Range AFM Disabler Warranty Safe in 2016?

It's Tim · February 9, 2017

Paranoia can be a terrible thing.

People buy in to the hype and value the "warranty" more than it's actually worth.

Cowpie · February 9, 2017

I would go a step further. Many folks live under some impression that the dealer is looking for any way they can to deny a warranty claim. Any reputable dealer knows that customer satisfaction is critical to keeping the doors open. True, some of the mega dealers in major metro markets and operate like a fast food restaurant in car sales might not be so consumer oriented.

There is a maxim in commercial vehicle and equipment buying... you are buying the dealership, not just the product. You stick with dealerships that have your back.

Cowpie · February 9, 2017

Used the range on many vehicles without any problems related to reprogramming. No more effect on the ECU than an OBDII code grabber.

And of course it does not reprogram the ECU......a non-sequitur.....if the assertion is that it does reprogram the ECU to 8 only operation...... then what reprograms the ECU back to 4/8 once it is removed???????

Most excellent point! You get the common sense award!

redwngr · February 9, 2017

Old Cowpie, over on the 2500 section might know the answer. I think he put the Range on his new '13 right away.

I thought he drove a 2500?

It's Tim · February 9, 2017

Some people think a warranty gives them free reign to neglect or abuse a vehicle and someone else will pay for the repairs, this is how claims get rightfully denied.

MaverickZ71 · February 9, 2017

I thought he drove a 2500?

He traded his 1500 with AFM on a HD gasser without AFM.

Cowpie · February 10, 2017

I thought he drove a 2500?

I had a '13 1500 and got rid of it for a '15 2500

jbowden718 · February 10, 2017

I've used the Range AFM disabler for a little over a year on my 2014 Silverado 5.3L. Some observations from me. Overall it is worth it. You will no longer deal with the constant shifting and jolting of the AFM. The oil consumption rate for me has decreased as well.

It has tripped some error codes with the stabilitrak and brake assist. They have either cleared on their own or I have used a code reader to clear them . You need a code reader that can read and delete ABS and Air Bag besides OBD II. I bought my Autel reader from Amazon for about 170. Well worth it if you work on cars even part time. One other thing to note is that I failed a recent inspection. The readiness monitors(can be checked with your OBD scan tool) on the car were all incomplete and common sense pointed to the AFM being plugged in for a period of time. I removed it drove for about three days. The monitors came back on line and I passed state inspection. Like I said, overall it's worth it. The codes and inspection are a minor issue if in the grand scheme of things your engine doesn't burn out at 85K which is what some people are saying is happening due to AFM.

KARNUT · February 10, 2017

If your that worried about it leave your exhaust stock and you won't likely notice. I didn't till I changed the exhaust. I ran M5 in town anyway even with a tune.

redwngr · February 10, 2017

He traded his 1500 with AFM on a HD gasser without AFM.

I had a '13 1500 and got rid of it for a '15 2500

Ahhhh.....now it get it!

ShamrockShooter · February 10, 2017

If you have doubts check the range technology website. The faq sections explains everything. They do note to remove it a few days before your annual emissions test to let the readiness sensors come back on.

dasimmon · March 22, 2017

So I have a new 2016 Silverado with the factory warranty intact of course (and I paid almost 2K for a non-limited warranty and extended to 72K miles) and I Do Not want to jeopardize my factory warranty by using a tuner etc.

BUT I have used the Range Disabler on my old 2011 Sierra for years with zero issues.

I have sent in my Range device for the most recent 7.7R software update made for 16' vehicles and it's on it's way back to me as we speak.

But I am curious in everything you guys have seen and know about the Range Disabler Device if it is in fact warranty safe? No traces left behind is diagnostics are ran at dealership during a service visit, on if On-Star is able to detect this type of thing during their once a month diagnostic test during my 6 month free trial? (I will not be paying after the 6 months).

Just wanting to get more of an "Okay" from you guys who knows best that I am safe using this device to disable the V4 mode using this Range device on my 2016 Silverado with a factory warranty???

Thanks so much for your feedback.

-Chris

do you recommend this brand? any issues with it after getting software update?

BigBlueLB756 · March 22, 2017

Works good on "most" 2016 and below; 2017- not so much, yet.

66deadhead · March 22, 2017

I have had the range device for a few months now in my 2016 Z71 had about 9k miles on truck at install, currently just turned 15k. . My range is version 8.0. When I first plugged it in I had a problem getting it to work ( kept going in V-4 mode) called tech support and they had me unplug it with truck off, then plug back in, turn key to on to fully wake up device, then turn key back off for 10 min, then start and try it. It has worked ever since. I have had ZERO codes. None. From what I been reading about them they tend to throw codes when the busbar at the obx gets really busy, like if you have a lot of bells and whistles such as park assist, lane assist, etc. my truck has neither. and they can throw codes because of that when the truck does a system check on startup.

Also, I been to the dealer twice since having it, I unplug it from the obx before I pull in, and I haven't heard a peep from them about it. Not one word. Another note, I also have a UPR plug and play catch can with clean side separator and they havnt said one word about that either. I only bring this up because they have to remove the clean side separator to fill the motor with oil. And they haven't said anything, and they also put everything back the way I had it when I took it in. Cause I pulled over and checked as soon as I got off the dealer lot.

My truck shifts and behaves MUCH better with the range installed. And doesn't hesitate nearly half as much as it used to with V -4 enabled. So my recommendation is to give it a try if your thinking about it.

dasimmon · March 22, 2017

I have had the range device for a few months now in my 2016 Z71 had about 9k miles on truck at install, currently just turned 15k. . My range is version 8.0. When I first plugged it in I had a problem getting it to work ( kept going in V-4 mode) called tech support and they had me unplug it with truck off, then plug back in, turn key to on to fully wake up device, then turn key back off for 10 min, then start and try it. It has worked ever since. I have had ZERO codes. None. From what I been reading about them they tend to throw codes when the busbar at the obx gets really busy, like if you have a lot of bells and whistles such as park assist, lane assist, etc. my truck has neither. and they can throw codes because of that when the truck does a system check on startup.

Also, I been to the dealer twice since having it, I unplug it from the obx before I pull in, and I haven't heard a peep from them about it. Not one word. Another note, I also have a UPR plug and play catch can with clean side separator and they havnt said one word about that either. I only bring this up because they have to remove the clean side separator to fill the motor with oil. And they haven't said anything, and they also put everything back the way I had it when I took it in. Cause I pulled over and checked as soon as I got off the dealer lot.

My truck shifts and behaves MUCH better with the range installed. And doesn't hesitate nearly half as much as it used to with V -4 enabled. So my recommendation is to give it a try if your thinking about it.

this is exactly what i wanted to know! thank you very much for the helpful info!!!