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What vehicles use cylinder deactivation?

Cylinder deactivation is a fuel-saving technology used in some modern vehicles to improve efficiency. 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 saving fuel.


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. When more power is needed, such as during acceleration, the deactivated cylinders are reactivated to provide the necessary power.


The specific number of cylinders that are deactivated can vary depending on the engine design and the vehicle's power needs. Some engines may deactivate half of the cylinders, while others may only deactivate a few. The deactivation process is seamless and unnoticeable to the driver.


Vehicles That Use Cylinder Deactivation


Cylinder deactivation technology is primarily found in larger, more powerful engines, such as those found in:



  • Full-size pickup trucks and SUVs

  • Luxury sedans and sports cars

  • Some mid-size and full-size sedans


Some examples of vehicles that utilize cylinder deactivation include the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LS, and Honda Accord. The technology has become more widespread in recent years as automakers seek to improve fuel efficiency and meet stricter emissions regulations.


Benefits of Cylinder Deactivation


The primary benefit of cylinder deactivation is improved fuel efficiency. By reducing the engine's workload during low-demand situations, the system can achieve fuel savings of up to 20% in some cases. This translates to better gas mileage and lower emissions, which are important considerations for many drivers.


Cylinder deactivation also helps to maintain engine performance by ensuring that the active cylinders are operating at an optimal load. This can lead to improved acceleration and responsiveness when the driver needs more power.

What car companies use 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.



Which cars have active cylinder technology?


Many automakers, including Volkswagen, General Motors, Honda, and others, have implemented Active Cylinder Technology in their vehicles to improve fuel economy without compromising performance.



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.



Does BMW have cylinder deactivation?


With our Valvetronic valve timing system, optimum fuel efficiency across the entire rpm range is achieved. Hence, there is no need to use an additional cylinder deactivation.



Why do people hate cylinder deactivation?


If the engine is equipped with a cylinder deactivation system, we face a new potential failure mode. Increasing the valvespring pressure or just increasing the amount of lifter movement at speed may be enough to overwhelm the oil pressure keeping the lifter in full operation.



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.



Does cylinder deactivation really save fuel?


A CDS shuts down half of the engine's cylinders when only a small amount of the engine's power is needed, such as when the vehicle is moving at a constant speed on a level road, decelerating or going downhill. A CDS can reduce fuel consumption by 4 to 10%, saving you money and reducing your impact on the environment.



Do all vehicles have cylinder deactivation?


Cylinder deactivation allows the engine to shut down some of its cylinders during light-load operation for greater fuel efficiency. Over the last ten years, less than three percent of new cars have had this technology.



What GM cars have cylinder deactivation?


GM also extended the technology on the new High Value LZ8 V6 engine in the Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo as well as the 5.3L V8 LS4 engine in the last generation Chevrolet Impala SS, Monte Carlo SS and Pontiac Grand Prix GXP. In both designs, half of the cylinders can be switched off under light loads.



Is cylinder deactivation bad for your engine?


Is Cylinder Deactivation Bad? Engines can benefit greatly from cylinder deactivation. When paired with early or late intake valve closing technology, cylinder deactivation can help reduce fuel consumption by approximately five to 25% while maintaining high operating temperatures at low load conditions.


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.