How does Chevrolet Active Fuel Management work?

How Chevrolet Active Fuel Management Works
Chevrolet Active Fuel Management (AFM) is a technology developed by General Motors (GM) that improves fuel efficiency by deactivating half of the engine’s cylinders under certain conditions. This system is also known as Cylinder Deactivation or Displacement on Demand (DoD).
When the engine load is low, AFM is activated. The GM Engine Control Unit (ECU) sends a signal to the valley cover, which then opens the solenoids. This allows oil to flow to the lifters with oil holes, causing the plungers to collapse and preventing the valves from opening. As a result, the deactivated cylinders stop firing, reducing fuel consumption.
It’s important to note that AFM is available in various Chevrolet vehicles, including the Camaro, Tahoe, TrailBlazer, Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Impala. Additionally, AFM is present in other GM products, including various Cadillacs and vehicles with compatible engines.
AFM can improve fuel efficiency by 5-7 percent under certain conditions. However, some drivers may choose to disable AFM for reasons such as finding the sound of the four-cylinder mode annoying or wanting constant V8 power. It’s worth mentioning that there are guides available online on how to disable AFM on GM engines, but it’s important to consider the potential impact on warranty and vehicle performance before making any modifications.
In recent years, GM has developed Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), which is an evolution of AFM. DFM offers up to 17 different cylinder patterns, allowing the engine to optimize power delivery and efficiency in a wider range of driving situations . The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was the first vehicle to feature DFM, which operates in various cylinder patterns to deliver optimal performance and efficiency.
In summary, Chevrolet Active Fuel Management is a technology that improves fuel efficiency by deactivating half of the engine’s cylinders under certain conditions. It is available in various Chevrolet vehicles and can be further optimized with the newer Dynamic Fuel Management system [[8]].

How do I know if my AFM is working?

Some cars also can feel the difference when AFM kicks in by the slight vibration in the steeringwheel or gas pedal or both. Engineering mode will tell “half active” or “full active” or something like that when you’re on that screen. Enjoy the new ride!

Does AFM actually save fuel?

Range AFM Plus works with your factory installed AFM allowing your vehicle to drive in V4 mode up to 80% of the time, maximizing your fuel and dollar savings. The average driver can save approximately 65 gallons of gas per year or about $250.

How does Chevy Active Fuel Management work?

Active Fuel Management (AFM) was a system GM engineers developed back in 2005 to help improve the fuel mileage from some of their V6 and V8 engine applications. AFM shuts off half of your engines cylinders to operate at a reduced power level to reduce fuel consumption when running in low load and cruise situations.

Why do AFM lifters collapse?

Collapsed or stuck AFM lifters due to oil contamination will result in the same. Contamination/sludge is a major concern, prompting some to re-evaluate mileage service intervals. GM’s Active Fuel Management (AFM) system allows a V8 engine to turn off half of its cylinders for fuel economy purposes.

Does DFM cause lifter failure?

Seems to be a fairly common problem. Passenger side lifters wear out because of AFM/DFM switching from V-8 to 4 cylinder mode. Causing $$$$ repairs.

What causes AFM lifter failure?

These lifter concerns may be the result of internal locking pin damage, which may occur if the response time of an AFM lifter unlocking event is decreased due to low oil pressure, oil aeration, internal engine sludge, or an internal concern with an AFM lifter, VLOM, plastic lifter guide, lifter bore, and/or cam lobe …

Can GM AFM be turned off?

The Range AFM/DFM Disabler allows your V6 or V8 GM vehicle to run in full cylinder mode at all times, preventing the Active and Dynamic Fuel Management systems from dropping cylinders. Our patented technology is the only product that will disable Active or Dynamic Fuel Management without reprogramming the factory ECU.

What is the problem with the Active Fuel Management system?

Common issues include:

• Oil consumption greater than one quart per 1000 miles.
• Combustion chamber deposits resulting in excessive pinging and fuel mileage drop.
• Lifter and/or camshaft failure.
• Engine failure due to ring issues.

Does Active Fuel Management really work?

Estimated performance on EPA tests shows a 5.5–7.5% improvement in fuel economy. GM’s Active Fuel Management technology used a solenoid to deactivate the lifters on selected cylinders of a pushrod V-layout engine.

Will disabling AFM void warranty?

Because no tuning is involved with your vehicle’s computer, this product will not void the factory warranty. Not only does the AFM Disabler keep your vehicle running smoothly, but it will also have you running on all cylinders, all the time.