Deleting your car’s Active Fuel Management (AFM) can be a great way to boost engine power. However, it’s not uncommon to experience several issues after AFM deletion. Some problems might result from an error when deleting the system.
The most common problems after AFM delete are reduced fuel economy, more engine noise, increased emissions, overheating, increased wear, and power loss. Understanding these issues can help you know how to avoid or resolve them.
Question: What is AFM?
The active fuel management system is a feature in GM vehicles with strong engines like V6 and V8. The system manages fuel consumption by allowing the engine to use fewer cylinders. The engine will use only half its cylinders when the system is active.
For example, if it’s a V8 engine, the system will deactivate four cylinders, ensuring the engine uses the remaining four cylinders. The goal is to reduce fuel consumption when you don’t need full engine power. In this case, your engine produces less power but reduces gas emissions.
The system will activate all the cylinders when full engine power is needed, like when accelerating or driving uphill.
Question: What is AFM Delete?
AFM delete means getting rid of the active fuel management, ensuring the engine runs on all cylinders. The process involves removing various components and replacing them with non-AFM parts. You’ll need to remove and replace the engine valley cover, lifters, camshaft, pushrods, valve springs, and more.
Deleting AFM requires some professional skills and tools. It’s also an expensive procedure.
AFM delete is not the same as disabling/deactivating the system. Disabling AFM entails reprogramming or tricking the control module into staying in the V8 mode. When turning off the system, you’ll need to connect the AFM Disabler to your vehicle’s OBD port. Then, follow the steps to disable AFM.
Deleting AFM can be beneficial if there are failed/defective lifters that need to be replaced. Before deleting the system, you can use the AFM Disabler device to disable the system. Then, proceed to remove and replace the necessary parts.
Answer: Common Problems After AFM Delete
You’ll likely encounter the following issues after deleting AFM.
- Reduced fuel economy
- Increased emissions
- More engine noise
- Increased wear on components
- Engine overheating
- Power loss
Reduced Fuel Economy
You already know how essential the AFM system is in reducing fuel consumption. If you delete AFM, the system will use all the cylinders, even when you don’t require full engine power. The truth is that you don’t need full power when driving in traffic or around the neighborhood.
AFM will deactivate half of the cylinders in such instances to reduce fuel consumption. However, AFM deletion will allow all the cylinders to work consistently, thus reducing fuel economy.
Increased Emissions
The amount of gasses a vehicle emits depends on the fuel it consumes. Larger engine displacement results in more fuel consumption and increased CO2 emissions.
If you delete AFM, your engine will run on all cylinders and consume more fuel, leading to more emissions. Excessive CO2 emission into the atmosphere depletes natural resources from the environment.
More Engine Noise
Excessive engine noise is another common problem you may encounter after AFM deletion. Without efficient fuel management, your engine works hard constantly to produce more power. As the engine works hard, it might get noisier or vibrate excessively.
Remember, more noise and vibrations can strain the exhaust system, leading to a gradual breakdown. Additionally, parts in the engine compartment can get loose, wear out, and eventually fail. If left unchecked, excessive vibrations can cause engine failure.
Increased Wear on Components
As the engine operates at a high capacity, various components get strained and wear out faster. The spark plugs, cooling system, drive belt, and other parts will likely wear out and fail. Fuel system components like fuel injectors can wear out due to the high demand for fuel.
Overheated Engine
Deleting the AFM can cause the engine to overheat as it operates at a high capacity. An overheated engine can damage various parts, leading to performance issues. If not addressed on time, this problem can cause premature engine failure.
Loss of Power
Engine losing power is a problem you may experience over time after AFM deletion. Issues such as excessive vibrations, increased wear on parts, and overheating will gradually deteriorate the engine. Eventually, your engine will lose power or hesitate as you drive. Such an issue can cause your engine to stall or fail.
Answer: How to Resolve AFM Delete Problems
The best way to deal with problems after AFM delete is to try to avoid them in the first place. Remember, these problems can be severe if you fail to delete AFM properly. Always seek the assistance of an experienced mechanic if you can’t handle the complex procedure.
Here are the various ways you can prevent AFM delete issues from occurring.
AFM Delete Kit
Installing an AFM delete kit is a great way to ensure efficiency when deleting the active fluid management system. You can also use this kit to fix an improperly deleted AFM.
An AFM delete kit comes with optimized hardware and software for AFM deletion. It contains all the required non-AFM components that you can switch with the AFM ones. This kit eliminates the chances of an error and makes a DIY process easier.
Tuners
If you don’t want to go through the whole process of AFM deletion, tuners can help you disable the system. Tuners are also effective after AFM delete to correct the errors.
You’ll only need to disable AFM with a disabler device when using tuners. In this case, you’ll deactivate the active fuel management system without going through a complex process.
However, tuners can be illegal in some states. Before tuning your vehicle, check your state’s laws to avoid getting into legal trouble.
Frequent Checkups and Maintenance
Regular checkups and maintenance can help counteract the high strain on components. So, check the condition of the spark plugs, drive belt, cooling system, fuel filters, fuel pump, and exhaust system. You can clean or repair these components to mitigate problems before they arise.
Answer: Benefits of AFM Delete
We’ve seen the common issues resulting from AFM deletion. But are there benefits of deleting this system?
- Boost engine power: AFM delete ensures your engine power is always available, thus improving acceleration.
- Reduce the risk of lifter failure: AFM utilizes lifters more often, leading to premature wear and failure. Deleting the system minimizes lifter utilization, reducing the risk of failure.
- Reduced maintenance and repair costs: Modern cars with additional systems require regular maintenance and repair to keep them running. AFM delete removes one system, reducing the need for routine maintenance and repair.
- Lower oil consumption: AFM draws a lot of fuel to manage various components. Removing it can significantly cut down oil consumption.
- Louder exhaust note: If you like cars with a loud engine note, AFM delete will help you achieve the desired sound.
Question: Is AFM Delete Worth It?
Before deleting your vehicle’s AFM system, always check if the benefits outweigh the drawbacks and vice versa. As an eco-conscious individual, you can continue using AFM to reduce emissions. Doing so will also help boost fuel efficiency.
But deleting AFM can be necessary if you’re looking forward to more engine power and low maintenance needs. The decision will depend on personal choices. So, take your time looking into both sides to make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
Problems after AFM delete can affect the engine’s performance and service life. Your engine might wear out quickly, overheat, and lose power. The good news is that you can use the correct procedure and recommended components to avoid these issues.
The best way to delete AFM is by installing an AFM delete kit. Alternatively, use tuners if AFM deletion sounds intimidating. An experienced mechanic can also help delete AFM to prevent the chances of an error.