Please see my post above regarding Beta 8.1. 8.1 failed for me. Same issues. I assume if they changed something from 8.1 they would call it 8.2??

I believe they keep putting out a flawed unit because they simply don't spend enough time testing - testing units designed to fix the issue with the prior unit, or they really have no clue what the problem is and are fishing for a solution. My Z06 is my daily driver. I keep the unit plugged in all the time and start it up 6x a day. I think this time it took 3 weeks to notice the problem ~126 start ups. It's intermittent and random.

I assume if you only plug the unit in after start up you will be fine, but what a pain in the azz - at least for us daily drivers.

 

I have a Z06 with Range ver 7.8........NEVER a problem!
I use it on a switch and can turn it on before, after or during when the car is running w/o problems.

 

You've never had a problem because you likely turn it on after start up. That doesn't mean the unit isn't flawed - you've just circumvented the issue. And I'm not bagging on Range. I've been a vocal supporter of their customer service on this thread and others.

I'm going to look into this switch solution - better than plugging and unplugging all the time.

 

I've had version 7.8 CEL on me 3 times and I also use mine as a daily driver. I've noticed something that may or may not be associated with it. Sometimes when I am exiting the vehicle, my foot hits the OBD II port where the Range is plugged in and I think it moves the Range just enough to where it may cause an error.

Reason I say that is because I was getting the CEL once a week for three weeks. Since then, I've been making a conscious effort not to hit the Range upon exiting the vehicle and also making sure its firmly seated before starting the car. Since I've been doing that, I haven't gotten a CEL. That might also be the reason why people with the remote switches aren't having the problem because they aren't dislodging the device with their foot or knee.

Like I said, just a theory of mine but so far so good. As far as 8.1 beta, you can still have a beta go final after making tweaks and sorting bugs and still release it with the same version number. I'm still going to go ahead and exchange for the latest version.

While the CEL's are a pain and I wish they could get this resolved once and for all, I still believe in the product. The CEL is easily cleared by unplugging and replugging the Range while the car is still running. A minor inconvenience compared to the major inconvenience of AFM V4 mode.

 

Will sell mine. Bought it my 2014 Camaro. Coming to a stop it would occasionally malfunction the steering to no power and kill throttle input on the car. I would turn the ignition off and restart the car and it would be good for another month or so.

 

I too have had many CEL & limp mode issues with several earlier versions, awaiting the arrival of 8.1. From the sounds of it, the results will be the same.
I agree with earlier comments about Range's customer service....they are quite happy to send an updated module.
BUT
There's just something about the 2016/17 A8 Corvettes that they cannot figure out.

How do they come up with the new and improved firmware each time that is going to work this time once and for all ???
It's not like they are getting any useful technical feedback in the way of data logging to see what exactly is causing the communications failures resulting in CELs etc.
Certainly appears they are just blindly changing things hoping for a better result.

Starting to sound a whole lot like the definition of insanity! I'm ready to throw in the towel on this one.

For those that have been running with a recent version without any issues, good luck, it's only a matter of time.

 

I'm curious:
Is AFM cycling on and off that bad? My C7 is a manual so I've only used "Eco" a few times, always on the interstate. I could tell when it went into V4 by a slight shudder in the gear lever but it certainly wasn't bothersome.

Jimmy

 

Unless I keep my foot in it, mine goes to v4 all the time. Any constant cruising speeds, it wants to be in v4 mode.

 

Jimmy,
AFM operation isn't that annoying except it does seem to aggravate the ongoing A8 torque converter issue and there have been oil consumption issues from its use on prior GM engines (and NO I am NOT referring to the old Cadillac 8/6/4 but the current system formerly known as DoD (displacement on demand).

At least a couple of the Japanese automakers have raised concerns about implementing this type of system due to the uneven cylinder wear that will occur over time with the same cylinders always being shut off. Delphi announced a future system that will spread the shutoff randomly across all cylinders.

My Z06 rarely goes into AFM (i.e going downhill on an interstate) but it did it enough that I use manual mode to avoid it which is how I drove it back from the museum delivery to avoid V4 operation during break-in. I have the 7.7 version of the Range module which caused the CEL twice before I quit using it and I was hoping to upgrade to a corrected version over winter while my Z is parked. I guess now I will continue using manual mode or perhaps try the Range switching it on only after the engine has started.

 

I understand, kind of like an automatic going to the highest gear possible as fast as it can (for fuel economy). Thanks for the reply, I was curious about it's operation. I'm going to try my car (a manual) in "Eco" for a few days to see how often it does it.

Jimmy

 

Uneven cylinder wear would surprise me as the inactive cylinders are still being lubricated. As far as the TC situation, I can see the that the constant cycling between V4/V8 putting some stress on it, but I think the bigger A8 situation is just a bad supplier (you know, the lowest bidder), torque converters shouldn't be this tricky to figure out in this day and time. Anyhow, good luck

 

I installed my Range a couple days ago in my '16 Stingray A8. It appears to be working exactly as designed. No CELs or other codes so far. I am using a switch cord to turn it off after each use.

 

I know you said you use an extension cable, I am curious if you are enabling the range before or after you start it up.

Did you get firmware 8.1 ?

 

I currently have VER 8.1 firmware, my 3rd or 4th version ( I've lost count ).
My car is still being stored for the season and have yet to test it other than just plugging it in.
Can anyone with this firmware version advise whether the blue light still stays on after it cycles upon being powered up?
The unit I have cycles then emits no light. ( ignition off )
Curious whether there is no longer a need for a switch or to unplug when not in use to avoid draining the battery.
Thanks !

 

Just one more reason I sold my September 2013 built 2014 Z51 M7 and have a Grand Sport with an M7 on order.

Just a question of time where we'll be told sorry only our 'terrific" A10 is available in a Vette.

 

I received my unit a couple days ago so I am assuming I do have the latest firmware version. When I turn it on using the switch several lights go and off and then no lights. My understanding is that the unit will periodically turn itself on and draw some power from the car. There is also a warning with the unit that does NOT recommend leaving it plugged in unless the car is driven daily. I hope this helps.

 

somebody posted a pic a while back showing the box it came in with the version number printed on it, might want to look at it if you still have it. I ordered one and it shipped today, we shall see how it works.

 

I completed the installation of my Range unit this morning. I slipped the long piece of cord on the switch behind the left kick panel and ran the cord under the sillplate trim. The ON/OFF switch now sits right beside the driver's seat and the Range unit is also in the same location. Both are secured to the carpet with Velcro. Neither interfere with either the emergency door opener or the seat controls. Also, the lights from the Range are not a distraction while driving. I tried turning the Range on and off while driving and no CELs or other issues occurred. I am trying to train myself to turn the unit ON before starting the car and turning it OFF immediately after shutting down the car after a drive. I do NOT plan to determine how long it will take the Range to draw down the battery.

So far, it is working great.

 

^
I believe others have said to switch on the Range after the engine is running and to switch off the Range prior to engine shut down. Think some believe this method avoids CELs

 

I am new to this and have a question. What is the advantage of the Range device? Doesn't it stay out of V4 in the Sport/Track mode on an automatic anyway? I have a 2014 A6.