I have a 2018 Chevy 1500 5.3L and I’m wondering if it’s better to, and if there is a way to turn off the V4 mode. It seems like switching down and running in V4 mode causes longevity issues.
any thoughts?
To do it properly you need to remove all the AFM components (camshaft, lifters, valve springs, etc.) and replace them with an AFM delete kit.
https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/235444-the-ultimate-guide-to-dod-afm-delete/
The easiest way to "delete" V4 is to professionally tune the system to not engage when certain parameters are being met. I've had good luck with JEGS tuners for my 2017 Mustang: https://www.jegs.com/c/Computer-Tuning/10373/10002/-1?srsltid=AfmBOopX4J3FmVm_ockln4WhnwTgAaTN-mWra7T4dULRLYn6FtfVSgdR
When properly done, the engine's ECU "forgets" there is a V4 mode. If you sell it, you will need to either de-tune the truck, or sell it along with the tuner, because the tuner "mates" to the truck it was tuned with. You can revert it to factory settings at any time, with the tuner.
From Rainman Ray's Repairs, this is what AFM/DOD (V4 mode) gets you - engine is toast with low (about 70K) miles in a 2017 GMC. Note that the vehicle in this video was using one of those "AFM disable" gadgets, and the requirements for properly deleting that system are talked about:
Plug a V4 mode disable device into the ODB2 port.
That's at the risk of damaging your vehicle's electrical system. The OBD2 port is designed for diagnostic use, not to have a possibly poorly-designed gadget plugged into it permanently. Not to mention who knows what kind of mode such a device is going to put your engine and drivetrain into and what the long-term effects will be.
@chucktobias and they still don't prevent the eventual failure of lifters
@chucktobias I imagine it uses bidirectional scan tool controls to turn V4 mode on and off.
@chucktobias I suspect it doesn't control it directly at all and uses some dirty trick, because it does have side effects. I've heard of people disabling Cyl deactivation with things like hood latch signals, and trailer harness dongles.
@chucktobias based on all I’m reading honestly doing anything to “disable” it sounds like it would effect the overall engineering of the engine and others systems, thus cause more harm then good.
@Thicks2 the full hardware "delete" is a proven method
I've learned of 4 ways to disable V4 mode.
- turning off overdrive with the shifter disables V4 mode.
- Plug a V4 mode disable device into the ODB2 port.
- Reflash the Power Train Control module to disable V4.
- Install a V4 delete kit.
