Standing for displacement-on-demand, this system improves fuel economy by shutting off fuel injection and keeping the valves closed on specific cylinders when full engine power is not required, such as during highway cruising. By forcing the remaining active cylinders to operate under a heavier load, the engine runs more efficiently with less pumping loss. When the driver accelerates, the system instantly reactivates all cylinders for maximum power.
Heard on the job
We need to replace the special lifters because the DOD system is stuck and causing a dead miss on cylinder four.
Insider tip
Mechanics often install aftermarket delete kits on engines with DOD, as the specialized collapsing lifters are prone to premature failure and can destroy the camshaft.