variable Cylinder Management, Honda's cylinder deactivation system on 3.5L V6 engines.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eECT1:\u003c\/strong\u003e Engine coolant temperature sensor 1, the input this harness works on.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBefore you install\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLet the engine cool completely; the ECT1 sensor sits in the cooling system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwitch the ignition off.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocate the ECT1 sensor using the instructions for your model.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompare its connector with the harness plugs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet the resistance selector to the value listed for your model.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFit the harness, check that both locks click and tie the lead clear of hot or moving parts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart the engine, check for warning lights, then drive until fully warm and cruise lightly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow Honda handled VCM vibration\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen Honda launched VCM on the 2005 Odyssey, it paired the system with Active Control Engine Mounts and Active Noise Control. The mounts counter the different vibration pattern of three-cylinder operation, and the audio system plays a cancelling signal through the speakers to reduce boom in the cabin. As mounts age or a speaker or microphone fails, those countermeasures work less well, and owners start to feel or hear the switch into reduced-cylinder mode.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAfter-install checks\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheck-engine light:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unplug the harness, reconnect the factory plug, read the code and contact support with the code, the VIN and the setting used.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVCM still engages:\u003c\/strong\u003e Confirm both connectors are latched and the harness is on the ECT1 sensor named in the instructions, then check the setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature gauge reads differently:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stop and check the instructions for your model; contact support before driving further.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVibration remains:\u003c\/strong\u003e If the engine stays on six cylinders and vibration continues, inspect engine mounts and other causes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan I return to factory VCM?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. Unplug the harness and reconnect the factory connector to the sensor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWill it add horsepower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. It keeps all six cylinders active. Power at full throttle is unchanged because VCM is not active at full throttle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDoes this VCM harness plug into the OBD-II port on the Acura MDX?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. It connects inline at the ECT1 coolant temperature sensor connector.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhich Acura MDX years are listed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe fitment table lists Acura MDX 2014–2020, 2022–2026. VCM fitment also depends on engine and trim, so check the notes on this page.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat do the 68Ω, 82Ω, 100Ω and 120Ω settings mean?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey are resistance values added to the ECT1 signal, not power levels. Use the setting the instructions give for your vehicle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWill it fix oil consumption or misfires?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. Diagnose and repair existing faults first. The harness only prevents VCM from engaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDoes fuel economy change?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsually a little at light-load cruising, because that is where VCM saved fuel. Acceleration and full-throttle driving always ran on six cylinders.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs it the same as an OBD-II VCM device or a tune?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. OBD-II devices and software tunes work through the engine computer. This harness only changes the ECT1 sensor signal and leaves the software untouched.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDoes it work on four-cylinder, hybrid or turbo models?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. Those engines do not use VCM. The harness is for the 3.5L V6 VCM engines described on this page.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhich resistance setting should I use?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eStart with the setting the instructions list for your model. If a check-engine light appears, unplug the harness, read the code and contact support with the VIN and the code.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWarranty and returns\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStandard shipping inside the lower 48 states costs nothing; allow 1–2 business days of handling plus 3–4 in transit. Returns need approval first and must be requested within 45 days. Approved returns are subject to a 20% restocking fee, with return shipping paid by the customer. A 3-year limited warranty applies. Email support@automotivebypass.com (Mon–Fri, 9–5 PST) with your VIN if you want a fitment check.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Automotivebypass","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56493788758388,"sku":"RC-VCM-01-06","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1030\/8439\/2820\/files\/RC-VCM-01-06-1.jpg?v=1793172688","url":"https:\/\/automotivebypass.com\/products\/afm-dfm-vcm-disabler-acura-mdx-2014-2020-2022-2026-vcm-disabler","provider":"Automotivebypass","version":"1.0","type":"link"}