What Does An AFM Disabler Do And Does It Trigger Engine Issues?

Basic Motors’s Lively Gas Administration (AFM) expertise makes use of hydraulic valves, solenoids, and superior software program to close down half of the cylinders in a V8 or V6 engine to save lots of gasoline. The system debuted in 1981 on the Cadillac L62 V8-6-4 and was referred to as displacement on demand (DoD). Sadly, the Cadillac expertise was forward of its time, and there wasn’t a lot computing energy to make the DoD system work reliably.

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GM’s displacement on demand got here again in 2003 with quicker processors, higher mechanical components, and a brand new identify: Lively Gas Administration, or AFM. The system works by switching off the gasoline supply to half of the cylinders underneath a lightweight load, using solenoids to break down the valve lifters and obtain as much as 7% higher gasoline financial system.

Nevertheless, AFM-equipped GM autos just like the Escalade, Tahoe, Silverado, Yukon, Sierra, or Suburban are susceptible to having low oil strain or oil consumption points, shuddering, extreme combustion chamber deposits, and lifter or camshaft issues associated to cylinder deactivation. It is why some homeowners resort to an AFM disabler (or AFM delete package) to let the V6 or V8 run in full-cylinder mode and cancel the engine’s tendency to change off half the cylinders.

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An AFM disabler is an digital gadget that plugs conveniently into the OBD-II port of your GM truck or SUV. It turns off the AFM system upon plugging in, enabling the engine to all the time run in full V6 or V8 mode. Usually, an AFM disabler won’t reprogram the manufacturing facility ECU and won’t void the guarantee.

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Probably the most vital advantage of an AFM disabler is the convenience of operation. Furthermore, the system is reversible, and unplugging the gadget is all it takes to revive your ECU to manufacturing facility settings. Because it disables the AFM from deactivating the cylinders, utilizing an AFM disabler leads to higher throttle response, extra low-end energy, and a diminished threat of damaging the valve lifters that continuously must activate and deactivate the system.

Then again, an AFM delete package is a greater possibility in case your AFM-equipped V6 or V8 engine is at the moment experiencing points with the valve lifters. As an alternative of repairing the manufacturing facility AFM system, the delete package consists of a brand new non-AFM camshaft and requires ECU reprogramming (or a customized tune) and a standard-volume oil pump.

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Earlier than utilizing an AFM disabler, the one requirement is to make sure the V6 or V8’s valvetrain is in tip-top form. In case your V6 or V8 is misfiring, has an illuminated or flashing verify engine gentle, and emits a ticking, chirping, squeaking, or squealing sound when operating, it could level to camshaft failure, a nasty valve lifter, or each. Do not forget that utilizing an AFM disabler won’t resolve issues with unhealthy lifters or defective camshafts. Quite the opposite, forcing the engine to run in all-cylinder mode when it has camshaft points will worsen the dilemma.

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In case your GM V6 or V8 has no lifter or camshaft points, an AFM disabler is an inexpensive and straightforward solution to all the time run in full-cylinder mode. But when your AFM-equipped V6 or V8 already has issues with the valve lifters, an AFM delete package is a greater choice to eradicate cylinder deactivation whereas having the chance to get pleasure from a customized tune.