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What vehicles have cylinder deactivation?

Cylinder deactivation is a fuel-saving technology used in some modern vehicles. It works by temporarily shutting off the fuel supply and ignition to certain engine cylinders when they are not needed, reducing the engine's workload and improving fuel efficiency.


How Cylinder Deactivation Works


Cylinder deactivation systems monitor the vehicle's power demands and engine load. When the engine is operating at lower loads, such as during steady-state cruising, the system will automatically deactivate some of the engine's cylinders. This reduces the engine's displacement and lowers the amount of fuel consumed, leading to improved fuel economy.


The specific number of cylinders deactivated can vary depending on the engine and driving conditions. For example, a V8 engine may deactivate four cylinders under light load, effectively operating as a V4 engine. When more power is needed, such as during acceleration or hill climbing, the deactivated cylinders are quickly reactivated to restore full engine output.


Vehicles with Cylinder Deactivation


Cylinder deactivation technology is found in a variety of vehicles, including:



  • Passenger Cars: Many modern V6 and V8 engines in sedans, coupes, and SUVs feature cylinder deactivation, such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Chevrolet Silverado.

  • Pickup Trucks: Larger trucks like the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado often use cylinder deactivation to improve fuel efficiency.

  • Sports Cars: High-performance vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Challenger, and Ford Mustang may also use cylinder deactivation to balance power and efficiency.


Cylinder deactivation is an effective technology for reducing fuel consumption, especially in larger vehicles with powerful engines. By selectively shutting off cylinders when they are not needed, automakers can improve the overall fuel economy of their vehicles without sacrificing performance.

Does cylinder deactivation really save fuel?


A CDS can reduce fuel consumption by 4 to 10%, saving you money and reducing your impact on the environment.



Can you turn off cylinder deactivation?


Unfortunately, optimizing the system requires that we adjust the triggers that make us step from all cylinders to shut-off mode and back again. Looking at popular aftermarket tuning software options, there are several ways to disable the system, based on rpm, VSS, gear, voltage, run time, and more.



What GM vehicles have cylinder deactivation?


Current Vehicle Applications

  • Cadillac Escalade with 6.2L V-8 L86.
  • Cadillac CT6: Cadillac CT6 with 3.6L V-6 LGX. Cadillac CT6 with 3.0L Twin Turbo V-6 LGW. Cadillac CT6 with 4.2L Twin-Turbo V-8 LTA.
  • Cadillac CTS with 3.6L V-6 LGX.
  • Cadillac ATS with 3.6L V-6 LGX.
  • Cadillac XT5 with 3.6L V-6 LGX.



Do all 5.3 have cylinder deactivation?


Yes. 5.3 and 6.2, unless your 19-22 5.3 is stated with the window sticker (idk if theres a code) that the 5.3 is to come without DFM. 2500's never have or will come with AFM/DFM.



Can Honda cylinder deactivation be turned off?


I know you can buy a switch that by-passes it and essentially turns it off the cylinder deactivation system but it's not problem-proof and can cause error codes to pop-up. I haven't seen anyone mention that the S-VCM system can cause error codes to pop up, and that device has been around the block for a while.



What cars have a cylinder deactivation system?


Cars with a cylinder deactivation option include the Honda Odyssey, Accord, and Pilot; Volkswagen Polo BlueGT; Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4; Audi A1, A3 and A8 L; as well as the Chevrolet (GM) Impala, Suburban, Silverado, Tahoe, Caprice, Camaro, and Corvette Stingray.



Is cylinder deactivation bad for your engine?


No, there is no additional wear on the engine components. The system only functions at cruise speeds (usually on the highway) by shutting off the fuel to opposing cylinders in the firing order. The purpose is to save fuel.



Who uses cylinder deactivation?


Several automakers have adopted the concept of cylinder deactivation systems, with General Motors calling it Active Fuel Management and Chrysler using the term “multiple displacement system.”



Can Chevrolet cylinder deactivation be turned off?


Correct, the only way to completely disable the system and eliminate the design of the system is to replace all of the lifters with non-DOD lifters and tune the engine computer to ignore the system. There are plenty of kits out there that are made for this exact purpose.



Which engines have cylinder deactivation?


Cars with a cylinder deactivation option include the Honda Odyssey, Accord, and Pilot; Volkswagen Polo BlueGT; Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4; Audi A1, A3 and A8 L; as well as the Chevrolet (GM) Impala, Suburban, Silverado, Tahoe, Caprice, Camaro, and Corvette Stingray.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.