You’ve probably heard of AFM, the anti-friction management system in your truck. This system works to improve gas mileage in light-road conditions, but can also cause engine misfires. If your truck has AFM, it may be time to disable it or install a bypass kit.
This technology works by shutting off half of the engine cylinders during low-load and cruise conditions. The technology is very sophisticated and allows the truck to run in 17 different patterns depending on the engine’s inputs. This feature saves fuel while delivering maximum power. However, it can also cause problems for the lifter.
When AFM malfunctions, the engine stalls or hesitates during acceleration. It can also be a sign of engine misfiring or engine timing issues. It can also cause the Check Engine light to illuminate.
Should I Delete AFM?
There are several reasons why you should not delete AFM from your truck. Among these reasons is the fact that this feature can increase wear on the engine cylinders and rings. This will reduce fuel efficiency and performance, and may even lead to engine failure. If you decide to remove AFM from your truck, be sure to install the appropriate bypass kit.
Another reason to disable AFM is to improve fuel economy. This system can help you save between five to fifteen percent of fuel. However, it can be costly if you’re not careful. Even if you’re able to get better MPGs with the AFM disabled, the cost of repair will exceed the benefit of the AFM.
However, deleting AFM requires a lot of work, and it should only be considered for a vehicle that has failed its lifters. In addition, you will need to replace all components of the AFM, including the intake manifold, which is a major component of the AFM. You will also have to replace the lifters with standard ones, and you may need to replace the high-volume oil pump. In addition, you will need to replace the valve cover.
Does AFM Save Fuel?
The acronym AFM stands for advanced fuel management, and it is a feature found on some trucks. Its purpose is to help the engine consume less fuel, while keeping it running smoothly. The process is simple: the engine shuts off fuel to the four cylinders when only a portion of the available power is needed. It also uses a solenoid system to collapse valve lifters to reduce pumping losses.
The AFM system helps the engine run smoothly by spraying oil on pistons that are not in use. Unfortunately, over time, this system may become clogged and cause the engine to experience problems. If this happens to your truck, you should visit a mechanic immediately. The system has many benefits and can save you money on fuel.
In addition to the fuel economy benefits, AFM is also very convenient. It has a convenient on-board computer that adjusts fuel consumption based on engine speed. If you’re not sure how it works, you can check out the website of the Environmental Protection Agency. The fuel economy improvement of these trucks can be as much as one mile per gallon more than a vehicle without AFM. It also comes with eight-speed automatic transmissions, so your vehicle can make more miles on a single tank of gas.
How Do You Prevent AFM Lifters From Failing?
There are a number of reasons why an AFM lifter might fail on your truck, but one of the most common is a failed latching pin. When this happens, the lifter body becomes loose and collapses, rendering it inoperable as a valve operator. This can lead to an obvious misfire, as the valves won’t open properly. Another common reason for failure is a leak from the VLOM (manifold) or low hot oil pressure.
To prevent AFM lifter failure, you should check the oil level regularly. Ensure that the oil is the right type and grade for your engine. Using low-quality oil can cause a complete collapse of an AFM lifter. It may also lead to an engine overhaul and rerouting of stock tanks. Over time, the AFM lifter will fail due to wear and tear.
A bad lifter will cause the check engine light to illuminate. In severe cases, the engine may even shut down completely. Other signs of a bad lifter include a knocking or ticking noise. A damaged lifter may also result in a bent pushrod. The best way to prevent this problem is to get your truck to a mechanic for a diagnosis and repair.
What Happens When AFM Lifters Fail?
AFM lifters can fail for several reasons. Worn-out guides can cause the AFM lifter to rotate, going into the deactivated position on its own. Also, the oil control solenoids can leak, which can lead to the cylinder deactivation. Fortunately, these problems can be prevented by performing a simple AFM deletion.
AFM lifters are found on half of the cylinders in certain V6 and V8 engines. They are activated by an ECU signal and act as valve operators. When they fail, they stop opening and closing valves. This may cause an apparent misfire. Another cause is an internal leak in the manifold. The OBD II reader may also indicate low hot oil pressure.
Another common reason for AFM lifter failure is low-quality oil. This type of oil contains more impurities than high-grade oil. It breaks down into sludge, which is not good for the engine. The oil is responsible for lubricating the moving parts, and dirty oil can cause the AFM lifter to fail.
Does AFM Cause Engine Damage?
There are many reasons why an AFM can fail, and one of the most common is that the lifter is worn or rusted. This can cause the AFM to rotate out of alignment and go into deactivation. Another problem is a leaking oil control solenoid. This can cause the AFM to turn off cylinders when it is not commanded to. If this happens, the AFM lifter can fail and cause severe damage to your engine.
Another common reason to disable the AFM is to save fuel. This technology prevents the engine from using as much fuel as possible during idle time and low speed. When it malfunctions, it can cause severe damage to the engine, so you should always have it checked right away. You can ask your mechanic to check it for you or have a certified mechanic look it over.
If you have a 5.3L V8 with variable displacement technology, you may have AFM. This technology is supposed to reduce fuel and oil consumption. This mechanism kicks in under light-load conditions and has been shown to improve fuel economy up to 7.5%.
What Year Silverados Have Lifter Problems?
One of the most common problems for a Silverado is a malfunctioning lifter. This can cause a rough idle or a check engine light to come on. The manufacturer does not have a reliable fix for this problem, so if you have a problem, you will need to take it to a dealership. You may have to buy a second set of lifters if you need to replace multiple lifters.
The problem primarily affects GM vehicles with the L84 or L87 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 engine. These vehicles have a variable displacement design, which can cause problems with the lifter. They also use the newer DFM system rather than the older AFM system. The problem has even been found in vehicles that have less than ten thousand miles. More information about this problem can be found on the toolsbible automobile blog.
The problem has also been linked to GM V-8 engines with Active Fuel Management (AFM). This means that drivers of those vehicles have had problems with their lifters. The lifter guide needs to be replaced, and four lifters will need to be replaced. The problem should not occur in newer vehicles, but if you have an older model, you should take it to a mechanic and make sure it’s working properly.
What Chevy Engines Do Not Have AFM?
Active Fuel Management (AFM) is a technology developed by General Motors to improve gas mileage in pickup trucks and SUVs. It works by shutting off half of an engine’s cylinders in low-load and cruise situations. Some models also feature a smarter version called Dynamic Fuel Management, which can run in 17 different patterns, depending on the engine’s inputs.
One problem with AFM equipped engines is excessive oil consumption, which reduces the efficiency of the engine and increases maintenance costs. The first signs of excessive oil consumption include a hesitation during acceleration, a shuddering engine, and an exhaust drone in the cab. It is possible to install a delete kit to make these engines run better.
Some 5.3L engines do not have the AFM feature. These trucks don’t have an AFM sticker, serial number, or a sticker indicating that the engine does not have AFM.
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