Halderman:
My guess is that a misfire code was set and caused the VSA system to turn off because of an “engine power” related issue. I can’t find anything in service information that says the VSA will be disabled with a misfire, but the exact same thing happens if there are other engine-related problems. It seems the powertrain control module (PCM) monitors engine operating conditions and disables the VSA when it detects an abnormality. There have been reports of issues with some Odyssey engines with sticking piston rings. This causes oil consumption issues and misfires due to fouled plugs. My concern for this particular vehicle is that it has piston ring problems – resulting in misfires, plugs, coils – and is probably using oil. Honda has issued a technical service bulletin 13-081 that gives more details.
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