AFM disabler

[05 1500HD]

I wasn’t sure which section to ask this question. I’ve been thinking about buying an afm disabler but I’m having a hard time knowing if it’s the right decision.  First there is the Range Technology brand and I’ve seen one on Amazon for $85 (OBDCAR). Is one brand better than the other?

 

Also, how many of you guys bought one of these and still had lifter issues vs you  just driving the truck in V4/V8 mode and had lifter issues?  
 

I’m trying to prolong the life of my truck. Is a ‘14 and just hit 88,000 miles today 

[diyer2]

My advice for longevity is 5K oil changes.

[rav3]

This is the first thing I did was buy a used Range AFM delete off od marketplace for my Certified used 2017 Silverado with 5.3 @ 30k miles. Four years later @ 55k miles and all is still fine. IMO, this AFM delete is the best insurance to minimize a stuck lifter. Below is a video that explains what cases the "mis engage" that causes the issue to start with. Do your own research as I did. If you disable the AFM you have eliminated at least 80-90% of the cause of it.

Also, using a good Synthetic oil & changing it every 4-5k miles is a good practice.

 

[05 1500HD]

Just had the oil changed today at the dealer. They used or supposedly used 0-20w oil.  I’m leaning more on getting on. Do you think there is a difference in the Range and the one on Amazon that’s probably made in china for $85.99?

[rav3]

 sorry I don't know anything about the other AFM deletes other than the range. I think I paid $120 for my used Range online

[mikeyk101]

It's kind of a roll of the dice. It may be fine but who knows. Some cheaper Chinese stuff works like the item it copied and some not so well. It's kind of your choice. I went with the Range brand because it was proven and was able to find a used one at a decent price. 

 

I bought Range late 2019 and have been using it on my 2016 purchased new in Apr 2016. I now have over 4 years of use and am at over 93k miles. Lifters have never been an issue (knocks on wood several times). Is it because I am using the Range? Who knows, maybe. But I feel it was a good measure to possibly prevent the problem.

Edited January 30, 2024 by mikeyk101

[TNTSierra]

I bought the Hyoertech Spectrum for alittle over $200, back in July off of I believe Realtrucks.com or American trucks.com.  Check either site. Turns off AFM, adjusts tire size, increases Hp/Tq depending on tune you choose, and adjusts TQ management. I am happy with it.  2nd one I have used. I used it on my 2018 SLT 6.2L. 

[Texasdeere]

I bought the Hypertech Powerstay.  It's about half the price of the Range and does the same thing.

 

I've had it about a year, no problems.  

[Texasdeere]

TNTSierra,

 

Have you tried to use the Spectrum to make any "cooling fan adjustments" on you truck?

[TNTSierra]

On 2/1/2024 at 10:28 AM, Texasdeere said:

TNTSierra,

 

Have you tried to use the Spectrum to make any "cooling fan adjustments" on you truck?

I did not see the option for that when I was installing it.  Don't believe my 2018 Denali had the ability too?

[MikeBMW]

I used the Holley F5 Flashpaq to tune mine out of AFM without an OBD dongle since I usually use it for the Autosync from BTDiesel which also allows AFM disable without being plugged in but does much more.
The F5 Flashpaq let me tune for 91+ octane for a bit of a horsepower boost, though. it also has transmission shift point options but I'm not versed enough to make advantage of that option.
Anyway, an OBD dongle isn't necessary with these options to retain AFM disable.
 

Edited March 27 by MikeBMW

[PAPER]

On 1/29/2024 at 6:09 PM, TNTSierra said:

I bought the Hyoertech Spectrum for alittle over $200, back in July off of I believe Realtrucks.com or American trucks.com.  Check either site. Turns off AFM, adjusts tire size, increases Hp/Tq depending on tune you choose, and adjusts TQ management. I am happy with it.  2nd one I have used. I used it on my 2018 SLT 6.2L. 

Prices sure have went up since your Purchase . Just checked & now listed at $476.18

on there website 

[jkptuned]

The AFM disablers work okay, but sometimes they have to be unplugged from the OBD2 Port and plugged back in. It basically loops a can message the entire time not allowing the ECM to meet all the requirements to allow V4. If you are looking for a more permanent solution a custom tune would be better if not under warranty. Also keep in mind just because the AFM is disabled does not prevent a lifter from failing. It does lower the risk but does not completely eliminate the risk of a lifter failure. It does seem to make them last longer before failing though. I have a few customers who bought a custom tune from my company and still had lifter failures even with AFM disabled. A custom tune may cost a bit more than the AFM disabler but there are many more benefits, such at 2-3mpg improved fuel economy, better shifting, tcc slip removed to prevent premature torque converter wear, cooling fan settings, and better throttle response. It can be done remotely with a HP Tuners device or EFI Live Autocal. Just something to keep in mind.

Edited June 8 by jkptuned