{"product_id":"afm-dfm-vcm-disabler-acura-tlx-2015-2020-vcm-disabler","title":"Acura TLX 2015-2020 3.5L V6 VCM Disabler Harness","description":"\u003cp\u003eVCM disabler harness for the 2015–2020 Acura TLX. It connects inline at the engine coolant temperature (ECT1) sensor and adds a small, selectable resistance to that signal, which keeps Honda's Variable Cylinder Management from shutting down cylinders. The engine runs on all six all the time.\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\u003eListed applications (100% fitment match):\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eAcura TLX: 2015–2020\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eV6 versions of the 2015–2020 TLX use the J35Y6 3.5L with VCM-3 (3 or 6 cylinders). Four-cylinder TLX models have no VCM and are not covered.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf your vehicle's engine or trim is not one of the VCM versions described here, send the VIN to support before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow Honda VCM works\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\u003eWhat the resistance settings do\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause VCM is held off until the engine is warm, the coolant temperature input is the cleanest point to control it without touching software. The harness places a selectable resistor in the ECT1 signal circuit. Higher values shift the reading further. Pick the setting listed for your model in the instructions rather than going straight to the highest value.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFitting it\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\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\u003eThree versions of VCM\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 owners notice\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\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\u003eBefore ordering\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour model and year match a row above (2015–2020 Acura TLX).\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\u003eEvery listed year\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\u003e2015\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTLX\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\u003eTLX\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\u003eTLX\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\u003eTLX\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\u003eTLX\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\u003eTLX\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\u003eQuick definitions\u003c\/h2\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\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\u003ch2\u003eIf something seems wrong\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\u003eHow Honda handled VCM vibration\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRunning a V6 on three cylinders changes its vibration and sound. Honda addressed that from the first VCM application (2005 Odyssey) with Active Control Engine Mounts, which respond to engine vibration, and Active Noise Control, which uses the audio speakers to cancel low-frequency noise. Worn mounts are a common reason owners notice VCM more on older vehicles.\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\u003eQuestions owners ask\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDoes this VCM harness plug into the OBD-II port on the Acura TLX?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. It connects inline at the ECT1 coolant temperature sensor connector.\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 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\u003eWhich Acura TLX years are listed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe fitment table lists Acura TLX 2015–2020. VCM fitment also depends on engine and trim, so check the notes on this page.\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\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 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 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\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\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":56493788791156,"sku":"RC-VCM-01-07","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1030\/8439\/2820\/files\/RC-VCM-01-07-1.jpg?v=1793172694","url":"https:\/\/automotivebypass.com\/products\/afm-dfm-vcm-disabler-acura-tlx-2015-2020-vcm-disabler","provider":"Automotivebypass","version":"1.0","type":"link"}