Range DFM Disabler what the big deal

Luckyfd · January 28, 2021

I bought it, I ran it, I honestly can’t tell the difference. I have a 2019 Chevy Silverado 5.3. After reading EVERYTHING about DFM Disabler how could you not want to buy it? I truly believe it did wonders for the AFM but I see no difference on the freeway, city streets, towing, sport mode etc! This is not to steer you away or drive you to your purchase. I am disappointed that’s all.

psk256 · January 28, 2021

I got mine because I got a aftermarket exhaust. I didn't want to hear the tone changes around town. As a plus it also disables the auto stop 99% of the time. As far as power, I don't have a lot of input. The shifts seems to be tighter when you are already rolling, maybe its because there is no delay in activating the other cylinders? I got mine for $175, for me its worth it.

Luckfd, Do you know what version you have? Can tell by the number of flashes when you plug it in.

Luckyfd · January 28, 2021

39 minutes ago, psk256 said:

I got mine because I got a aftermarket exhaust. I didn't want to hear the tone changes around town. As a plus it also disables the auto stop 99% of the time. As far as power, I don't have a lot of input. The shifts seems to be tighter when you are already rolling, maybe its because there is no delay in activating the other cylinders? I got mine for $175, for me its worth it.

Luckfd, Do you know what version you have? Can tell by the number of flashes when you plug it in.

So it flashes so quick I believe it’s 7.1 or 8.1 I will check again tomorrow to get it for sure. I understand the exhaust sound was horrible with the DFM/AFM. Do you have AFM or DFM? also does your auto start/stop indicator light on the switch stay on? I didn’t notice any shift difference but another thing to note is I’m kinda heavy on the throttle... so maybe it’s always bumping back to 8 cyl? Idk... I paid $195 I believe and I wasn’t looking for HP gains I was really interested in preserving the engine life and getting rid of the lag time while accelerating. I do have a hikeit throttle controller also.

psk256 · January 28, 2021

Yeah it does flash quick. I think the 8 flashes is the newest release. I have a 2020 5.3 with DFM. It doesn't change the light on the switch, but if you happen to drive when it's dark, you can see the LEDs change brightness when you come to a stop (I have the blue version). Same with me, I wasn't looking for any kind of gain. Just a solid sound and maybe preserving the lifters, and the auto stop disable was a plus that they don't advertise.

O Town Denali · January 30, 2021

On 1/27/2021 at 8:38 PM, Luckyfd said:

also does your auto start/stop indicator light on the switch stay on?

Yes, the light on the stop/start switch stays on.

Check to see that all 4 LED on the range are on when cruising. My first one was defective and they sent me a new one.

For me, the truck is much more responsive with the range activated. Also shifts better, no more clunking.

5.3/8 speed

Luckyfd · January 31, 2021

13 hours ago, O Town Denali said:

Yes, the light on the stop/start switch stays on.

Check to see that all 4 LED on the range are on when cruising. My first one was defective and they sent me a new one.

For me, the truck is much more responsive with the range activated. Also shifts better, no more clunking.

5.3/8 speed

So I spoke with range and they suggested my Disabler is probably defective. They are sending me a new one when I receive it I will return the defective one. First off great customer service! Second, I can’t wait to try a working Disabler!! Everything I hear is so convincing. I should have the new one by Tuesday so I will post an update Wednesday or Thursday. The lag shift and responsiveness is exactly what I want!

Luckyfd · February 3, 2021

Received the Range Disabler today. Shipping was super fast! I called Range on Friday and had the new Disabler today, Tuesday. I will run the truck tomorrow and post my opinion. I will continue to run the Disabler for the next week and post a more detailed account.

Tahoe02 · February 3, 2021

I am on the fence about my purchase. Technical support( he seemed new) told me it would not disable auto start but psk256 indicated it did. Luckyfd I would like to see your opinion on performance since you had one that was defective compared to one that works properly and can you include the auto start disable function. I was told I would need the one specific to the auto start verses the DFM disabler. 2020 Silverado 5.3. Thanks.

Luckyfd · February 3, 2021

16 minutes ago, Tahoe02 said:

I am on the fence about my purchase. Technical support( he seemed new) told me it would not disable auto start but psk256 indicated it did. Luckyfd I would like to see your opinion on performance since you had one that was defective compared to one that works properly and can you include the auto start disable function. I was told I would need the one specific to the auto start verses the DFM disabler. 2020 Silverado 5.3. Thanks.

The first Disabler did disable the auto start/stop. It left the auto start/stop button lit up which is normal as I’ve been told but it did work. I commute about 24 miles during my 4 day work week but I will give it a full week of weekend (in town) driving as well. I will do my best to post my honest opinion daily. I will say I really want this to work but if I don’t notice anything (and I mean anything) not just if if doesn’t impress me. I’m mainly looking at the lag time in shifts which is what I notice the most from stock. I’m also turning off my throttle controller. To be clear, I bought the Disabler. I’m in no way reviewing this for Range.

Edited February 3, 2021 by Luckyfd

Tahoe02 · February 3, 2021

Understood, I would be interested in any change in initial throttle response without the throttle controller of course. Looking forward to your review and to be sure its the DFM disabler as both are referred to as disabler.

psk256 · February 3, 2021

Yeah for whatever reason Range doesn't advertise it for stop/start. Probably because its 99% effective and not 100%.

I'd like to make a OBD splitter and hookup my reader to see what the cylinders and other parameters are really doing with it plugged in and not plugged in. If I get a chance to do that i'll post the results.

O Town Denali · February 3, 2021

21 hours ago, Tahoe02 said:

I am on the fence about my purchase. Technical support( he seemed new) told me it would not disable auto start but psk256 indicated it did. Luckyfd I would like to see your opinion on performance since you had one that was defective compared to one that works properly and can you include the auto start disable function. I was told I would need the one specific to the auto start verses the DFM disabler. 2020 Silverado 5.3. Thanks.

I think you received inaccurate info. The DFM disabler does both.

Tahoe02 · February 4, 2021

O Town Denali thanks.

Luckyfd · February 4, 2021

21 hours ago, Tahoe02 said:

Understood, I would be interested in any change in initial throttle response without the throttle controller of course. Looking forward to your review and to be sure its the DFM disabler as both are referred to as disabler.

My truck is a 2019 so yes it’s DFM. So first impression is the throttle is more responsive for sure. Great in town at lights etc but kinda annoying on the freeway. I barely push on the gas and it wants to downshift. The throttle controller has been removed from the truck*... I don’t notice smoother shifts and I don’t feel like it runs any better. But it’s only been 24 miles so there’s a ton of road left to test. I will test in sport, tow, etc. my freeway driving has zero traffic in the am. In the afternoon, I have medium to heavy traffic so I didn’t notice the sensitivity which was nice.