"Range" Device - Disabling AFM System
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Keswick, Virginia
"Range" Device - Disabling AFM System
Has anyone here used the "Range" device that plugs into the OBD-II port? My 2017 Corvette is a 7spd manual, so I don't need one........but my girlfriend has a 2019 Corvette Stingray 1LT with the 8spd automatic. I have some concerns (which may or may not be legitimate) about her engine constantly switching between V8 and V4 mode.
How much did you pay for it? Did you buy it directly from the manufacturer or did you find it cheaper on Amazon or elsewhere on-line? Did it work as promised? What effect was there on your fuel mileage when having it plugged in all of the time? Does it in any way affect the warranty coverage on the Stingray?
THANKS VERY MUCH for any replies!!
How much did you pay for it? Did you buy it directly from the manufacturer or did you find it cheaper on Amazon or elsewhere on-line? Did it work as promised? What effect was there on your fuel mileage when having it plugged in all of the time? Does it in any way affect the warranty coverage on the Stingray?
THANKS VERY MUCH for any replies!!
Popular Reply
Jul 22, 2019, 08:47 PM
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Virginia
How much did you pay for it?
It's Approx $180 direct from range.
Did you buy it directly from the manufacturer or did you find it cheaper on Amazon or elsewhere on-line?
I recommend to purchase from Range to insure you get the most current program (V8.6R1), they warranty and they will update for free as needed.
Did it work as promised?
Yes 100%, with no issue! Mine's been plugged in for over a year.
What effect was there on your fuel mileage when having it plugged in all of the time?
Don't know personally because fuel mileage doesn't really concern me so haven't checked, however most say it makes very little difference.
Does it in any way affect the warranty coverage on the Stingray?
No, as it doesn't leave any trail. Remove it and drive approx 200 miles prior to taking in for service.
THANKS VERY MUCH for any replies!!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,602
Likes: 12,865
From: Virginia
How much did you pay for it?
It's Approx $180 direct from range.
Did you buy it directly from the manufacturer or did you find it cheaper on Amazon or elsewhere on-line?
I recommend to purchase from Range to insure you get the most current program (V8.6R1), they warranty and they will update for free as needed.
Did it work as promised?
Yes 100%, with no issue! Mine's been plugged in for over a year.
What effect was there on your fuel mileage when having it plugged in all of the time?
Don't know personally because fuel mileage doesn't really concern me so haven't checked, however most say it makes very little difference.
Does it in any way affect the warranty coverage on the Stingray?
No, as it doesn't leave any trail. Remove it and drive approx 200 miles prior to taking in for service.
THANKS VERY MUCH for any replies!!
Last edited by Kevin A Jones; Jul 22, 2019 at 08:51 PM.
Racer
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From: Central Florida
We got this device for my wife's C7, as it was indeed giving us the whole "stumble/surge" situation. Got it direct from the manufacturer (they had a discount on their site!), and plugged it in...voila, issue was solved 100%. It's her daily driver, so she's not too worried about needing "Eco" mode. The car rides smooth, and feels like it should.
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I bought the Range AFM device from the manufacturer about a month ago and yes, I have it installed. It works as advertised as my car stays in V8 mode all the time. I have not really checked the gas mileage that closely, but I would say there may be a slight drop in MPG due to the car staying in V8 mode I paid about $180 too - got $10 off with a coupon they offered at the time. It does not affect your warranty, but be sure to remove it from the OBD II port prior to going in for service.
Safety Car
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From: Walhalla South Carolina
Been running mine for about 2 yrs. no issues. I have bought 3 from the for sale site on this forum for my car and two for friends car/truck. Range is good to upgrade to latest version even if you didn't buy from them as they did my first one. Friend has one for sale since he went to a M7 and no need for it. U can normally pick one up for 120 to 130 bucks on the FS page.
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Having the range plugged in will negate OnStar from doing a complete monthly check on your car. It will result in a partial report.
You will lose 1 or 2 MPG.
Buy it directly from Range.
The latest version will not cause a battery drain on the car.
Works perfectly and eliminates the V4 mode.
Elmer
Last edited by eboggs_jkvl; Jul 23, 2019 at 09:55 AM.
Drifting
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From: Miami
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When my 2019 was stock, this was the best "mod" I did at the time.
If your state/county requires emissions, be sure to unplug it well before your test date.
Check the Forums classifieds - you'll find some great deals here on them.
If your state/county requires emissions, be sure to unplug it well before your test date.
Check the Forums classifieds - you'll find some great deals here on them.
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Moderator emeritus
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From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
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Welp, I have been getting OnStar reports since 2014 and the first month that I have the range device installed, you saw what message I received from OnStar. I can only go by what I see.
Elmer
Elmer
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From: Virginia
Earlier versions would de-charge battery if left plugged in when not is use however that was resolved as part of the latest V8.6R1 upgrade.
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From: Plano TX
If it leaves no crumbs then why unplug it and drive 200 miles before a service? Asking for a friend.
I think there is some mis information here. I don’t believe it’s going to affect warranty or the engine at all. A manual seven speed transmission keeps it in V8 mode all the time so what’s the problem?
I think there is some mis information here. I don’t believe it’s going to affect warranty or the engine at all. A manual seven speed transmission keeps it in V8 mode all the time so what’s the problem?
Last edited by geraldschumann; Jul 23, 2019 at 09:26 PM.
Racer
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From: Central Texas
1599823745]My]My onstar reports work just fine on my 17 GS. I get a full report each month. It’s coming up on being installed for two years.[/QUOTE]
This is my exact comment, model, year and time used. Works fantastic. (Well I screwed that up trying to Edit)
This is my exact comment, model, year and time used. Works fantastic. (Well I screwed that up trying to Edit)
Last edited by TXSteveF; Jul 23, 2019 at 09:44 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Keswick, Virginia
I just ordered one for my girlfriend's 2019 Stingray 1LT with the 8spd automatic. (I don't need it for my 2017 with the 7spd manual, of course.) The device apparently has LEDs on it and they offer you a choice of colors. That is pretty cool. Since her car is Elkhart Lake Blue, I opted for the blue LEDs.
I went directly to the manufacturer's web page and was able to get a $10 discount + free shipping. Nothing wrong with that. We both hope it will increase the driveability and the longevity of her Corvette -- as we plan to keep it for several years. I will post in a few weeks and let you know how well it works.
Thanks again for all of the replies!
I went directly to the manufacturer's web page and was able to get a $10 discount + free shipping. Nothing wrong with that. We both hope it will increase the driveability and the longevity of her Corvette -- as we plan to keep it for several years. I will post in a few weeks and let you know how well it works.
Thanks again for all of the replies!
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I have one on my Silverado and the wife’s Tahoe. I am curious why people say the 7M tranny cars don’t need it? I understand that the 7M cars won’t have the shudder, but there are other benefits to disabling AFM. I am only going off of what I’ve read here. I am not an expert on it, but isn’t there a concern with the rings getting carboned up in the deactivated cylinders over time?
Last edited by need-for-speed; Jul 30, 2019 at 07:54 PM.