New Car Dealer's Role In Active Fuel Management: A Buyer's Guide

Disabling Active Fuel Management (AFM) on a car can be done by reprogramming or tricking the ECU into staying in V8 mode. This can be achieved using an AFM Disabler device that plugs directly into the OBDII port. However, it is important to note that reprogramming the ECU can void the engine warranty, so it is recommended to use a device that doesn't reprogram your ECU.

How to delete or disable AFM

Disabling active fuel management requires either reprogramming or tricking the ECU into staying in V8 mode. To do so, you will need an AFM Disabler device. This device simply plugs directly into the OBDII port and starts working immediately. If you ever want to turn it back on or don’t want to take it to the dealer with AFM disabled, simply remove the device. We recommend the BOOST disabler since it is the only device on the market that doesn’t reprogram your ECU. Reprogramming the ECU voids engine warranty which is why this option is the best for anyone who still has some factory warranty left.

If you're not planning on doing a full delete, I don't believe a disabler is worth it for just longevity sake. It will help with sound and throttle response though.

If you want to delete or disable AFM, it is ideal to do so on a new and low mileage engine with no issues.

If you have a 2008 Buick Lacrosse super that you are having a hard time finding a tuner or a tune shop that can turn off the AFM, you can try to disable it yourself. You can do this by reprogramming or tricking the ECU into staying in V8 mode. You can use an AFM Disabler device to do this. This device simply plugs directly into the OBDII port and starts working immediately. If you ever want to turn it back on or don’t want to take it to the dealer with AFM disabled, simply remove the device.

If you want to delete or disable AFM, it is ideal to do so on a new and low mileage engine with no issues.

Why AFM should be disabled

Disabling Active Fuel Management (AFM) on a vehicle can be a complex process, but it offers several benefits that may outweigh the initial effort. Here's why you might consider disabling AFM:

Engine Longevity: One of the primary reasons to disable AFM is to prolong the life of your engine. Some sources suggest that keeping RPMs below 4500 is crucial for engine longevity. Exceeding this limit can lead to severe engine damage, as evidenced by the experience of a user whose engine required a new one due to lifter failure. By disabling AFM, you can avoid the risk of engine damage and ensure that your vehicle operates within safe parameters.

Performance and Efficiency: AFM is designed to optimize fuel usage and performance. However, it may not always deliver the best results in all driving conditions. Some users report that disabling AFM improves throttle response and sound quality. Additionally, turning off AFM can lead to better fuel efficiency, as it allows for more consistent and controlled fuel delivery.

Tuning and Customization: Disabling AFM provides tuners and enthusiasts with more flexibility. It allows for easier reprogramming of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to achieve specific performance goals. For those who want to customize their vehicle's performance, disabling AFM is a necessary step.

Warranty Considerations: It's essential to consider the impact of disabling AFM on your vehicle's warranty. Reprogramming the ECU can void the engine warranty, so it's crucial to weigh the benefits against potential risks. However, some dealers may offer lifetime powertrain warranties, providing peace of mind even after disabling AFM.

Safety and Control: AFM is designed to manage fuel delivery actively, ensuring optimal performance and safety. However, in certain driving conditions, such as city driving, disabling AFM can provide more control over the vehicle. It allows for a more responsive and predictable driving experience, especially in low-speed maneuvers.

How to reprogram the ECU

If you want to disable active fuel management on your car, you can either reprogram the ECU or trick it into staying in V8 mode. To do this, you will need an AFM Disabler device. This device plugs directly into the OBDII port and starts working immediately. If you ever want to turn it back on or don’t want to take it to the dealer with AFM disabled, simply remove the device. However, reprogramming the ECU voids engine warranty which is why this option is the best for anyone who still has some factory warranty left.

To trick the ECU into staying in V8 mode, you can use the BOOST disabler since it is the only device on the market that doesn’t reprogram your ECU.

If you want to disable AFM on GM engines, you can do so by installing an electronic disabler on the new engine to avoid future issues.

If you want to turn off the AFM on your Silverado, you can do so by putting it in low gear and upshifting to gear level 7.

If you want to disable AFM on your Buick Lacrosse, you can do so by finding a tuner or a tune shop that can turn off the AFM.

How to trick the ECU into V8 mode

To trick the ECU into V8 mode, you will need an AFM Disabler device. This device simply plugs directly into the OBDII port and starts working immediately. If you ever want to turn it back on or don’t want to take it to the dealer with AFM disabled, simply remove the device. We recommend the BOOST disabler since it is the only device on the market that doesn’t reprogram your ECU. Reprogramming the ECU voids engine warranty which is why this option is the best for anyone who still has some factory warranty left.

Disabling active fuel management requires either reprogramming or tricking the ECU into staying in V8 mode. To do so, you will need an AFM Disabler device. This device simply plugs directly into the OBDII port and starts working immediately. If you ever want to turn it back on or don’t want to take it to the dealer with AFM disabled, simply remove the device. We recommend the BOOST disabler since it is the only device on the market that doesn’t reprogram your ECU. Reprogramming the ECU voids engine warranty which is why this option is the best for anyone who still has some factory warranty left.

If you're not planning on doing a full delete, I do not believe a disabler is worth it for just longevity sake. It will help with sound and throttle response though. If your going to buy one thats pretty new find a dealer that has a lifetime power train warranty and don't worry about it.

When I first bought my newer truck with fuel management, the GM tech at the dealership told me; if I wanted the engine to live a long life keep the RPM’s below 4500. He stated if I continued to exceed 4500 RPM it would blow the lifters out. So now at 168 thousand miles it still runs good but gets bad gas’s mileage. So my question is, is it better to turn off the AFM especially during city driving, or leave it in D?

I have a 2018 Silverado High Country with the 5.3 ltr. It has only 47k miles on it. One day I noticed a ticking noise. I knew right away it was a failed lifter. I have a life time warranty thru the dealer. So I took it in and that’s in fact what it was along with a bent push rod. They replaced all the lifters on the right side, replaced the bent push rod and the VLOM (which was on backorder for 5 weeks). Now it runs like a champ. So I think the only way to turn off the AFM is to put it in low gear and upshift to gear level 7.

How to use an AFM Disabler device

Disabling active fuel management requires either reprogramming or tricking the ECU into staying in V8 mode. To do so, you will need an AFM Disabler device. This device simply plugs directly into the OBDII port and starts working immediately. If you ever want to turn it back on or don’t want to take it to the dealer with AFM disabled, simply remove the device. We recommend the BOOST disabler since it is the only device on the market that doesn’t reprogram your ECU. Reprogramming the ECU voids engine warranty which is why this option is the best for anyone who still has some factory warranty left.

If you're not planning on doing a full delete, I don't believe a disabler is worth it for just longevity sake. It will help with sound and throttle response though. When I first bought my newer truck with fuel management, the GM tech at the dealership told me; if I wanted the engine to live a long life keep the RPM’s below 4500. He stated if I continued to exceed 4500 RPM it would blow the lifters out. So now at 168 thousand miles it still runs good but gets bad gas’s mileage. Afiac the 6.0 escalade hybrid does have it so wondering if safe to delete. Have yet to find a read that shows an escalade with high oil consumption and I have read a lot on the hybrid.

I have a 2018 Silverado High Country with the 5.3 ltr. It has only 47k miles on it. One day I noticed a ticking noise. I knew right away it was a failed lifter. I have a life-time warranty through the dealer. So I took it in and that’s in fact what it was along with a bent push rod. They replaced all the lifters on the right side, replaced the bent push rod and the VLOM (which was on backorder for 5 weeks). Now it runs like a champ. So I think the only way to turn off the AFM is to put it in low gear and upshift to gear level 7. So my question is, is it better to turn off the AFM especially during city driving, or leave it in D.

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