The VCM Drone... [Archive] - Honda Odyssey Owners Club Forum

: The VCM Drone...


cemnei
11-24-2008, 09:57 PM
Hey all. First post. Hopefully it will be helpful for some in whose vans is the 3.5L VCM V-6. I thought I'd share with you guys my experience with a certain drone sound that appears at 2100 r.p.m. when the ECO light kicks in, announcing you're not firing on all cylinders (in this case it's a good thing...)

I own a 2006 Touring with 31k on the clock. I called Lujack Honda - Davenport, IA to see if was just me who was hearing things, or if there was a legitimate issue. Much to my pleasure they said there was indeed a bulletin that acknowledged the problem, and had me schedule an appointment to replace the "A" down pipe off the exhaust manifold. Apparently, the exhaust note can resonate enough to where it is audiably noticeable from within the cabin. They also were going to check the motor mounts to make sure they were not contributing to the problem.

Shortly after the van was returned, I swore the drone was still there. Lujack's welcomed me back again, but this time reported that the sound is normal. Normal??!?!?:confused: I then got the service manager on the line who had personally taken the van on a joy ride. He has been with Honda for years, and commented that the sound the motor was making was the same as other Odysseys equipped with the VCM feature. Apparently, I was not the first to complain about this. He really wished he had an informational bulletin from Honda that he could hand customers to show they are aware of the issue, but aren't going to do anything about it because it is perfectly "normal." I was disappointed as this van is probably the finest I could buy, but yet it gets louder when I set the cruise around 67 m.p.h.

Not good, kids...

Anyway, if this is something you may be experiencing (and are still within your warranty) stop by and at least get the updated "A" pipe. If you're out of warranty, it will set you back a cool $500...:eek:

eneka
11-25-2008, 10:12 PM
from what i know the drone occurs whenever the engine is at 2100, it doesn't matter if the eco light is on or not and the eco light is only telling you that you are driving economically, it does not mean that VCM is on.
There is a tsb on the 2100 rpm drone and i believe the problem was something becoming loose on the exhaust pipe.

The rear engine mounts failing has been a problem too and there is also a tsb on that also.

alex2008
11-30-2008, 09:40 AM
This drone is normal. I have the same drone on my van. It seems to get louder, mainly because you are likely identifing it quicker. The engine switches from 6 cylinder mode to 3 cylinder mode when the "eco" light comes on. In 3 cylinder mode the torsional vibration from the crank shaft is higher. With the higher torsionals the loads on the accessory drive system are also increased. This vibration (drone) is what you are hearing in the drivers cabin. Honda on the newer 09's I think are going to 3,4,6 cylinder modes, likely to resolve this drone concern.
I work at a company that we supply parts to Honda, and have measured the loads and torsionals on this vehicle.

Cheers: Alex