{"product_id":"afm-dfm-vcm-disabler-acura-rlx-2014-2020-vcm-disabler","title":"Acura RLX 2014-2020 3.5L V6 Non-Hybrid VCM Disabler Harness","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor the 2014–2020 Acura RLX: 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\u003eIt is fully reversible and leaves the engine computer untouched.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eVehicles and years\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach row below is listed as a 100% fitment match for this harness:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eAcura RLX: 2014–2020\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe non-hybrid RLX (2014–2020) uses the J35Y4 3.5L V6 with VCM. The Sport Hybrid version has a different powertrain and is excluded from this listing.\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\u003eHonda introduced VCM on the 2005 Odyssey. It shuts down the rear bank of the V6 during cruising and deceleration by disabling those valves through the VTEC system and stopping fuel delivery. Later versions added a 4-cylinder mode, and the newest go back to 3 or 6. Each switch is timed by the engine computer using speed, load, gear and temperature inputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat the resistance settings do\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEngine coolant temperature sensors are thermistors: their resistance falls as the engine warms up, and the engine computer reads that change as temperature. VCM is held off until the engine reaches operating temperature. By adding a small resistance in line with the ECT1 signal, the harness shifts the reading just enough that the computer does not enable VCM. The four settings (68Ω, 82Ω, 100Ω and 120Ω) exist because different engines and calibrations need a different offset. Use the setting the instructions specify for your vehicle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhich VCM your engine has\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere are three main VCM versions: VCM-1 (3 or 6 cylinders), VCM-2 (3, 4 or 6 cylinders) and VCM-3 (3 or 6 cylinders, on the later direct-injection J35Y engines). The version depends on model year, and the notes above show which applies to each covered generation. Since all of them rely on the engine computer's temperature checks, the ECT1 approach applies across the range.\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\u003eWhy owners turn VCM off\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe complaints that bring most owners here are vibration or a hum through the cabin when VCM is active, a slight jerk at low speed when cylinders come back online, and concern about oil and spark-plug fouling on the deactivated bank. Keeping all six cylinders running removes the mode changes. Light-load fuel economy will usually drop somewhat, because that is where VCM saves fuel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eInstallation\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWork only on a cold engine. Locate the ECT1 sensor shown in the instructions for your model, release the connector lock, and fit the harness between the sensor and the factory plug. Choose the specified setting, tie the harness clear of hot or moving parts, and road-test. Nothing is cut or spliced, so the original setup can be restored at any time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBefore you install\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\u003eCheck before you order\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour model and year match a row above (2014–2020 Acura RLX).\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\u003eYear-by-year fitment\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\u003eRLX\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\u003eRLX\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\u003eRLX\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\u003eRLX\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\u003eRLX\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\u003eRLX\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\u003eRLX\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\u003eBefore you install\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCold engine, ignition off.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructions for your model at hand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eECT1 sensor found and its connector compared with the photos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResistance selector set as the instructions specify.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarness fitted between sensor and factory plug, both latches engaged.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLead secured away from the exhaust and drive belts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoad test: warm engine, light cruise, watch for warning lights.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\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\u003eQuick definitions\u003c\/h2\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\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\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\u003eACM:\u003c\/strong\u003e Active Control Engine Mount, used by Honda to counter vibration in reduced-cylinder mode.\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\u003ch2\u003eWhy VCM can be felt\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\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\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\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\u003eWhich Acura RLX years are listed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe fitment table lists Acura RLX 2014–2020. VCM fitment also depends on engine and trim, so check the notes on this page.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDoes this VCM harness plug into the OBD-II port on the Acura RLX?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. It connects inline at the ECT1 coolant temperature sensor connector.\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\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\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\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\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\u003ch2\u003eWarranty and returns\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eShipping is free to the contiguous US. Orders leave in 1–2 business days and usually arrive 3–4 business days later. Returns are accepted within 45 days with pre-approval; a 20% restocking fee applies and the buyer covers return shipping. The part carries a 3-year limited warranty, and support@automotivebypass.com answers Monday to Friday, 9–5 Pacific.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Automotivebypass","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56493788922228,"sku":"RC-VCM-01-08","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1030\/8439\/2820\/files\/RC-VCM-01-08-1.jpg?v=1793172704","url":"https:\/\/automotivebypass.com\/products\/afm-dfm-vcm-disabler-acura-rlx-2014-2020-vcm-disabler","provider":"Automotivebypass","version":"1.0","type":"link"}