Cylinder Deactivation - 4 Cylinders To 2 How & Why?

Ever wondered what magic goes on inside your car's engine? Well, you're not alone! Dive into the world of engine tech with us as we explore the intriguing cylinder deactivation technology, a game-changer for fuel efficiency and performance.
Our journey starts with my 1.4 TFSI Audi engine that introduced me to this tech, flashing a "two-cylinder mode" alert on the dashboard. Curiosity piqued, and I embarked on a deep dive to unravel how this technology enhances our driving experience and the mechanical genius behind it.
Cylinder deactivation, although simply named, is a complex technology designed to boost engine efficiency. Imagine cruising in your car, and suddenly, your four-cylinder engine decides to take a break, running only on two cylinders.
Sounds like a downgrade? Think again! This tech cleverly transforms your engine, maximizing power output from fewer cylinders, thereby improving fuel economy.
What is cylinder deactivation? How Does it work? Why does it save fuel without sacrificing power? More manufacturers are employing a cylinder shutdown option and this video looks specifically at the VW group implementation and explains how and why it works so well.
But the real question is, how does it decide when to switch modes, and could this possibly harm your engine?
The secret lies in managing air flow with a butterfly valve, a simple yet effective mechanism that has powered engines for decades. With 4 cylinders the butterfly valve chokes the air supply effectively reducing engine efficiency.
When you use only two the butterfly valve is open as the 2 cylinders use more air and there is less of a restriction.
When not all cylinders are needed, deactivating some reduces the engine's appetite for fuel without sacrificing performance.
Volkswagen and Audi are at the forefront, each branding the technology with their unique names - ACT (Active Cylinder Technology) and Cylinder on Demand, respectively. However, the principle remains the same across the board.
Delving deeper, we discovered that this tech chooses specific cylinders to deactivate, optimizing engine load and efficiency.
But does this impact the engine's other functions, or create unusual wear? And how do drivers know when it's active?
The answers lie in the delicate balance of power, efficiency, and sensor technology that governs this system.
Join us as we navigate through the mechanics, benefits, and subtle nuances of cylinder deactivation technology.
Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about how your car achieves that smooth ride, this video is your gateway to understanding the marvels of modern automotive engineering.
Don't forget to hit like, subscribe for more insightful content, and check out the linked video for tips on getting the best out of your engine. Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video!
#carcare #carmaintenance #cars #cartuning
www.torquecars.com
Legal Notice: Unless we have inspected your car we can only provide generic theory. All information is provided without warranty, please check any recommendations made with a mechanic locally to verify it would be legal in your area or region and that it would be suitable for your car and your needs.

[@EthanJackson98]

This channel is so under appreciated. The research you must do to create these videos is tremendous

[@torquecars]

Cheers buddy it is hard work and when you look at what I earn from the hours I put in it works out at less that $1.30 per hour!!!! I do it for the community not for profit so I'm pleased that people find these videos useful and interesting. it is also a way for me to answer the 100's of emails I get each week as i wouldn't be able to respond individually to them all.

[@richardmurphy2161]

Great informative video, thank you. I have 1.4 ACT (Skoda) and unfortunately I have the dreaded rattle. When ever 2 cylinder mode activates you can hear a rattle. I've been told in 2 cylinder mode the engine naturally vibrates more, which leaves you with a metallic rattle sound. I've don't a bit of research and the likely culprit is the actuator rod.

[@anurag5109]

Thanks for interesting content! Good luck. 💐🙏🇮🇳

[@evensisftw]

Quite a few engines in the wild that control their throttle by adjusting valve lift and duration mechanically, which consequently means the butterfly valve is wide open all the time. Makes me wonder what benefits would be found in engines of this type.

[@derekburgess]

If you did this on a diesel engine, while it would have less impact on the volumetric efficiency, might it reduce the NOx, since there would be less excess oxygen available?

[@PeteRock1]

I just recently found your channel. SUb’d 😊
Would like to learn more about the Audi TTS and the EA113 engine (2015 TTS 8j Mk2)
- What are things to do before tuning?
- How to make it more reliable. (Plug upgrades?, ignition upgrades? Oil upgrades & types?)
- Tuning the DSG Pro’s & Con’s
- Are catch cans necessary?

[@torquecars]

2.0 TFSi = most of this still applies to the EA113 ua-cam.com/video/BrHYwmngYUc/v-deo.html
Things to do before you tune ua-cam.com/video/52Fk5m4TtYo/v-deo.html
Gearbox tuning and mapping (one specifically for DSG is planned for the future) ua-cam.com/video/eyPJVjoiYvY/v-deo.html
Catch cans are important on these, the carbon build up is a problem without ua-cam.com/video/JlOV9Wym6X0/v-deo.html Some remove the EGR but I personally feel the catch can is the main culprit here.

[@blakespower]

the only problem I see with my Mazda at least is that its always the same cylinders that are running or get deactivated. wont that cause uneven wear in the cylinders? should like alternate them evenly for more uniform wear edit: never mind the pistons continue

[@fredy000]

can you tune such an engine? like maybe I buy one and want stage 1, will cylinder deactivation work?

[@torquecars]

Yes these engines (1.4 1.5 TFSi) can be remapped or tuned and in most cases will still retain the deactivation. Talk to your tuner about this to discuss your requirements and expectations.

[@fredy000]

@@torquecars Thanks, I appreciate your replies, content and presentation very much

[@AnthGott]

Thanks for the video. Ive just bought a 1.5 tsi, what sort of fuel economy do you get out of the audi on a long journey?

[@torquecars]

I get around 50-60 MPG on my 1.4 TFSi on a run, my best is around 70mpg, but around town and general driving it gives about 45mpg. Obviously these drop a lot if i drive it hard, but these figures are based on general driving with a few overtakes and faster sections. Bear in mind I also only use shell V Power, which does make a difference to me for economy.

[@AnthGott]

@@torquecars thanks I think I am going to try use Esso as it does not contain any ethanol.

[@torquecars]

That's certainly the key - avoiding Ethanol. Are you in the UK? We're up to 10% on non premium fuels.

[@AnthGott]

@@torquecars yes there are a few companies using ethanol even in the premium fuels

[@agrubera75]

Car manufacturers should build 2 cylinder engines, why bother with a 4 cylinder one & make it run on 2 cylinders🤦‍♂️.

[@rige1646]

??

[@Noor1x1]

Bismillah in the name of Allaah, do not be hasty, it seems like you enjoy getting good for your money, this technology from my understanding seems to be beneficial in terms of how engines work a 2 cylinder car would simply not be able to provide enough power when for example merging and that acceleration can be the means of you being safe in traffic as speed can be important.

[@AnthGott]

Fiat have 2 cylinder