Not everyone likes the driving experience that comes with Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) or Active Fuel Management (AFM). Some drivers claim turning off cylinders while driving with the goal of reducing fuel consumption can lead to power loss, excessive oil usage, and damaged valvetrain components. Now, truck and SUV drivers have the option to turn this system off entirely in their newer GM vehicles, like the newest Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, with the Range Technology DFM Module.
The new DFM Module from Range Technology also turns off the engine auto stop/start system. When plugged in, the engine won’t automatically turn off at stop lights and restart when the driver lifts their foot off the brake pedal.
Here are all of the vehicles compatible with this defeat device:
- 2022–2025 Chevy Silverado 1500
- 2022–2025 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2021–2024 Chevy Tahoe
- 2021–2024 Chevy Suburban
- 2021–2024 GMC Yukon/Yukon XL
- 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV
This DFM Module works is for the 5.3L V8 L84 and the 6.2L V8 L87. Drivers can plug it into the truck’s ECM, and it will override the DFM system so the engine runs on all eight cylinders almost all the time. However, some vehicles tested still engage “0-cylinder mode” while coasting, which Range Technology says yields a noticeable increase in fuel economy.
Although the L87 V8 option was unchanged when the Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 got their facelifts in 2022, the 5.3L V8 L84 replaced the similar 5.3L V8 L82 across the board. This defeat device is specifically intended for the post-refresh T1 generation of GM’s full-size pickups.
As for the full-size SUVs compatible with this DFM Module, it only works on the pre-facelift models that came out in 2021. It is not intended for use in the refreshed 2025 models.
Due to stricter emissions regulations imposed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), this device is not legal to sell or use in California. Range Technology says testing is pending with CARB with the goal of achieving 50-state compliance.
The Range Technology DFM Module is available for sale for $229.95 here. As of this writing, Range Technology is offering free shipping on the module.
Comments
Will this fevice void the warranty?
Now, can you work on a cut-out program for blocking the auto stop system? It really ought to be optionally bl9cked beyond pushing the option button every time the vehicle is started. Easier on the starter, battery, etc. Thanks.
uh, maybe you better read this again. You might just find your answer.
No. I use one on my 2022 Camaro SS. It works great. It does not do any reprogramming so it doesn’t void the warranty. If you take the vehicle in for service just unplug it. No trace that it was ever there.
Switch your gear selector to manual mode. Move the +/- to the #9 position for around town driving. DFM will never come on.
Save yourself $229.99
The parts that CAN GO BAD are still in the motor-defeat device or not.
Also Auto start / stop is disabled in L9.
Another useless product from GM. The home of scary Mary.
The reason manufacturers have resorted to AFM and DFM and other ridiculous technologies is to comply with the overboard regulation by EPA for ever the increasing CAFE standards. We should now see some relief with the radical left bureaucrats out and common sense coming back with our President Donald Trump back!
CARBYTE AFM/DFM Disabler & Auto Start/Stop Eliminator for 2005-2024 GM Trucks, SUVs & Cars. This device works I have a 2020 High Country with a 6.2L / 10 speed transmission. This is the only one that works with the 10 speed transmission at this time. I am very satisfied with this product. My Chevy dealer’s service manager
says many customers are adding this device to their vehicles..
The Range RA003R,B,G works for the Sierra & Silverado up to 2021. The R,B,G only refers to the led colors & does not pertain to the functionality of the unit. It plugs into obd port & works just fine in my 2020 AT4 with a 10spd. There is another unit that is an inline plug-in for the refreshed models.
I installed a Range when I purchased my 2021 5.3 Silverado. I had a valve lifter fail at 9000 miles. After my dealer replaced my lifters I stopped using the Range. The only sure way to stop lifter failure is to completely remove the AFM or DFM system. Removing the system is very expensive and will void the warranty.
TMI says that AFM lifter failures are waaaay over-reported and not a real issue. You must have caused this failure or made up the story entirely.
The only way to maintain a warranty and not have this system is to buy a truck that does not use this system. I never would have thought that they Turbolax 4 banger would be the least troublesome in the half-ton stable.
Most failures are two supplier issues (bore size recently and earlier run of lifters) that were recalled and addressed and incorrect oil being used or neglect (dirty oil from low frequency of oil changes). This is well known and reported, nothing new or some type of conspiracy there. For a manufacturer to need to recall something, it needs to be north of 3-5% failure rate, otherwise it doesn’t hurt their reputation or bottom line enough. So yes, I would agree with him that they aren’t nearly as pronounced and some make it sound. Those are loud voices from a low amount of failures that are just upset (rightfully so) and trying to make it bigger issues than it is.
If they didn’t have this tech on these engines, we wouldn’t have V8’s that so many want. So pick your poison, do you want NA V8’s or smaller turbo motors instead?
Promoting devices to defeat functions designed into the engines for EPA Regulations implies GM supports the devices by using the “GM Authority” publication.
I don’t think consumers should have to pay more money to deactivate a faulty AFM or DFM system. GM needs to provide an alternative for customers and warranty extension. This technology involves a majority of their ICE vehicles, making consumers think twice about an issue that’s unresolved. The longer this problem lingers will impact GM sales and bottom line. The fact that it can occur without prior warning is more unsettling, leaving you stranded and no quick fix. 😳
I’ve always just used my Diablo tuner to turn off active fuel management.
not on a 22 and newer refresh model you didn’t.
I’ve been using the Range module for a number of years in my trucks as I always add aftermarket duel cat back exhausts , which do tend to generate an interior drone. Once you add the mod to the obd port the problem is solved , no AFM or drone. They work awesome and as advertised.
Have it plugged into my 07 3.9 Impala. Works as advertised. Will hopefully add some life to the engine. GM does not have nor will have AFM lifters available to repair if something does go wrong. GM’s fix is to remove the entire system from the engine. I had the non AFM 3.9 in my kids 06 Monte Carlo and it got the exact same mpg as the Impala with the AFM. What a waste of time and money! Should have learned their lesson from the Cadillac V8-6-4!
The Caddy was a different technology, and fairly crude for the time. If done today, it might work a lot better. Though GM must have revisited it before they came up with AFM/DFM. As others have stated before, the AFM/DFM failures have a lot to do with the motor oil used and its cleanliness, excluding the current issue with out of spec lifter bore size. Any disabling device will not fix poor quality, dirty oil.
Well said Jan. To add there was also a 10 month or so window of defective lifters if I remember correctly (could have been valve springs?) that were from a 3rd party supplier. That also caused some problems. But outside of those two manufacturing issues that were eventually caught and corrected, failures are pretty low (LOW single digit). Most of the time it was oil quality problems and neglect from the owners.
Installed the range dfm disabled on my 2020 Silverado 6.2L. I’m at 96k miles. The engine was rebuilt last year at 80k due to a lifter failing and shredding the cam. So far range is working at advertised and I’m actually gaining some MPG (nothing big, but I heard some folks lost some fuel efficiency), no drone or shuddering and auto start stop never engages.
I changed my oil and filter religiously every 5K miles with full synthetic. I debated deleting the dfm while the engine was being built, but held fire.