Is there any way to tell when VCM engages?
I have a 16 tlx and the only thing I notice is a slight change in rpm when I think it turns on. The change is almost seamless and you really have to be paying attention to even notice anything. There is no setting to have some sort of indicator light come on the dash - correct?

 

VCM kicks in at 60mph when your TLX is in 9th gear, and you are not accelerating. I have a 15 and you cant tell, they did a great job, there is no light or indication that it is engaged.

 

Be thankful that you don't notice it engaging. That's a good thing. When I had my 2015 3.5, I would notice it a little at lower cruising speeds. As VCM systems go, it's well done.

 

I notice mine kicks in at a steady pace of 35 mph to about 50. I feel a slight vibration through the wheel.

 

It says here on the Acura site it kicks in at 60mph. Ive noticed thats exactly 9th gear, if I am in sport + doing manual shifting it wont let me shift into 9th until exactly 60mph, so im thinking 9th gear is when VCM kicks in. You guys saying you feel it at 35mph or whatever I do not think is true

Acura link >> 2016 Acura TLX | Features | Performance | Acura.com

 

The car is looking to the current load on the engine to determine when to engage VCM. The speed does not matter.

If the car is coasting at 40mph say on a slight down slope with little to no gas being applied, VCM will be engaged. The time where VCM can be noticed is when that road starts to go to a slight up slope and the gas is being pressed lightly. There will be a short time where there will be a slight vibration until the engine realizes more power is needed and all 6 cylinders kick in again and then the vibration goes away. It is very slight, but that's because of the motor mounts doing their job to insulate the vibration.

It is going to be really interesting in 8 to 10 years when these motor mounts start going out due to normal wear (just look at how many 1st gen MDX mounts have gone out). Unlike the MDX where there might be a little clunking from time to time, I have a feeling the VCM will make a broken motor mount on a VCM engine seem a lot more serious.

 

VCM kicks in at as low as 30mph. It does not have to be in 9th gear to kick in. Yes 9th gear does not engage until 60mph but this is independent of when VCM kicks in. If you watch the instant mpg readout you can tell when VCM turns on and off.

I get a vibration when it kicks in between 30 and 60 mph. I need to make an appointment to have them check the engine mounts. My car is an early build 2015.

Here is video acura put out about VCM..

 

VCM is disabled when in Sport + mode.

I have a 2015 V6 SH-AWD and I've never been able to feel or hear VCM kick on or off.

 

Wait, so the TLX (it shows one in the video) can actually go to 4 cylinders sometimes too, not just 3?

 

Interesting. I can NEVER tell when VCM kicks in and I am one that pays close attention to detail in stuff like that. I mean NEVER once could I tell in the past 8,000 miles. Either my car doesnt do it (not likely) or its 100% perfectly smooth haha. I have a Jan 2015 build date.

 

yes, sometimes it'll be an inline 3 @ 1.75L sometimes it'll shut off 2 cylinders to be a 4 cyl.

 

That is an old video. The TLX is 6 or 3 cyl operation. The only Honda/Acura vehicle left that has the older tri-mode 6-4-3 VCM is the Odyssey I believe.

2016 Acura TLX | Features | Performance | Acura.com

 

its probably a good thing that all of you have different views on when it comes on....

means ya'll cant tell and agree on when it comes on!!!!
Acura engineers did their job well, as its seamless!