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Range AFM/DFM Disabler Flaw

GN2018
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GN2018 Enthusiast

GN2018

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I recently bought a Range disabler.  With winter, it was hard to test and did not realize that it is not disabling the stop/start until it warmed up today and the engine stopped at a light (yes, it started again).  So I emailed Range and after they asked if I use remote start (I do a lot in the winter), I received the following response.

 

Quote

 

Let's re-initialize and reset the device, please follow these steps.

1. Take the device out of the vehicle. Let it sit for 15 minutes with the device disconnected. 

2. Reconnect the device and turn the key two clicks forward (or press and hold the push start button until green) and keep the vehicle like that for 10 seconds.

3. Start the vehicle.

Unfortunately due to the way remote start activates the vehicle it does not properly awake the device to function so you will at minimum have to disconnect and reconnect the device after remote starting.

 

 

This is a significant issue.  So a user is expected to disconnect and reconnect the device after remote starting?  I think I'm going to return the product.  That's a lot more difficult than just hitting the button on the dash to shut it off.  I admit, the other function of turning off AFM/DFM is an additional function that the module provides, but at the cost of disconnecting and reconnecting the unit virtually all winter??  I'm not so sure it's worth it.

 

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GN2018 Enthusiast

GN2018

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Posted
5 minutes ago, newdude said:

Sounds like you should have bought the Pulsar and not the OBD disabler.

 

Range Pulsar - Range Technology 22451 Pulsar LT for 2019-2022 GM Gas Trucks

Not that I want to spend $600 but I’ll ask the person I’m talking to whether or not the Pulsar would have the same issue.  Given what she told me about the module I have, I’m not sure it wouldn’t have the same problem.  If the truck won’t initialize the module when using remote start, why would the Pulsar act any different?  Their website says it doesn’t change the ECM.

Steve-2019 Enthusiast

Steve-2019

Posted
Posted

I've had the Pulsar LT on my truck (with Remote Start) and it has worked flawlessly for the past 5 years for me!

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GN2018 Enthusiast

GN2018

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51 minutes ago, Steve-2019 said:

I've had the Pulsar LT on my truck (with Remote Start) and it has worked flawlessly for the past 5 years for me!

How do you know? I don’t see any indicator that shows when the cylinders are being deactivated.  The stop/start took me awhile to confirm because in the very cold weather we had the past few weeks since I bout it, the truck naturally wasn’t doing the stop/start.

 

Plus, to be clear, it’s not the existence of remote start that causes, it’s using it (starting the truck and letting it warm up) that causes the issue.

 

I’m sure you can feel changes like throttle response changes so that would make me feel better but still, how do we confirm that the cylinders are not being deactivated?

 

Steve-2019 Enthusiast

Steve-2019

Posted
Posted (edited)
40 minutes ago, GN2018 said:

How do you know? I don’t see any indicator that shows when the cylinders are being deactivated.  The stop/start took me awhile to confirm because in the very cold weather we had the past few weeks since I bout it, the truck naturally wasn’t doing the stop/start.

 

Plus, to be clear, it’s not the existence of remote start that causes, it’s using it (starting the truck and letting it warm up) that causes the issue.

 

I’m sure you can feel changes like throttle response changes so that would make me feel better but still, how do we confirm that the cylinders are not being deactivated?

 

 

Because I can feel it.  When cruising at highway speed when stock you feel it cut in and out with the slightest lifting/back on of the gas pedal.  With the Pulsar it is rock solid engaged all the time (no hunting around so to speak).

Edited by Steve-2019
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GN2018 Enthusiast

GN2018

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Posted
1 hour ago, Steve-2019 said:

 

Because I can feel it.  When cruising at highway speed when stock you feel it cut in and out with the slightest lifting/back on of the gas pedal.  With the Pulsar it is rock solid engaged all the time (no hunting around so to speak).

Interesting.  I’ve never experienced that feeling.

johnnyquick Enthusiast

johnnyquick

Posted
Posted
On 2/11/2026 at 5:14 PM, GN2018 said:

Interesting.  I’ve never experienced that feeling.

You can hear it as well if you have any type of exhaust mod, I also have a Pulsar on my 2020 since like 6000 miles and it has worked flawlessly, you can fine em on Ebay or marketplace used sometimes to save $$ if need be.

johnnyquick Enthusiast

johnnyquick

Posted
Posted
On 2/11/2026 at 12:45 PM, GN2018 said:

I recently bought a Range disabler.  With winter, it was hard to test and did not realize that it is not disabling the stop/start until it warmed up today and the engine stopped at a light (yes, it started again).  So I emailed Range and after they asked if I use remote start (I do a lot in the winter), I received the following response.

 

 

 

This is a significant issue.  So a user is expected to disconnect and reconnect the device after remote starting?  I think I'm going to return the product.  That's a lot more difficult than just hitting the button on the dash to shut it off.  I admit, the other function of turning off AFM/DFM is an additional function that the module provides, but at the cost of disconnecting and reconnecting the unit virtually all winter??  I'm not so sure it's worth it.

 

My guess is try shutting truck off after getting in it and restarting it will enable the start stop defeat action etc have you tried that? Just asking, not treating you like you are ignorant but a thought you may have missed.

GN2018 Enthusiast

GN2018

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16 hours ago, johnnyquick said:

My guess is try shutting truck off after getting in it and restarting it will enable the start stop defeat action etc have you tried that? Just asking, not treating you like you are ignorant but a thought you may have missed.

Yes, that works.  The concern I have is whether or not I really want to do that every time I use remote start throughout the winter.  Additionally, I've started getting an unusual message when I start my truck (with the module in).  It says it noticed the brake sensor was engaged and asks if I want to reset the brake pad monitor.  I'm pretty cost to returning this.

johnnyquick Enthusiast

johnnyquick

Posted
Posted (edited)
7 hours ago, GN2018 said:

Yes, that works.  The concern I have is whether or not I really want to do that every time I use remote start throughout the winter.  Additionally, I've started getting an unusual message when I start my truck (with the module in).  It says it noticed the brake sensor was engaged and asks if I want to reset the brake pad monitor.  I'm pretty cost to returning this.

I would swap out for the Pulsar LT, I have never had an issue in 5 years plus as stated above and am quite pleased with it and you could return it as well if you still get issues.

Best of luck with it as I know all the computer gadget crap is no fun at all.

 

This was a 2 second search you may find a better deal still, they even are in the classies on here sometimes

https://www.ebay.com/itm/358231525325?_skw=Range+Pulsar+LT+GM+5.3&itmmeta=01KHT1EHCZDYF1BPWNREBQ0PBZ&hash=item53684347cd:g:WLEAAeSwstJpldJG&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA8GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xBWI772XeSy3kWIrakzXA82GSL02zPWpnuntVY%2BkCDhofROLTu1hBoc8IHbnpTA0ucAGm8K0wj%2FFgUFbIGg0p1oaR%2FJJkyljOC4UkXD%2FQuNmNvgZNF7uF%2F8AIX%2FeX6VZHzoE%2BZzWMnANoBJYbqISKjFtUorXjlG72VaZO7lvJiD4tqaKahLNTpjUX1w1DJJ53LNAKFMJdcJg%2F5oPnmuuVKaGFRvt3lRHRxqF5xw7%2FdqwmW5BlsAXuDqnQKZg9NmoA1PVSJLZ%2ByI%2BjIepkLgnwpoWvBCMFWZoJG%2FBDxVQV8fWA%3D%3D|tkp%3ABFBM5pa6wY5n

 

Edited by johnnyquick
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GN2018 Enthusiast

GN2018

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Posted

I started the process to return my disabler today.  On top of the remote start issue, I started getting an errant message about my breaks that does not happen when the module isn't plugged in.  I've not had anyone touching my brakes and they are still the original brakes.  I don't want to deal with this from a $200+ product especially attached to a $30K vehicle.  I'm going to look into other options, probably a tuner.  Or, I may just wait and if I get any lifter issues, do a hard delete of the afm/dfm system.

 

 

IMG_4518.jpeg

  • 2 weeks later...
Snow White Enthusiast

Snow White

Posted
Posted

interesting.  i have a 2024 with exhaust suitcase muffler delete and use remote start almost all the time and remote start has no impact on mine, i'd know for sure with that terrible subbie sound which my 2009 had with AFM

  • 4 weeks later...
Chuck66 New Member

Chuck66

Posted
Posted

2024 Silverado

Had the range for 6 months using the remote start at least 3 times a week with no issues

GN2018 Enthusiast

GN2018

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A few weeks ago, I tried to return my module for a refund and they put me in touch with Holly (who actually makes the unit) and they didn't agree with what I was told by Range.  They didn't know any reason why it shouldn't work with the remote start.  Accordingly, instead of refunding my money, they sent me a new on and asked me to send the old one back.  All paid for by them.  I did that and have had the new unit for almost two weeks now and from what I can tell, it seems to be working just fine.  I've been starting my truck with the remote even though it's not too cold any more and I have not had the stop/start kick in.  I'm not sure what happened to with the other unit, but this new one seems to be working, which I'm very happy to report.

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