Cylinder Deactivation (Active Fuel Management)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 GMC Yukon and 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
To provide maximum fuel economy under light load driving conditions, the engine control module (ECM) will command the cylinder deactivation system ON to deactivate engine cylinders 1 and 7 on the left bank, and cylinders 4 and 6 on the right bank, switching to a V4 mode. The engine will operate on 8 cylinders, or V8 mode, during engine starting, engine idling, and medium to heavy throttle applications. This mode is activated more quickly and for a longer duration in the Two-Mode hybrid vehicle.