KP,

One of the early charts from Chevrolet showed AFM active modes and that is where the not active in track mode with automatic probably started. But the manual doesn't state it that way and I expect the early information release was either a mistake or they decided to change it before production.

I think I will pass on the emission trip but that is an interesting thought I expect with the CEL tripped it may limit other things you want to have active. The last time I accidentally tripped a CEL was when I plugged the block heater in on my diesel pickup and the truck decided my garage wasn't cold enough causing it to decide there was a sensor error. With the CEL on it locked out the overdrive gears (and probably some other stuff but I cleared it with my scan tool before I found out what else it locked out). I agree that to me a custom tune just to defeat V4 isn't worth the warranty risk, especially since these engines are so new.

In the intro for the Z06 Tadge talks about it operating in 3 modes, V4 off boost along with V8 on and off boost. Hopefully the defeat modes are the same as the non-Z06. V4 is also sort of a misnomer since it is really more of an I4 or "slant 4" in AFM since it uses bank shutoff. It least it is much better at fuel saving than the old IH 196 CID that was a V-392 with a bank of cylinders lopped off.

 

Ed,
There is a way to turn off the AFM feature. A company called Range Technology (http://www.rangetechnology.com) makes a module that plugs into the diagnostic port. It was still undergoing beta testing back in Feb when I emailed them. It now appears to be ready to go according to the website. I've considered picking one up, but was waiting to hear how others like it before I pull the trigger...

Tim

 

I like the stealthy “Plug and Play" aspect of this accessory. I booked marked and will keep a watch on user feedback, my car most likely won't be built until July so I have some time to plan this out.

Thanks for the lead; I bet many folks jump on this. Maybe you should start a separate thread.

 

Tim,

Thanks for the lead! I look forward to seeing what the early adopters report.

Rodger

 

I have the Diablosport inTune and can confirm that there is an option to turn off DoD.

 

With the A6 in full auto and in Sport and track mode, it will start in 1st. In manual mode it will only shift by itself when/if you're getting to an over-rev situation. It is correct that the A6 in manual mode will not enter 'V4' mode. So just let your fingers do the shifting and call it cardio for the fingers . Note: the tranny in auto shifts up and down faster (less delay) than if you manually do it with the shifters.

 

It would have been nice if they would have left it with AFM off in track mode with the auto. My guess is to get the EPA numbers the auto had to have AFM working and the manual could get away with it without it. Or the there was more vibration with the manual transmissions..

Its interesting that on the Dodge Challengers the manual transmission hemis done have the cylinder deactivation at all, is an NVH issue, but the Auto Challengers do. Another funny thing is the auto Challengers are known to eat timing chains where the manuals dont, a few people blame that on the cylinder deactivation and crankshaft harmonics.

I think its a V4, since it turns two cylinders on each side off as opposed to the whole bank. At least I'm pretty sure it does

The AFM with the auto doesnt bother me at all though, if I turn the AFM display off its hard to tell when its on or off - but I dont have NPP and from what I understand when the AFM valves close the exhaust gets quiet.

That would be OK if it was reasonably priced, kind of like that OBD plug inhing that did the auto down windows..

 

My point exactly!

A CAGS-like device that could be switched in and out would be the best way. Inserting a CAGS eliminating device fakes the computer into thinking that a condition isn't right for the 1 to 4 shift to happen. No CEL.

If a device that was switched in and out of a circuit going to one of the sensors was installed, a CEL should not be triggered. The starting point is, "what specific sensors contribute to the computer's decision to drop to V4 mode?"

Navydoc, that's what I'm talking about! Time to look into the item you cite!

Ed

 

http://www.rangetechnology.com

They list it as an available device for C7....had one on my v8 camaro, worked perfect.....

 

Well I've done some more research. 39 of the 45 reviews on Amazon were 5 stars, 3 were 4 stars and there were 3 1-star reviews. One of the 1 star reviews was someone complaining that it wasn't available for his vehicle. The other two were one guy claiming it caused his engine to cut off, and the other one was someone complaining because their fuel economy was worse... really?? Autoanything.com had 75 reviews, 63 of which were 5 stars.

I'm definitely thinking about giving it a try. The $199 price doesn't bother me at all, I just want to be sure it won't affect the warranty.

Any thoughts?

Tim

 

Well that makes a lot more sense! I saw an animation showing the AFM in action and it showed the disabling system installed for all cylinders on only one bank. Possibly the person that created the animation was confusing it with the older "camel mode" system that allowed engine operation at lower power after complete coolant loss that was used on the Cadillac Northstar V8 (and possibly some other GM engines) which did bank switching so one entire bank was disabled at a time. But for this system the valves operated normally allowing a bit of air cooling for the non-active cylinders. I am pretty sure the animation I saw was done by one of the auto magazines and they sometimes get their facts wrong

I will be replacing my current diesel GMC 2500HD with a gas light duty 5.3 or 6.2 pickup and the AFM system will be welcome there.

 

It wont affect warranty, as long as you dont leave it on the car when you take it in. It doesnt write to the ECM, does something through the CAN bus it appears.


Two inside cylinders on one bank and two outside on the other have the AFM lifters.

 

Thanks for the additional info KP!

 

Call Range and ask to talk to Adam, their CEO and head tech...he's a really nice guy. Like I said above, I had one on my 2013 V8 Camaro and it was great. The AFM on the Camaro is TERRIBLE at highway speed, kicking in and out every 10- 15 seconds on a flat open road. And his module killed AFM with no other side effects.

So I stared bugging him back in august when I was getting my C7...he said he was working on it. So I got the car and was pleasantly surprised that the C7 is altogether different, I find the AFM is be livable and not a problem at all, so I decided not to get it.

I personally don't see the need for it on the C7, but if you need it, call Adam...

 

I agree. I get better gas mileage in Touring mode than I do in ECO on long trips.

 

I do not use ECO very much but have found it to work quite well when I use it. (m7) I don't feel much when the car goes to V4 or V8 unless I have my hand on the shifter, then I feel a small surge. It is pretty obvious that the car responds to changes in engine loading. Anxious to try it on a long trip. May have and 800 miler later in the summer.

 

make note of the speeds you use it. ECO works fine for me under 65MPG. Using it over 70MPH I'm lucky to get 25MPG, where Touring is an easy 29MPG. Had a 300 mile each way trip today, and with the cruise a 77MPH, I got 30 MPG in Touring.

 

To the OP: Don't leave it in D. Put it in M. It will not go V4. Simple.

 

i've been using the Range technology module for a year in my 2009.5 pontiac g8 gt. i use the car for w/e trips and really like the fact the engine isnt kicking in/out of v8 mode. plus no difference in sound while driving,passing etc. i dont track gas mileage. i dont drive the car that much so it is what is. other car for w/e trips is a '04 z06.

 

I can't state how much I dislike the ECO mode. Fortunately, I have a manual and can stay away from it. I have tried it and on the highway it was noticeably switching back and forth. IT SUCKS!