What vehicles use cylinder deactivation?
Cylinder deactivation is a technology designed to improve fuel efficiency by temporarily disabling some of an engine's cylinders when full power isn't needed. This feature is commonly found in modern vehicles, particularly those with larger engines, such as V6s and V8s. In this article, we’ll explore which vehicles use cylinder deactivation and why it’s becoming increasingly popular.
What Is Cylinder Deactivation?
Cylinder deactivation works by shutting off the fuel supply and disabling the valve operation in certain cylinders during light-load conditions, such as highway cruising. This reduces fuel consumption and emissions without compromising the engine's ability to deliver full power when needed. The technology is often marketed under different names by various manufacturers, such as Active Fuel Management (AFM) or Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM).
Types of Vehicles That Use Cylinder Deactivation
Vehicles equipped with cylinder deactivation technology are typically those with larger engines, as these engines benefit the most from the fuel savings. Here are the main categories of vehicles that use this feature:
- Pickup Trucks: Many full-size pickup trucks, such as the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, use cylinder deactivation to improve fuel efficiency during highway driving.
- SUVs: Larger SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade often include this technology to balance power and efficiency.
- Performance Cars: Some high-performance vehicles, such as the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro, use cylinder deactivation to provide better fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
- Luxury Vehicles: Premium brands like Audi and Mercedes-Benz have also adopted cylinder deactivation in certain models to meet stricter emissions standards while maintaining a smooth driving experience.
Why Is Cylinder Deactivation Becoming More Common?
As fuel efficiency and emissions regulations become more stringent, automakers are turning to cylinder deactivation as a cost-effective solution. This technology allows manufacturers to meet regulatory requirements without downsizing engines or compromising performance. Additionally, advancements in engine control systems have made cylinder deactivation smoother and less noticeable to drivers, increasing its appeal.
Conclusion
Cylinder deactivation is a smart solution for improving fuel efficiency in vehicles with larger engines. From pickup trucks and SUVs to performance and luxury cars, this technology is helping drivers save on fuel costs while reducing their environmental impact. If you’re considering a vehicle with cylinder deactivation, it’s worth discussing the feature with your trusted auto service provider to understand how it fits your driving needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
