
What is the purpose of the Chevy AFM system?
Overview of the Chevy AFM System The purpose of Active Fuel Management (AFM) is to improve gas mileage. It is also known as Displacement on Demand (DOD) or cylinder deactivation. **The table below shows the engines that were originally equipped with AFM.**
What is the automatic fuel management (AFM)?
To give you a broader idea of the term, let me elaborate on the term further. The AFM is a system that shuts half of your car/truck’s cylinders down when you’re driving under light-load condition. The less number of cylinders are being activated, the less fuel is going to be used.
What happens if you don’t have AFM on your pickup?
All pickups built with either 5.3L engine after those dates will not have the fuel-saving features. Pickups produced without AFM or DFM will have a new RPO code, YK9 along with a disclaimer “Not Equipped With Active Fuel Management” or “Not Equipped with Dynamic Fuel Management”.
Why did GM stop making the AFM system?
EPA required better fuel mileage and less emissions and GM, Ford and Honda(V-6) came up with this failed AFM system. We need availability of a replacement engine without the AFM. These trucks cost too much to have a terrible product. Toyota will be my next truck unless GM owns up and makes wright with consumers.

What happens when AFM fails?
Any time an engine has failed AFM lifters the lifter guides must be replaced, the lifter bores must be measured, and the VLOM must also be tested for proper operation, or replaced. In addition the VLOM oil filter must be replaced as well.
How do I know if my Chevy has AFM?
1:496:22Why and How to Disable GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM)! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCover the afm cover is ribbed on top with solenoids on the underside. It has an electrical connectorMoreCover the afm cover is ribbed on top with solenoids on the underside. It has an electrical connector on the back. And the non-afm engines all have just a smooth valley.
What does AFM do to an engine?
Active Fuel Management (AFM) was a system GM engineers developed back in 2005 to help improve the fuel mileage from some of their V6 and V8 engine applications. AFM shuts off half of your engines cylinders to operate at a reduced power level to reduce fuel consumption when running in low load and cruise situations.
Why does AFM cause lifter failure?
The leading causes of AFM lifter failure are oil issues, a mistimed switching event (related to the oil), and general wear and tear.
Is AFM really a problem?
AFM lifters are known to fail more frequently than non-AFM lifters. Additionally, the system leads to excessive oil consumption. The excessive oil consumption can lead to oil levels running low, pressure dropping, and various major components such as the timing chain failing.
Can Active Fuel Management be turned off?
The Range AFM/DFM Disabler allows your V6 or V8 GM vehicle to run in full cylinder mode at all times, preventing the Active and Dynamic Fuel Management systems from dropping cylinders. Our patented technology is the only product that will disable Active or Dynamic Fuel Management without reprogramming the factory ECU.
What year Silverados have lifter problems?
2019-2021More specifically, the GM lifter problems affect both the 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups as well as their GMT T1XX platform SUV siblings — the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade.
Does AFM actually save fuel?
Range AFM Plus works with your factory installed AFM allowing your vehicle to drive in V4 mode up to 80% of the time, maximizing your fuel and dollar savings. The average driver can save approximately 65 gallons of gas per year or about $250.
What year 5.3 has cylinder deactivation?
General Motors ever popular 5.3L active fuel management was used in majority of trucks and SUV's from 2007-2014. This was one of GM's first designs utilizing cylinder deactivation and active fuel management.
How much does it cost to replace AFM lifters?
between $1,000 and $2,500Replacing one or more lifters is a costly and labor-intensive repair. If you choose to have a professional do the job, you can usually expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 and $2,500 to get the job done. Of course, the exact cost will depend on various factors, such as the year, make, and model of your vehicle.
Is it safe to disable AFM?
Yes, it is completely safe to disable the active fuel management (AFM) system's operation in a car. Besides the reduced fuel consumption, the AFM operation causes more harm than good. It can damage the AFM lifter and other components before you know it.
How do you prevent a Chevy lifter from failing?
Oil pressure issues, oil quality issues, and simply running out of oil can all be causes of problems with your AFM. The best and most simple way to prevent AFM lifter failure is to check your oil regularly; ensure that it is full enough, and conduct an oil change if it's not.
Which Chevy engines have AFM?
Now, however, with the introduction of the fully refreshed 2022 Silverado, only one engine is outfitted with AFM, namely the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine.
What 5.3 engine has AFM?
Active Fuel Management is a GM technology that deactivates half of an engine's cylinders under light driving conditions, enhancing fuel economy in the process. This technology was previously equipped on all Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups outfitted with the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L82 gasoline engine.
What year did GM start AFM?
Active Fuel Management (AFM) was a system GM engineers developed back in 2005 to help improve the fuel mileage from some of their V6 and V8 engine applications. AFM shuts off half of your engines cylinders to operate at a reduced power level to reduce fuel consumption when running in low load and cruise situations.
What year did Chevy start using Active Fuel Management?
2005Active Fuel Management. General Motors first introduced its Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation system in 2005. According to Lee, “Dynamic Fuel Management is a natural progression of the technology.”
How Does AFM Work?
On non-AFM vehicles, the valley cover is completely flat and the towers and oil passages aren’t used. AFM vehicles come equipped with a special valley cover that has solenoids, oil pressure senders, and electrical connectors in it.
Should I Disable or Delete AFM?
Unless you have failed lifters we recommend disabling AFM. Deleting AFM requires replacing a lot of parts, gaskets, etc. which makes it more expensive parts wise, but also requires a lot of labor which is expensive you aren’t DIY’ing the project.
How to prevent spending money on AFM repairs?
To prevent spending big money on AFM related repairs, the best option is to simply delete or disable the AFM system. Not only is it a good thing to do for preventative maintenance, it also gives you a better exhaust sound and keeps your car in V8 mode at all times.
How to fix AFM on Vortec?
There are two options to fix the AFM issues on Vortec engines. Option one is to disable the AFM system, and the second option is to completely delete it. As we discussed above, the AFM system has a number of unique parts including the valley or LOMA cover and lifters. Additionally, it also has a different camshaft, a special oil pressure relief valve, and a high-volume oil pump.
What happens when engine load is low?
When engine load is low AFM is activated. When this happens the GM ECU sends a signal to the valley cover which then opens the solenoids. Oil then flows to the lifters with the oil holes which causes the plunger inside of the lifter to close. When the plunger closes the lifters collapse and therefore do touch the pushrods which keeps both the intake and exhaust valves closed.
Why do AFM lifters fail?
AFM lifters are known to fail more frequently than non-AFM lifters. Additionally, the system leads to excessive oil consumption. The excessive oil consumption can lead to oil levels running low, pressure dropping, and various major components such as the timing chain failing. Overall, the AFM system is responsible for a lot of very expensive repairs.
How to prevent engine problems caused by AFM?
To prevent any engine problems caused by AFM you can either delete or disable the system.
How many cylinders can a DFM engine run on?
In theory, a DFM enabled engine can run on only 1 cylinder or all 8 and any number in between. The memo released today indicates that this change in the inclusion of AFM/DFM on 5.3L engines will run at least until the end of the 2021 model year.
What is the RPO code for a 5.3L pickup?
All pickups built with either 5.3L engine after those dates will not have the fuel-saving features. Pickups produced without AFM or DFM will have a new RPO code, YK9 along with a disclaimer “Not Equipped With Active Fuel Management” or “Not Equipped with Dynamic Fuel Management”.
What is Active Fuel Management?
Active Fuel Management, also known as “displacement on demand” is a fuel-saving technology that can turn off fuel delivery to a portion of an engine during light load. In the case of the Silverado and Sierra, it can turn the 5.3L V8 into a 2.65L four-cylinder engine when the right circumstances are met.
What is an AFM disabler?
An AFM Disableris an electronic device that plugs into the OBD-II port, under the dashboard. It prevents the computer from switching over to four-cylinder mode. It’s a simple and effective way to turn off the AFM system and provides the added bonus of improving exhaust sound.
How to disable active fuel management on a LS engine?
There are two ways to disable or delete Active Fuel Management on your GM or Chevy Gen IV LS or LS-based Vortec engine—one is to install an AFM Disabler, and the second is to install an AFM Delete Kit. Here’s what you need to know: 1. Install an AFM Delete Kit.
What is the AFM cover on a car?
The AFM cover is called the Lifter Oil Manifold Assembly (LOMA). It’s ribbed with solenoids on the underside. It also has an electrical connector on the back. (Non-AFM engines have a smooth cover.)
Why do you need to upgrade to a non-AFM camshaft?
When installing an AFM delete kit: You MUST upgrade to a non-AFM camshaft because the cam lobes in the four AFM cylinders are ground differently. The engine will have 25 less pounds of compression in those four cylinders which can result in a misfire code.
How much cranking pressure will be lost if you left the original cam in?
If you left the original cam in, the AFM cylinders will be down about 25 lbs. of cranking pressure because the duration is longer on those cylinders to being with to offset the AFM lifter design. You may eventually see a check engine light from a misfire code and the ECM dialing everything back to protect your engine.
What is the difference between AFM and four cylinder?
The AFM cylinders are opposite of one another in the firing order. In four-cylinder mode, they act like air springs and allow for smooth operation.
What is AFM in cars?
Active Fuel Management (AFM) is a trademarked General Motors technology that improves gas mileage by shutting down half of the cylinders under light-load conditions to reduce fuel consumption.
What is AFM in truck?
The AFM is a system that shuts half of your car/truck’s cylinders down when you’re driving under light-load condition. The less number of cylinders are being activated, the less fuel is going to be used.
What is an AFM system?
The AFM system has a different name, and it’s called the cylinder deactivation system. Those who are new to the concept of AFM or Active Fuel Management should know that it basically deactivates the cylinders. To give you a broader idea of the term, let me elaborate on the term further. The AFM is a system that shuts half ...
Why shut down AFM?
Some of the drivers have blamed AFM for pushing the car or truck’s MPG (Miles Per Gallon) to a lower level. When you’re facing something like this, shutting the AFM down can get you a better MPG while you’re on the steering.
Is it better to have AFM or not?
The AFM is focused on saving fuel by keeping half of the cylinders deactivated. But when it’s causing you a lower mileage, it’s ultimately doing the opposite of saving the fuel. If you used to have a mileage of 20 without AFM , but now you’re getting 17 or 18 with the AFM, then it’s better for you to not have it turned on.
Is it better to disable AFM or not?
But to eliminate that possibility completely, disabling the AFM is indeed a better option for you. It’s an undeniable fact that the AFM is an appreciating tech to push fuel efficiency to a finer level. But every action has an equal and opposite reaction, so does every piece of technology like AFM.
Does AFM prevent you from riding?
It’s quite obvious that AFM is preventing something on your ride or keeping it on hold. But just because you don’t need it now, doesn’t mean you won’t need it ever.
Should I turn off the AFM?
So, if you want it that way, it's better to switch the AFM off. Otherwise, you'll have to be happy with the 'not-so-loud' one. But I can't say the same if you love the gentle noise.
What is DFM in trucks?
DFM is an evolution of the Active Fuel Management technology from 2005. Based on the Dynamic Skip Fire technology from a company called Tula, Dynamic Fuel Management allows the small-block V8 in General Motors trucks to operate in 17 different cylinder patterns. Given than we’re talking about eight cylinders here, running on one cylinder is possible as well.
Does the Range AFM/DFM Disabler work?
In addition to keeping your truck in full power 100 percent of the time, the Range AFM/DFM Disabler simply plugs into your OBD-II port and instantly defeats the Active Fuel Management or Dynamic Fuel Management without reprogramming the engine control unit. Better still, it leaves no trace and the truck returns to its original setting by simply unplugging the device.
Does the 2019 Silverado have dynamic fuel management?
Exactly two years ago on May 18th, Chevrolet published a press release about how the 2019 Silverado " leads the industry with Dynamic Fuel Management." The problem with it, however, is that many (yes, many) customers don’t want their 5.3- and 6.2-liter V8 trucks to save fuel this way.
