Patent ID: 7426915

Claim:
A method for controlling an engine having multiple cylinders, each with at least one electrically actuated valve, the engine operating in a first mode having a first number of firing cylinders and a second mode having a second number of firing cylinders greater than said first mode, the method comprising: when transitioning the engine from operating in the first mode to the second mode and maintaining average torque substantially constant; operating a last cylinder in said first mode to provide a reduced torque output relative to the average torque output; operating a first cylinder in said second mode to be a firing cylinder with an increased torque relative to the average torque output; and when transitioning the engine from operating in the second mode to the first mode and maintaining average torque substantially constant; operating a last cylinder in said second mode to be a firing cylinder; operating a first cylinder in said first mode to be a firing cylinder, where a torque output of said first cylinder in said first mode is reduced relative to the average torque output.