Automotive electronics company Range Technology has released its new Active Fuel Management/Dynamic Fuel Management disabler for General Motors vehicles.
The AFM/DFM disabler is a plug-in module that deactivates the AFM and DFM systems in V6- and V8-powered GM vehicles. The module simply plugs into the vehicle’s OBD-II port, making it easily reversible and ensuring it does not void the vehicle’s warranty.
Range Technology says its disabler will prevent the “shuddering” that some customers experience as AFM/DFM vehicles switch between running on half or all cylinders.” The company also says the module can save the owner money on “costly future repairs,” as GM’s “troublesome valve lifters will no longer be tasked with activating and deactivating constantly.”
General Motors’ DFM technology, also known as Dynamic Skip Fire, saves fuel by only using the cylinders of an engine that are required during the specific driving situation. If a V6 or V8 engine is just cruising down the highway, for example, it will activate DFM. When towing, accelerating or performing other strenuous tasks, the DFM system will remain off, giving the driver full engine power.
DFM is the more advanced successor to AFM. Whereas AFM would flip between four and eight-cylinder mode, DFM shuts down certain cylinders based on the driving scenario. An engine with DFM has 17 different cylinder configurations and will flip between them to deliver an optimal balance between performance and fuel economy.
Range Technology’s plug-in disabler works with older General Motors vehicles that still have AFM and new ones that use DFM. It will work with all GM vehicles with a V6 or V8 engine with AFM or DFM, including cars, SUVs and the popular Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. Prices start at $189.00 USD.
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Comments
Had a Range product for our old Silverado. It works exactly as advertised for the 5.3L engine.
The HD Silverado in the picture has either the 6.6L V8 gasser or the Duramax diesel. Neither has any kind of cylinder deactivation.
Interesting. Working at a Volvo/Mazda store, they both also use some form of fuel saving tech. The Volvo just uses the engine start/stop which totally sucks. Mazda uses something similar to what they are talking about above. It’s (thankfully) not nearly as obnoxious as the engine start/stop, but you can feel a slight shudder-like moment as it starts/stops some cylinders. As normal, Mazda is kind of late to the game here, so I’m not sure if they have had any complaints about it, but I do know people test driving them can feel it and will ask about it. I remember the Cadillac V8,6,4 back in 1981. An engine feature way ahead of it’s time that had issues and they only had it for 2 or 3 years total (first year on all V8 Cadillac’s and then just on the limo’s for another year or two).
I think people wanting to bypass these systems only shows that unless gas is well above $4.00 per gallon, people don’t want the tech.
Cadillacs v8-6-4’s were super reliable engines that almost never kicked the bucket. You can find used 8-6-4’s with 500000+ miles still running strong. The were only around for 1 modle year on sedans and 3 on limousines because they didn’t pass the EPA’s stringent 80’s fuel standards. They were replaced with the dreaded 4100, an engine that was rushed to market with the emission failure of the 8-6-4 and did not have enough time to study the engines oil delivery system, resulting in a 20000 mile motor before failure. Given it was on the market for only a year, Cadillac used the 8-6-4 as a scapegoat.
@jacob:
That all sounds correct. Two things on the V8-6-4. First, you could easily unplug it with just one wire/plug. If you did that, then you were just running the standard 360 engine. And yes, that was one great engine. Second, many of the actual issues with the cylinder deactivation was due to faulty injectors that were shipped to Cadillac. Rumor had it (from a very good source) that GM switched suppliers mid-year. The old supplier got upset and shipped, on purpose, a large batch of bad injectors. After the certain VIN #, they had very few issues due to the new supplier.
As for the 4100 engine: Yes, it was certainly not the bright spot for Cadillac. However, I can personally attest to seeing many of them with well over 150K on the original engine. The secret was to change the oil every 3K no matter what, flush the radiator every other year (and put the pellets in the other years), and just keep a closer eye on them. More work than was expected, but if done they would run the miles.
Seriously? 150K is not a benchmark any vehicle should be judged by if made in the last 30+ years. Clearly, the solution is not 3K oil changes, it’s get rid of the vehicle once you notice that.
On the other hand, I can see an argument for the NEXT owner receiving this troublesome blob and needing to get a little life out of it, except this is requiring action not thought. Writing something easily with 100 words, is not the same thing as the burden (or expense) of doing it.
Flush the radiator every other year and use pellets too? Just no, avoid the vehicle. Even if you got one cheap used, it’s a false economy to have to babysit something that much and still ultimately have expensive repairs because you were just trying to delay the inevitable.
“Seriously? 150K is not a benchmark any vehicle should be judged by if made in the last 30+ years”
Well then, it’s fortunate that they quit selling them over 30 years ago.
Ssm gs jsgsmsh
Range says won’t work with 10 speed transmissions so your stuck paying for their pricier Pulsar LT.
The Pulsar LT has a lot more options then the Range. I have had the Pulsar on my 6.2 AT4 for just about a year and use most of the options that are available on it. Changed tire size, max speed, auto start/stop, throttle sensitivity, and tire psi.
More options always means more cost…..
I have a GMC Sierra with the 5.3 and the cylinder deactivation. Mine works seamlessly. If it weren’t for the fact that it has a Flowmaster cat back system (not loud-just some sound) I don’t think I’d even be able to tell that it is working. If I turn the radio off and listen I can hear a slight difference in the exhaust note. Also have an ATS with cylinder deactivation and if it weren’t for the light on the dash that indicates V6 or V4 I’d never even know that the car had this feature. The stop/start feature was also mentioned above. My ATS has it and thankfully it has a button on the console next to the shifter to deactivate it. Yeah, that feature is hideous. Wouldn’t have bought the car if I couldn’t shut it off.
I had both an 81 and 82 Cadillac and both were engine disasters. The 1981 had nothing to do with electronic cylinder deactivation in the same way that the newer afm/dfm operate. What it did was to collapse or deactivate the valve rocker fulcrum (solenoid) on specific cylinders and those same cylinders were always deactivated when the engine was running on either 4 or 6 cylinder function, as opposed to the newer cylinder deactivation system which rotates the deactivation process of all cylinders in a rotational sequence by collapsing the hydraulic lifters allowing all cylinders to deactivate in a sequence.
The problem with the 1981 4-6-8 engine was that the specific deactivated cylinder would cool down and and consequently foul the spark plug and when the deactivated cylinder was reactivated the fouled plug would misfire and further foul that plug.
The Cadillac dealer just loved this system as it brought the customer in every 3000 to 4000 miles to have the plugs cleaned, which is what they never did, instead they installed an entire new set of spark plugs at a $120 to $130 thus generating cash flow for the dealer which was caused by a Cadillac design failure, deactivating the same cylinder each time the 4 or 6 deactivation came into play.
Hope they make enough money now to cover their R&D expenses because this is so overpriced that they won’t be able to sell it long in this internet age where people will soon have access to less expensive alternatives copied from their design.
In other words, they better be ready to mark it down to $20 price point within the next 12 months. It’s THAT overpriced.
Well the problem with this story as well as Range, is there is no mention that there DFM disabler only currently works on 8-speed transmissions. They are still beta testing the one for us with the 10-speed transmission.
I just spoke with a Range Technologies technician who advised it doesn’t matter which transmission you have with the 2019/2020 Silverado 6.2 motor.
Strange I just looked over my email string with them again to ensure what they said. ” Adam, unfortunately we do not officially support the 10-speed vehicles yet. The units we currently have will generally work for the 10-speed vehicles, but there are some links that still need to be worked out.”
So unless all the links for worked out over the last few days I would say not everyone at Range is on the same page.
Thank you for the additional information Adam.
I guess that would explain the P25a2 code I got on my new Sierra 1500 AT4 with the 6.2L and 10 speed. I guess I need to talk to Range about it and find out if they have plans to send out new units to those that bought them.
I spoke with Range, a rep by the name of Anthony on the phone. After asking him several times he advised it would I’m fact work and the kinks had been worked out for the 10-speed. Two days later after paying for the damn thing, I received an email advising “No it does not work for the 10-speed and will be some time before it’s available”. So save your time, as it appears no one is on the page over there and love wasting people’s time and money.
I just sent them a long email to make sure I cover myself for the 30 day window to return the product. I bought it last month and it did not have on the page it wouldn’t work with the 10 speed. I guess it will be shipped back and wait for either one that works to come out. Or wait till the factory warranty is out and get a full programmer for the truck.
When I got in the truck today to go to work the code was gone. I guess I will be running without the Range plugged in until they resolve the issues.
Don’t blame you, have to cover your ass. And the code being gone doesn’t surprise me since their product is plug and play without flashing the ECU in any way.
Totally sucks though, I hate this DFM. I also hate that our trucks are limited to 98MPH. Oh well is what it is I guess.
Not to brag or anything but for some reason mine is governed at 112MPH….
Thanks for your help!!!
Well sh…..Glad to know. I will be changing mine soon enough, so glad to know what they have for the AT4. I think 115 is the max I’d change mine to.
I got mine to 99 I was standing on the gas pedal!!
Guys, BEWARE. Speed Limits are Mainly based on the TIRES on vehicle!! Go online and check specs on your brand and size!! Obviously, factory Redline RPM’s also matter….
Looks like they finally have a product out that takes not only the DFM, but several other things like Auto Start/Stop, speed limiter, etc.
Yeah, I was looking at it a few days ago. Double the price for almost the same options as the Range device. I may end up biting the bullet and getting it.
Working perfectly on a ‘19 Silverado with the 5.3 and 8 speed transmission. Worth the price to me to actually have all cylinders firing when I make a right on red.
Yes the current model Range sells works for the 5.3 and 6.2 8 speed, but not the 10-speed. Their I’m hopes of having it soon.
Does it work with 2021 5.3L 6 speed ?
I have HP Tuners for my 2016 LT 5.3/8 spd in a Jeep. AFM is a flick of an icon and “Write Calibration” and 3 minutes to download.
Do tell us more!
Have you guy’s heard the latest? Ford will be coming out with cylinder deactivation on the 5.0 in the F150 for the 2021 model year.
I have a 2011 Silverado with 4.8 v8 runs great
It has no active fuel management
They stopped making those engines
No they haven’t!!! I have a 2017 Silverado 1500 and it most certainly has AFM!! In fact, every few hundred miles, add oil popped up…kept taking it back to dealer and kept getting the same story…so, I bought one from range and finally got almost 3500 miles until the dreaded “add oil” popped up!!! Haven’t really lost any substantial mpg.
They stopped making the non-AFM 4.8.
I have a 2021 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab with 4837 miles on it. It had to be towed to the dealership because the engine was making a loud tapping sound followed by a shudder. It has been determined that the lifters are bad and need to be replaced. Now I am wondering is this going to happen every 4000 miles? I am thinking about getting one of these Range products to protect my truck, my question is will it void my warranty and extended warranty?
Vickster,
Range claims that it is warranty safe it does not flash your computer and everything goes back to normal as soon as you pull it from your OBD port. I believe them since I haven’t heard of anyone having a problem.
I have a 19 Silverado 6.2 10 speed and just saw several videos on the Pulsar Lt. I will be looking into that purchase soon. This unit disables DFM, Auto Stop, allows speed limiter adjustment and several others. I purchased a programmer for my 14 Silvetado several years ago. I deactivated AFM, adjusted throttle response, transmission shift points and transmission firmness. Not sure which adjustment or if it was combination, but my mpg went up several mph to over 25 on long trips. With full v8 mode, it appeared to me the truck downshifting was a lot less, therefore saving fuel with lower rpms. Not sure if the outcome will be the same but I will try it on 6.2.
The idiocy displayed by a once great company like G.M. is just beyond belief, with their cylinder deactivation system. And they wonder why sales are down? Who in their right mind wants to spend $55,000 to purchase an anemic 6000 pound four cylinder vehicle to pull their heavy trailer or boat? And even If I wanted a four banger, I’d of bought a quality one, like a Toyota.
Check the website GM Truck. They have the announcement about the new trucks that will be equipped with AFM/DFM, but will be deactivated due to the worldwide semiconductor (chip) shortage. They did not say if they received the parts whether they would activate them at a later time or not.
Anybody try this out on a 2016 GMC Yukon Denali 6.2L? Any issues or success? Please let me know I just purchased one and I will let you know as soon as I get it to try it out. To be honest, the only thing I see with the V8 to V4 switch is the clunk from 1-2, the occasional shudder and the throttle response. Overall occasionally a rough ride.
Lenny
2016 GMC Yukon Denali
I have an early 2015 with 6 speed tranny.. Lifters failed at 74K miles recently. GM Bumper to Bumper EXTERNDED Warranty, which I bought for $3k paid 99% of $5500 repair to both heads/ all 16 Lifter and a new VOLM Oiling manifold as well. ( Do NOT buy “Car Shield” brand Warranty as seen on TV!!! Thieves!!!)
I bought a AFM Disabler on Ebay for $115…… not the $225 one from “Range”. Works great!!! Always in V-8 Mode, no shutters, oil burning or anything. I cannot address 8 or 10 speed suitability but they cliam it works! Look around on Ebay from a Power Seller! ( lots of sales with a 99% Rating!)
Dumping truck before Warranty on rebuild (2 years Parts and Labor) as I do NOT wish to be stranded in Trenton NJ , on a holiday at 11PM!!.
Best!
3rd time replacing lifter on cylinder 4 – costly! Has anyone had a lifter collapse after using the range? Deciding on whether to spend the 200 or trade in (if anyone would even take this since EVERYONE seems to have same issues!!!!
Hi Melody,
Your problem could potentially be different than what people here have been experiencing. If you were to add year of vehicle, engine size and some oil consumption info we could probably provide an idea if this may be a good application for the Range.
Well I just received my range technology today and installed it In my 2016 Yukon Denali without any issues. I drove it for about a half an hour up to 80mph and it seems to do what they advertise it should do. I think it is shifting smoother as well. I will give you a follow up when I have driven the truck more. Currently without the AFM disabler hooked up, I get about 20 to 25 mpg…..when I drive very easy. Mostly highway and cruise control driven. It would constantly go into 4 cylinder mode under light load. More to follow!
Lenny
2016 Yukon Denali
I’ve had my Pulsar LT installed for about 2 weeks on my 2020 6.2L 10-speed Silverado. So far all is well, corrected my tire size, disabled the DFM and the auto shutoff. The throttle response set to 5 is to much for me but 3 is perfect. Lost about 12 miles per tank so far.
I have had the Pulsar LT on my 2020 Sierra 1500 AT4 6.2L 10 speed for about a month and a half now. I have the DFM and auto start/stop turned off and have the speed limiter moved up a little bit. Overall I seem to be getting about the same MPG as before.
I also installed an oil separator between the PCV and the throttle body because I was getting a lot of oil blow back to the throttle body. After about 1000 miles, the separator already has about 1/2 to 3/4 an ounce of oil in it.
Hello All, So it has been a week with the Range Technology on my 2016 Yukon Denali. I have to say it works pretty good. Shifts are way smoother….at least I think they are. I did have the clunk shift from 1-2 a few times but have not since. I also do not feel or notice the shudder issue as well. I will give it some more time but I am happy so far. Worth the $200 I spent so far.
Lenny
i have 2021 silverado 1500 ltz 6.2 10 speed i have read alot abound ranger ra003b i look it up on summit web site they said
it was not compatabe with 2021 help thanks
2017 Yukon 5.3l, 70000 kilometres AFM lifters failed. Proper oil changes all done dealer. Daily commuter and 2 cross country trips, Warranty repair but will never trust it again. Will trade before warranty up for something without DOD AFM or DFM. Loyal GM customer for many years but will look elsewhere for next vehicle.
What exactly was it doing?
On a morning commute the check engine light starts flashing indicating misfire. Once scanned it shows random misfires. Dropped at dealer and informed in a few hours AFM lifter failure. Long wait on parts but will be covered under warranty.
2021 GMC Yukon XL – 4658 Mileage – Colorado
Engine started to knocking at Sep 3. Service appointment was on Sep 17, pickup Sep 23:
Parts: $2321.80, Labor: $1650.34. Total: $3972.14 (Actually all restored by warranty)
Found missfire on #7 cyl
Found bent push rod – removed intake, both valve covers, both exhaust manifolds, push rods.
Removed both cylinder heads, all lifters and guides. Replaced all lifters and guides.
Replaced all lifters and guides.
Installed cylinder heads, push rods, valve cover
Intake and exhaust manifolds. Topped off coolant and oil.
Test drive all ok
My 2021 YukonXL had the same issue. Once repaired and replaced it did it again. We had it declared a lemon after it was in repair for more than 30 days. GM had to refund all money from purchase. Did not buy another one as I personally know other people with the same car that had the same issue. They keep selling them but clearly do not fix the issue.
I have a 2021 Chevy LTZ with 6.2L and 10 speed. When coming to a stop nearly every time my truck makes this chirping sound. No noise when in L7, L8 and L9 which bypasses DFM (so I’ve read) I’ve heard DFM is the culprit for these noises and I’m considering the Range module. Any else encounter these noises?
My 2015 silverado with the 5.3 just had lifter failure at 58k miles. Ive been running the Range Module for over 12k miles. So; NO, the range will not protect you from ” costly future repairs”.
That being said my truck is lifted with bigger tires. I did experience better gas mileage when cruising at around 55mph or 1500rpms. I wouldn’t expect any difference on a stock truck; but with pushing more weight at the wheels, I think the range preventing my truck turning into a V4, made a big difference as far as that goes.
But do not expect your lifters to live forever (which is what I thought when I bought the Range.)
18 yukon 5.3. Spent month in and out of shop for precived transmission issue. Come to find out it was afm causing the shift problems going from 8 to 4. First was adding archoil oil to the oil, that a whole mother story. Short is if you read and understand how the vlom works and compare this to sticition issues in diesels injectors then you figure it out. 2nd added the range device. Using range and archoil oil additive I’ve never has a mother issue in 40k miles I lost maybe 1 mpg.
2018 Cadillac Escalade 6.2 with a10 tranny. No issues with my range disabler. Stays in v8. No issues with the vehicle. 81k miles with it plugged in.