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Hi,
New owner to a C7, previously had a C4, and I have a question about the Range device for AFM. According to the instructions, it is recommended to unplug the Range if the car is not frequently driven. The concern is parasitic draw on the battery. I drive the C7 2 to 3 times a week and will continue to do so in Spring, Summer and Fall. I plan to drive at least once a week in Winter, depending on the weather (I live in Pennsylvania). My question is for those who have the device, do you unplug it and just plug it back in prior to driving?
The only time I unplug the Range device is when I get to the dealer for service. I do plug in a trickle charger every time I get out of the car at home, though.
We don’t have emissions testing in KY and my 2014 base Z51 A6 has long been out of factory warranty. So I leave my Range plugged in full time. I do however use a battery maintainer any time the car sits in my garage. It’s my understanding that the parasitic battery drain issue from the device was resolved years ago with a software update. Just buy a new device (not a knockoff) from the manufacturer and you should be good.
There are two editions of the Range unit in circulation. The early (first) version featured a parasitic draw and needed to be removed when the vehicle was going to sit for a few weeks. The second version eliminated the need to remove the unit. Both versions require the user to remove the unit and drive the vehicle for a few hundred miles in order for the vehicle to accumulate enough data to pass emissions testing. If you are confused as to which version you have, check with the manufacturer. Their customer service will be able to give you a definitive answer to your question.
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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The newer versions of the Range AFM Eliminator does not have the concern about parasitic draw. With your frequency of driving the car, you shouldn’t have any problems.
I have a Range in my 2019 Stingray. It's the latest version and I have had no issues with parasitic draw. I use a trickle charger occasionally, but sometimes the car sits for a week or longer without the charger. No problems.
I bought my Range device in October 2018 right after I bought my 2019 GS. It has been plugged in 99% of the time. I only unplug it a few days before service appointments and drive it enough to set the readiness monitors. Always on the battery maintainer when it is not being driven.
Congratulations, on your new C7. I had a C4 for many years. You are going to enjoy it a alot. Especially, if you had a C4 Roadster and got a C7 Roadster!