Circuit/System Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 GMC Yukon, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2012 Cadillac Escalade. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The cylinder deactivation system is used to deactivate 4 cylinders of the engine under light load driving conditions. The engine control module (ECM) commands the cylinder deactivation solenoids ON to deactivate engine cylinders 1, 7, 6, and 4, switching to 4 cylinders or V4 mode. The cylinder deactivation solenoids controls the oil flow to the appropriate valve lifters. The engine operates on 8 cylinders or V8 mode, during engine starting, engine idling, and medium to heavy throttle conditions.
Ignition voltage is supplied directly to the 4 cylinder deactivation solenoids. The engine control module (ECM) controls the 4 cylinder deactivation solenoids by grounding the control circuit with a solid state device called a driver.