Did a couple googles and didn't turn up much other than "VCM is stupid and worthless, just pull some sensor to bring on your CEL and stop VCM from working anymore".
VCM - Variable Cylinder Managment I think, its basically one way honda v6s save gas by going into i3 or v4 mode.
So, onto the real question:
my 05 Odyssey (175k ish miles) makes a slight squeaking noise (sounds like a tensioner pully bearing going out). I'd be looking at tensioners, except the noise comes and goes and is directly related to being in 'eco' mode (meaning i3 mode, and you can just barely feel the car kick in and out of it, and there is a light on the dash to indicate that i3 mode is engaged) and also being on the gas just barely. So it does not happen while coasting, but it frequently happens while cruising, both side streets and highways. The noise has a rhythm to it, and that doesn't seem to change with road speed. I cannot tell if it changes with rpm or not, since significant changes in RPM to hear a difference will invariably kick the car out of VCM mode and the noise goes completely away.
It is quiet enough that my wife has not yet noticed, but it is definitely there. Could it be the VCM motor mount, or something VCM related? or is it most likely just belt-related and caused by extra load when the VCM mode is on or something?
Finally, should I even worry about this? 10 points if you can tell me that I should just keep driving and do nothing.
