Stopped at nearest gas station and found I was a quart low on oiladded oil and lights eventually went off and luckily we made it the 5 hour drive home. Once the lifter has been damaged, the cam is probably also damaged. Brian, we have a 2007 Yukon Denali in our shop with a 6.2L v-8 that has suffered a lifter failure with camshaft damage. Ive only put a straight pipe exhaust, intake, and a boost controller on it. General Motors Active Fuel Management Cylinder Deactivation Technology Active Fuel Management (AFM), otherwise known as Cylinder Deactivation is a General Motors engine technology that. The problem:. Ive been reading, with disgust and concern of the lifter/cam situation. The LFA was upgraded with AFM and [], [] improvement over AFM, DFM has 17 different cylinder firing patterns and switches seamlessly between them to provide just []. Drives way better for my mostly paved road driving. Good point which begs the questuion, why does the Service Stabilitrak error seem to coincide with lifter failure? Open to suggestions about best course of action. It also mentions a valve cover replacement with revised PCV valve design. I have had some say that it is the valves and others say that it is the cats plugged. Oil consumption problems can be caused by a number of factors, including low oil pressure, worn oil seals, or worn engine parts. All Cylinders. They learned that the oil level sensor was necessary and that we were supposed to have been advised that we needed to reuse the original oil pan. Todays computers are faster so it does work. I asume low oil pressure cant make some of the DOD lifters to malfunction? The oil-pressure controlled system that operates the special lifters is VERY prone to failure, if the oil is not changed on time, OR if the wrong oil is used. Now I learn about the cylinder deactivation issue and suggestions to add the Range Technology module to deactivate it. On the AFM lifters that dosnt work i have installed them With the oil hole Down! AFM or active fuel management is a GM/Chevy technology meant to improve gas mileage. Plug the tuner into your GM vehicle's OBDII diagnostic port, and follow the instructions provided to update the engine control module's program The new program will make sure that AFM never engages. []. Its a simple and effective way to turn off the AFM system and provides the added bonus of improving exhaust sound. Its job is to direct the flow of pressurized engine oil to the active fuel management intake and exhaust valve . I couldnt agree with you less, yet I respect your opinions. Ayush Srivastava Or is the shuddering indicative of failed/failing lifters that need to be replaced before moving forward? The computers had not evolved enough to control the sytem. It was well researched and tested back in the late seventies and eighties . What type of disabler did you go with? We are looking into the AFM Disabler option, but my question is- how do we know if a lifter is already bad or not? It has AMF. 2018 new truck has me really disgusted If I had checked this out better, there would have been one less POS Chevy sold last year ! I only have ~ 5k miles on it, and it hasnt been driven hard, so Im assuming the lifters are fine. I have 217,000+ on it and it never fails meever! I am leaning heavily on installing the AFM disabler. Now I know why there wa such a push to get older ,less efficient vehicles off the roads. GM claims fuel improvements ranging from 5%-15% depending on the engine. Never again, except for my gen4 Z28 that has a perfect engine/trans on an otherwise rolling pc of gm crap chassis. Only wish Id did my homework, nothing but issues, from 14,000 miles it starts this motor noise,as if lifters at cold starts, let set up for 8 hrs same noise, this noise is on the right side of engine, it lasts 5 seconds but never heard this until we had this cold spell in the state low temperatures or it was just time for this to start? With 44, its a enormous Jon to remove the oil pan. I have a 2012 Chevy Avalanche. My question on a 2007 Chevy Tahoe 5.3 AFM is it still working good since you have done that with the trans fluid? Thankfull for any ideeas! Everything else looked good. Glad I did. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BR1R8N8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A359W9MWR50ZG1&psc=1. As long as a lifter hasnt started to fail, you can get by with a less-expensive disabler as preventative maintenance. If you scroll back, you will find that it is recommended to change lifters and camshaft and looks some more. Battery was unplugged for a week.. Give the folks in Summit Racings tech department a call (330-630-0240) and they can work on a solution for you. No clue what to do. Basically rebuilt most of the engine while in the vehicle. "The idea behind cylinder deactivation is that when you're cruising down the freeway and there's low load, the engine can turn off half the cylinders and in theory burn half as much gas. Getting ready to diy for $450. You could also have tried that if the trans oil didnt work. Our patented technology is the only product that will disable Active or Dynamic Fuel Management without reprogramming the factory ECU. Will the plug in deactivater fix the oil consumption or will it cause more consumption? Install ls3 valley cover. How did your turn out? Since no air can get in or out, four cylinders provide no power. They layed over night in engine oil before instalation. Although the last oil change I had they offered a more expensive oil that would let me go every 5,000 miles and when this happened I was almost at 4,000 so needless to say I will never do that again. Only thing I noticed with the oil consumption issue. TheAFMcylinders are opposite of one another in the firing order. Remembered that after I bought my Tahoe. i just bought a 2018 Silverado with the 5.3 put tran fluid in oil for a day till lifter became active, had to change the fouled plug. Fortunately I received a reducing in house shop hourly rate. Its Chrysler and Ford. He stated if I continued to exceed 4500 RPM it would blow the lifters out. However, they are only functional on engines that usedAFM. Thanks for your help. (Bought car 1 day before lifter died!) What if I was able to trick the computer into thinking it is in 5th gear when it is actually in 6th? Does anyone know how to disable the new Dynamic Fuel Management on the 2019 Silverados? Now im thinking of buying a disabler asap, am i in the clear to do so without the oil splashing problem? TheAFMsystem can be identified by its components. . Your email address will not be published. You can reuse the original valley cover OR use a non-AFM valley cover, leave the harness connected, and tuck the solenoid pack away. Im curious as to how much tran fluid you put in? They lasted one year with big problems. If someone didnt want to spend gas buy a Toyota. Why cant you stop the send signals from the computer so that the solenoids dont open and the AFM system is never engaged? Looking forward to input from the forum, Thank you. Just one or two. Is there any reaction to the disabler when pulling a boat or trailer? Does the disabler prevent the engine damage in the first place? 1. If you swapped in a LS9 cam, you will find it makes good power at the very top, but its actually down from 5,000 rpm and lower where the truck spends the majority of its time. Toyota has their own problems. Any problems to watch out for?Did you replace the VLOM? how many miles do you have on your engine? Most will want to get rid of the AFM immediately. If a lifter has already started to fail, an AFM delete kit and non-AFM components are the way to go. I just got new warranty engine and dont want this issue again? Have a lifter problem on my 2010 5.3 Silverado. This valve is located on the oil pan rail and prevents excessive oil pressure from negatively impacting the AFM components. Install the disabler when you get your Yukon back and it will remain in good working order. Changing the sensor didnt help. Keith, were happy to help. We recently purchased an 08 Suburban and noticed some shuddering around crusing speeds, usually 45-55mph and highway speeds around 75mph. And consider using a higher grade of engine oil like Mobil 1 or Amsoil, etc. Jusy 3 weeks ago I quit driving it because of the lifter, but it worked fine when i started it back up. If you installed a factory truck cam, there shouldnt be any particular reason for it to be down on power. I service plenty of these vehicles with AFM, and the ones I have to open up the engine for repair because of a failure doesnt surprise me anymore. 50,000 miles. A tuner can often fix that as well by giving it some more ignition advance in these regions. The main misconception is that shutting down half the engine's cylinders reduces fuel consumption because the . . Take a look at what bmw did in its R1250 bike. I am a long time GM fan but after reading how they messed up the 5.3 ( I had a fantastic 2003 Z72 off road) Ill look else ware for my next vehicle. The original version sprayed oil on the cylinder walls and increased oil consumption. We had one for a company car in 82 and it never did run right from new but at least it didnt destroy itself. I had one fail and it chattered the cam to the point that I had to Install a new cam. I am confused about the plug in disabler. I just bought a 2015 5 3 17000 miles I was thinking about eliminating the 4-cylinder if I delete it with just the programmer will it hurt my motor? However, the fuel savings are not always as much as expected. The 2016+ Tacomas are junk. Once I get it back, could I install the Disabler safely. the body is in great shape. Toyotas 5.7 is one of the biggest gas guzzlers among half-ton trucks. Installed them again, all facing upwards, will know tomorrow if that was the solution.If this is the cause i cant beleve why they arnt build so that it is impossible to install them the wrong way in the plastic holder.And altso that there was no warning or installation advice With the New lifters.If these are the only lifters in the Whole world that must be in Brian, I just purchased and installed a remanufactured L76 AFM engine for my 2007 Suburban. I speak from some experience. I am hoping this does the trick. Welcome to socialism folks . 91 GMC Sierra K1500 F44 6.2 NA Plow truck with 7.5ft Leo Plow 94 K3500 CC DRW 6.5TD DE exhaust . Having a hard time finding one .. Ive read at many websites that the GMCs envoys, Chevys and saabs did start to come with AFM in 2005 with the LH6 motor,It says here it started in 2006 on the saabs, then the pick-ups got AFM in 2007. Would you get enough power to drive at freeway speeds? Had similar problems under warranty, no telling what they rigged me up with at the dealer. I have a 2014 Chevy Z51 [w/dry sump oiling etc.] I bought a new 2017 Cadillac CTS back in January 3.6L V6 with 8-speed trans. The early part of his automotive career included working for engine builders Scott Shafiroff and C.J. Because its not just GM that have engine problems. Some guys have been able to use a tool through the top with the cover off to get it to release. This will spray oil on the bottom of the cylinder walls which can cause oil burning, especially in high-rpm engines. If you dont have VVT, you could use part number NAL-12561721 (LQ9) along with a 4-pole 3-bolt 2005 Corvette cam sprocket p/n NAL-12586481 to make it compatible with your ECM. $8500.00 fix. I bought a 2010 GMC Sierra 5.3L Truck in 2013 with 24K miles. Theyre also notorious for bad cam tower oil leaks. Yes, always change all the lifters at once. Any guidance would surely be appreciated. Question is, since my 2004 ECM and wiring harness were made before the AMF came about will this motor work properly as a V8 or will I need to replace the lifters, cam, oil sensor, etc as the delete method mentions? Replaced all lifters. Loved the looks and interior and thought a I got a great deal at $6k even. We believe this confirmed that the AFM has never been operating in this vehicle. According to CarComplaints.com, several drivers have had excessive oil consumption issues for a while from 2007 to 2011. Well, they move a couple of times after startup thats all.Asume its the same on syl 7 on the other side.Disconected the Connector to the solenoids, no difference. It came back on last Wednesday starting with a flash. This system was originally used in early 1980s Cadillacs. If you already own this engine you will need to deactivate the AFM system or even better DO NOT buy any GM vehicle with this engine. I loved this rtuck until this happened!! The tune is the best bang for the buck outside a cam swap anyway and what Id recommend. As the problem gets worse, youll hear a lifter tick and eventually you may see clearance between the pushrod and the rocker which will quickly destroy the cam. []. Regarding the cylinder deactivation impact on fuel consumption . Replace the cam or do the delete kit? It looks as if Ill need to start saving for a complete AFM delete kit with a new cam. [], [] LS Tech: How to Delete VVT or DisableAFM []. Thats a tough call, if the warranty will cover itId let it run out. My 2013 GMC Yukon XL 6.2L is currently having a failed lifer replaced. Don't even get me started on the shortened life of the cooling, starting and charging systems. Many people find the four-cylinder sound annoying if their vehicle is equipped with a louder aftermarket exhaust. GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM) works under certain light load driving conditions to maximize fuel economy by deactivating 4 of the engines 8 cylinders. One alternative is to swap in one of the larger 6.0 non-AFM truck cams. Brian, I repaired a 2012 GMC Yukon Denali as the AFM lifter on #4 I take failed. Driver reported this occurred suddenly while driving down the highway. Fuel pump failure is the most common problem and can occur due to a number of reasons, such as a clogged filter or a faulty pump. They replaced all the lifters, said no other damage, problem lifters were on cylinders 6 and 7. Not sure what else it can be. Hello Mike, if you dont have any obvious signs like check engine lights etc., there are couple different possibilities. Told her that it would not last and that she needed to find a different way to get around. How about if they just let us have a manual transmission agains for fuel mileage? I am trying to prevent same issue. GM offers the following diagnostic steps in determining if this is the problem. My ignition lock cylinder is completely stuck in lock position with the steering wheel locked as well. It will show up as a misfire code in a cylinders 1,4,6, or 7. Im looking at the Range Disabler but want to make sure it is required/suggested/recommended/safe? Runs better than new now and no more oil consumpsion!! If you want to delete it entirely, its a M14 x 1.5 pipe plug or you could use the Improved Racing plug p/n IRP-814-M14-Kit. Truck has an active P0300 code and runs very rough. I didnt even think about AFM until I got to drivee it on the highway and encountered the 4 cyl syndrome. Toyota will be my next truck unless GM owns up and makes wright with consumers. I would appreciate it if you let me know how you make out. You also need the disabler installed in your obd connector. Why this happens is a more . Your email address will not be published. Logic says that it should not as the ECM isnt programmed to use AFM, but will it see a lack of resistance from no solenoid pack plugged in? No problems with any to this point. No problems with any to this point. Chevy 5.3 Engine Problems (Gen 4) #3: Spark Plug Failure. I can literally drive from Seattle to Redding CA on one tank. But yes ultimately, it might be time for a cam and any AFM lifters that werent replaced. Cylinder Deactivation to the Rescue. please respond with your opinion. That inherently less smooth operation requires additional NVH dampening. Who knew? [], [] as the LS engine familys hybrid engine in trucks and SUVs. Next day I drove my car to work and was fine but when I left work all lights came back on and terrible noise in the hood. Thanks for the advice Brian! 330-630-0240. The engine will operate on 8cylinders, or V8mode, during engine starting, engine idling, and medium to heavy throttle applications. Love the truck so far. There are two ways to disable or delete Active Fuel Management on your GM or Chevy Gen IV LS or LS-based Vortec engineone is to install an AFM Disabler, and the second is to install an AFM Delete Kit. I was getting ~ 30 mpg, so I love that. In the mean-time I found that you can keep the engine from going into 4 cyl mode by using the manual shift (if so equipped) and keeping it out of 6th gear. Very expensive repair too! I would rather stay a V8 full time than deal with AFM issues in the future. Im servicing a 2011 Chevrolet 5.3 with AFM. What makes you think it was a design flaw ? Love the truck. yep, you are 100% Right, I called a local saab shop and they filled me in, in 2005 the trailblazer and clones have DOD (displacement on demand), My next issue is getting extra ignition keys on the cheap. a little burning oil is a minor thing, my main concern is avoiding a multi-thousand dollar repair needed to the motor. I already ordered the parts to replace myself and remove the code. (Non-AFM engines have a smooth cover.). They are being forced by the feds to use stuff like AFM to meet the CAFE requirements. Took it to the dealer and was told I had a collapsed lifter. I had purchased an extended warranty when I bought the truck new. Thanks. But the problem at that time was the computer technology. I have seen more internal engine failures in the last 5 years or so than I have in the first 15 years in the business. It was in the late 70s or early 80s and it was a POS, Your memory serves you pretty well I too have the same nightmares lol. The write up confuses me. It is usually first noticed during highway driving. While it does still use the GM Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology that caused a plethora of issues on the gen-four Vortec 5300 engines, it seems that GM has solved the issues related to excessive oil consumption. What the biggest reported problem with Chevy Silverados? My Chevy truck with fuel management can not touch my 2000 Chevy with out fuel management. My dad ended up running seafoam through it and some transmission fluid, changed the oil pressure sensor which I definitely think was bad and also cleaned out the little screen and he said it was so full of junk and metal scraps. The secondary pressure relief in the back of the pan began to open at 55 psi and was completely open by 75 psi. If a shop pulled a DTC code P0300 and found AFM to be the issue, it may not be too late to try the disabler. I have always loved Ford and Chevys , I dont like this Vehicle not one bit, starring shaft has to be lubed or it whines, front A arms has done been replaced, tapping in motor, leaf springs has been lubed, retorqued, put completely new leaf springs back in on the rear , grease all down from rims to body of truck, you have to clean often,console shakes as if milk shakes in console which later they also put rubber bushings in front of coils of shocks ( front end) .You lock it down in 44 it s metal to metal , As of now Im at 32,000 done gone threw all the arbitrator laws depending on how it goes? 2012 5.3 Tahoe AFM, #4 lifter collapse,replaced all lifters,started engine ran ok, then rough, got #6 misfire code. I had a 2007 Yukon XL 5.3 with the AFM. When a deactivated cylinder is reactivated, the control system opens the exhaust valve first to evacuate the trapped exhaust gas, before reactivating the intake valve to allow reactivated cylinders to revert to the normal operation of the compression/combustion exhaust/intake cycle. My local mechanic suggested whatever I buy with an AFM he will send off the ECU to have the AFM flashed out. Once the failure has occurred, the AFM shut off methods other than that probably wont work. I switched from gm to dodge in 1984, have had 3 1st gen Durango and 4 2nd gen Dakotas, all used, with impeccable reliability. It uses a M14 x 1.5 thread plug like Dorman 65217. AFM Sucks!!! But if you dont like it. [] cherry on top is that it isnt saddled with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) or Active Fuel Management (AFM) found on some Gen. 4 engines. The AFM activation and deactivation is controlled by the Valve Lifter Oil Manifold or VLOM. Here's what you need to know: 1. Dod is the biggest failure sence the 8-6-4 caddie in 1981. Engines with AFM use a high-volume oil pump. I would appreciate any feedback. I had privilege to work on some of that garbage they never did work . If i am successful locating a non-dod vin would i just need to have the ecm reprogrammed? Pushing forward. Since the tranny oil worked, you should now change the oil, right? If Problems regarding Chevy 5.3L engines, if the running compression of the misfiring cylinders stays below 25 PSI. I may just do that Vic. I just bought a 2018 Silverado. Power will be sent to the rear axle via a beefed-up 4L60E [], Have a problem with 09 Chevy [] block engine used in GM hybrid trucks and SUVs between 2008 and 2009. Should I wait until the warranty runs out, or will that be too late to stop possible damage? A bad lifter can be a minor repair if you get it fixed immediately after you hear an issue. Are you saying that I am in the clear by a year and issues fixed? Also putting in a new transmission vs. rebuilding. Where can I buy a bolt to replace this relief valve ?? It had the AFM wiring & lifter cover installed with solenoid pack in the original engine, we even removed it to inspect. Any truth to that? I did noticed the oil consumption but it was rare that I would have to add oil. If I had wanted a 4 banger I would have bought one. Given that, would you recommend buying one of the OBD-II devices to disable AFM? Hi. I call it active obama fuel management .A scam . The L76 is an adapted version of the LS2, featuring new rectangle port cylinder heads and Active Fuel Management (AFM). Put an S&B cold air intake on last week with huge oiled filter and it made a big improvement in throttle response and it appears possibly a slight improvement in mileage. Would it be fine to go ahead with the AFM Disabler? Lost number four Brian, thank you for the quick response. I was told that before I start the vehicle up I will need to have the AFM and VVT disabled in the ECU but that would require a custom tune from a tuner as the ECU cannot just be told that the AFM and the VVT is gone. Keeping the oil changes regular is important and its possible that a previous owner may not have been as diligent as you are. But then she passed away from cancer. 8000 grand for the repair mine was 1,700.00 to repair, I had a 2004 small block v8(4.8) 331,000 miles on the truck,it was the usual on the maintenance front axles,etc. She started to have the lifter problem again after 60,000 miles more. In 2015, I purchased a new Tahoe with the AFM and two weeks ago with 71K miles on it, the engine light came on. Getting 20 mpg in town and 24-28 mpg highway and love the truck now with these mild tweaks. The pressure relief in the pan opens at around 45psi to prevent over pressurization of the vlom solenoids. Never did strand me on the side of the road way. No other truck my ass .lol my 99 silverado 1500 with the junk LR4 4.8l and 320k miles 9n itgets 21mpg all day long with 93 octane gas in it. My 2012 Silverado 5.3L just did the same thing as your Tahoe Brian. , Production date on the vehicle is 04/2006 oddly enough. Your 1981 caddy was your fmu I got glue inside of it and it stuck the potentiometer for stochiometric if you get a new fmu or you pick the glue out of the potentiometer you can set it to stoichiometric and get a lot better fuel mileage as far as your truck why dont you look at the intake manifold I got a crack or a vacuum leak somewhere for gas mileage thank you truck service, Near 1981 its your fmu it has glue inside the potentiometer you have to either RNR it for a new one or pick the glue out of the potentiometer for stochial magic is the only variable resistor inside that you can turn with a screwdriver once you get the glue out of it itll read still kill metric just be careful and then you can set it properly with your own meter on your monitoring your O2 sensor and then on your Silverado thingy your 5.3 just check the intake manifold for lakes Ill get you a better gas mileage if you dont have any intake cuz theyre plastic and they crack and stuff like that other than that yeah thats it, Larry Jenkins, I have a 17 GMC Sierra 6.2 SLT, I got 25 to 27mpg regularly with 93 gas and cylinder deactivation. When you drain the oil at three to four thousand miles its still clean. Only issue might be the oil consumption due to pressure run off and spraying of oil in crankcase? [] for performance, LS9 engines didnt use Active Fuel Management (AFM), Variable Valve Timing (VVT), or Flex Fuel (E-85) technology. I have ordered an ATM disabler and will be putting a can of Textron in the gas at the next fill up. It was the first Gen. IV LS truck engine and offered Active Fuel Management (AFM). There are a few potential causes for Chevy cylinder deactivation problems, including oil consumption problems, harmful to the environment, sludge issues, and lower cylinder temperatures. Thank you. Unfortunately because of emission standards nowadays, manufacturers cant go back to those style of engines. A 17 with 5.3. Call chevy.They should being paying most of that. 2011 Chevy Avalanche LTZ. I have an 2004 1500 Suburban 4WD that I am about to replace the motor in. We have purchased a used low mileage 6.2L as that is all the extended warranty company would pay for. A new class-action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors over alleged issues with its Generation IV 5.3L Vortec V8 engines. We chickened out though and just bolted the AFM solenoid plate onto the used engine. It does seem that when they start goingthey go quickly. Unfortunately, I found out about the lifters too late. At least Dodge admitted they had junk transmissions in the early 2000s and picked up sales each. The 2nd went with a conventional valvetrain. Heres what you need to know: An AFM Delete Kit is recommended when an AFM lifter fails or when doing performance upgrades. Another option is to plug it entirely if the AFM is already removed. Chris, when you did your delete, did you also change the cam at the same time? I have a 2008 Buick Lacrosse super that I am having a hard time finding a tuner or a tune shop that can turn off the afm. The VLOM consists of 4 electronically operated solenoids and is bolted to the top of the engine block beneath the intake manifold assembly. AFMengines use special lifters for cylinders 1, 4, 6, and 7. It was good for about 10 miles and started with same loud knock noise. One the other hand, it came without AFM, VVT, or flex fuel capability. Pulled the inntake and replaced valleypan With all the solenoids. My point is that the engine likely on uses dod a small percentage of the time so can not really imagine that the delete causes any more issue than normal which may be the high oil consumption but do all of these engines with dod consume a lot of oil? [] engines is that when VVT (variable valve timing) appeared and was later followed by AFM (which is Active Fuel Management, when the engine deletes four cylinders under light load) both of these packages drastically affect []. Still have no power. I have an 07 Yukon with over 180K. [], [] rugged iron block 6.0L came with VVT, but without Active Fuel Management, which saves you the cost of an AFM delete [], [] The LH6 engine is a 5.3L Gen. IV aluminum engine that replaced the LM4 in 2005. I want to put a AFM disabler in it what all do I need to have done. So now at 168 thousand miles it still runs good but gets bad gass mileage. Oil flows to the special lifters through theAFMtowers. Mine did at the exact same time. [] swaps come with an extra step or two thanks to the Generals fuel efficiency efforts (VVT and AFM). The oil is baked on to every component. Very confusing stuff out there. They may be able to find some of those missing ponies. There may be an ignition related issue on that cylinder. A lot more info with the ongoing GM 5.3l AFM engine issues on Cargurus.