Hey Scotty I got a 2007 Chevy Avalanche with 152k miles on it rn. I bought this device called Range AFM Disabler that plugs into the obd2 port. My truck now stays in v8 mode in all time, transmission shifts better, gets more power. I’m satisfied but I’d like to know if there’s anything I should be aware of. Is there any problems that can happen using this device? Did I make it a more reliable truck?
It’s got a 5.3 v8 and a 4 speed 4l60e transmission.
That was a wise move to get the Range AFM device. They are pretty effective in keeping the vehicle from going into V4 mode. Hopefully, you got the latest one from Range directly as some of the earlier ones could drain the battery if left plugged in but an updated firmware later fixed that issue. Realize you addressed one aspect of the cylinder deactivation (AFM) issue and that is it no longer goes into V4 mode. However, the lifters themselves can still fail, the solenoids in the Lifter Oil Manifold Assembly (LOMA) can still leak causing lifters to collapse, and there can still be glitches in the software causing the lifters to collapse. These are less common things that could occur but the risk is always there. However, getting rid of these components (DOD delete) would be a $3,000+ job. But at least what you’ve done in purchasing the AFM device was a cost-effective solution, preventing the engine from going into V4 mode and prolonging the engine life. BTW, you could also have disabled the cylinder deactivation via HPTuners software (avoids having an OBDII dongle plugged in all the time).
The one I have is a 2015 model. Are those the early ones that drain battery?
My brother got the Range device for his Silverado, and he says it sucks. It killed his battery (permanently) and caused a number of trouble lights and problems. In addition to that, it doesn't let you coast. Normally on any vehicle when you let go of the accelerator, the computer shuts off the injectors, and vehicle coasts down with a bit of gentle engine braking. The Range device keeps pumping fuel in to the cylinders, so you're always either on the accelerator or the brake.
Instead of dealing with all that, he said he manually puts it into 5th gear which disables AFM. But you can't use 6th gear or it comes on again. It's a real PITA where he lives because it's hilly.
@mmj
That is disappointing to hear. The C7 Corvette guys over at the Corvette Forum love using that device and some earlier versions had battery drain, but the more recent ones should not. Did he buy the latest and greatest from Range Technology directly and/or contact them regarding the issues he was having? If lots of Silverado owners are experiencing this, then Range will lose sales.
Is his truck out of warranty? If so, another option for your brother is to turn off the AFM via HPTuners software. That’s probably the best way to deactivate the AFM. I am not sure what all is involved to get HPTuners, but the right shop could also do it.
He bought his truck new in 2014, so out of warranty I presume.
I'm not sure when he bought the Range dongle. I told him you said there's an update, and he's going to look into it, but I'm not sure if he's willing to shell out more $$$ for another one. He would rather disable it permanently. Do you have more info about the custom tune? I've read online that not even a dealer can disable it with their tools. Thanks.
@mmj
See below: Within HP Tuners there is a tab (Fuel tab) that allows you to disable it. I saw another YouTuber disable it in a similar way: it looked too easy. I just don’t know the details on obtaining the software or how much it costs. A good performance shop should have HPTuners and they can probably turn off the AFM for your brother. HPTuners well known and reputable so I would go that route.
See below at 5:17
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc8BW18tQeU
See at 23:00 below
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=89BVkI2nrjM
I'll pass it on. Thanks.
read our cylinder deactivation topic for more info (in the FAQ)
