Found this over on www.silveradosierra.com
Engine Control Module (ECM)
The engine control module (ECM) is responsible for the management and control of all engine functions. Each ECM comes equipped with a specific set of software/calibrations designed for that engine and vehicle application. The ECM will determine engine operating parameters, based upon information from a network of switches, sensors, modules and communication with other controllers located throughout vehicle. Internal to the ECM is an integrated circuit device called a low-side driver. The low-side driver is designed to operate internally, like an electronic switch. An individual low-side driver controls each valve lifter oil manifold (VLOM) solenoid. When enabling conditions for V4 mode are met, the ECM will command the low-side driver to ground each VLOM solenoid control circuit, in firing order sequence. Internal to the low-side driver is a fault detection circuit, which monitors the solenoid control circuit for an incorrect voltage level. If an incorrect voltage level, such as an open, high resistance, or short to ground, is detected, the low-side driver, along with the fault detection circuit, will communicate the condition to the central processor in the ECM. The ECM will then command a return to V8 mode, set a corresponding DTC, and illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the instrument panel.
Cylinder Deactivation Inhibit Reasons
Listed below are the powertrain conditions that will inhibit V4 mode, while operating under light load driving conditions:
? Engine manifold vacuum low
? Brake booster vacuum pressure low
? Accelerator pedal position rate of increase too high, electronic throttle control
? Accelerator pedal position too high, electronic throttle control
? Ignition voltage out of range
? Engine oil pressure out of range
? Engine oil temperature out of range
? Engine RPM out of range
? Transmission gear incorrect
? Transmission range incorrect
? Transmission gear shift in progress
? All cylinders activated via scan tool output control
? Minimum time in V8 mode not met
? Maximum V4 mode time exceeded
? Engine oil aeration present
? Decel fuel cutoff active
? Fuel shut-off timer active
? Minimum heater temp low, HVAC system
? Reduced engine power active, electronic throttle control
? Brake torque management active
? Axle torque limiting active
? Engine metal over temperature protection active
? Catalytic converter over temperature protection active
? Piston protection active, knock detected
? Hot coolant mode active
? Engine over speed protection active
? Fault Active or Fault Pending--cylinder deactivation is disabled for the following faults:
- Brake Booster Vacuum Sensor
- Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
- Engine Oil Pressure Sensor
- Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
- Vehicle Speed Sensor
- Crankshaft Position Sensor
- Engine Misfire Detected
- Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid Driver Circuit