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If you’ve got a GM vehicle with Active Fuel Management (AFM), chances are you’ve heard about Range Technology AFM disablers. These little devices promise to improve your driving experience, but sometimes things don’t go quite as smoothly as you’d hope. In this article, we’ll dive into what an AFM disabler is, the reasons someone might use one, potential problems, and how to troubleshoot them.
What is a Range AFM Disabler?
Understanding Active Fuel Management (AFM)
AFM (or its newer version, Dynamic Fuel Management – DFM) is a system that shuts down half your engine’s cylinders under light driving conditions to save fuel. Sounds great in theory, right? But in practice, it can lead to rough transitions or vibrations when the engine switches between modes.
How a Range AFM Disabler Works
The Range AFM disabler plugs into your car’s OBD-II port and basically tells the engine to run on all cylinders all the time. It’s meant to be a simple, non-invasive way to get rid of the annoyances of AFM.
Why Would Someone Use an AFM Disabler?
Smoother Performance:
- The biggest reason is to smooth out the driving experience. AFM transitions can be clunky, and some people just prefer the feel of a full V8 running all the time.
Potential Fuel Economy Tweaks:
- It’s debated, but some people report slightly better fuel economy with the disabled in certain situations.
Addressing Common Complaints about AFM:
- Beyond rough transitions, AFM has been linked to oil consumption concerns in some vehicles.
Common Range AFM Disabler Problems
While most people have a good experience with these disablers, problems can crop up:
- Installation Issues: Double-check you’ve plugged it in right and it’s seated properly.
- Device Malfunctions: Even electronics can have a bad day. Reach out to Range Technology’s support.
- Check Engine Lights: Error codes might mean a faulty disabler or another underlying issue.
- Unexpected Engine Behavior: New noises or vibrations could be a sign of something more serious.
- Long-term Engine Reliability: There’s debate about whether constant AFM deactivation could cause additional wear long-term.
Troubleshooting Steps
It can be frustrating when something doesn’t work as expected, but let’s walk through some troubleshooting:
- Double-checking Installation: Sometimes the simple things get missed! Make sure the disabler is plugged in all the way and the connector is clean.
- Contacting Range Technology Support: They’re the experts on their device. Their support team can guide you through specific troubleshooting or help determine if your device is faulty.
- Working with an Experienced Mechanic: Especially if you get checked engine lights or weird engine behavior, a good mechanic familiar with your car’s model can help pinpoint the issue.
Specific Issues and Fixes
Let’s look at a couple of common scenarios:
Example 1: Disabler stops working:
- Check the installation (is it still plugged in correctly?)
- Contact Range support – they may need to send a replacement.
- Have a mechanic check for other problems that might be mimicking a disabler issue.
Example 2: Engine light after installation:
- Use an OBD-II scanner to read the code – this gives a clue to the problem.
- Try unplugging the disabler and seeing if the light goes away (helps isolate the issue).
- A mechanic might be able to diagnose a problem the disabler is highlighting but wasn’t causing itself.
Should You Get a Range AFM Disabler?
That’s the big question, isn’t it? Here’s what to think about:
Risks vs. Rewards:
- Are the potential benefits worth the small chance of issues? Only you can decide that for your situation.
Warranty Considerations:
- Technically, these disablers might void your engine warranty if a dealer finds out and is determined to attribute any engine failure to its use.
Alternatives to an AFM Disabler:
- Tuning: A custom tune can disable AFM, and offer other performance tweaks too.
- Driving Habits: Sometimes, just driving in manual mode or in lower gear can keep the engine out of AFM range.
Conclusion
Range Technology AFM disablers offer a tempting solution for drivers annoyed by the quirks of AFM. For most people, they work like a charm. But it’s essential to be aware of the potential downsides and weigh how much those AFM annoyances truly bother you!
FAQs of Range Technology AFM Disabler
Are Range AFM disablers safe for my engine?
Generally, yes, but there’s an ongoing debate about the long-term effects of constantly deactivating AFM.Will a Range Disabler void my warranty? Technically, it could if a dealer connects a fault to its use. Many people use them without issues.
Can I install a Range AFM disabler myself? Absolutely! It’s a simple plug-and-play process.
Do disablers actually improve fuel economy? Results are mixed. Some see minor gains, others none at all. It depends on your driving style.
What if my check engine light comes on after installing the disabler? Check for proper installation, try unplugging to isolate the issue, then use a scanner to read the code or consult a mechanic for further diagnostics.
