What year did GM fix the AFM problem?” is a common question for General Motors (GM) vehicle owners who have experienced the frustrating issues of excessive oil consumption or engine failure due to the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. Fortunately, GM has taken steps to address this problem over the years.
Let’s look closer at the timeline of GM’s efforts to fix the AFM problem.
What is AFM and how does it work?
Are you interested in learning more about your General Motors (GM) vehicle’s Active Fuel Management (AFM) system? I’ll tell you the truth!
The AFM system is a clever invention created by GM to assist your car in using less fuel and emitting fewer hazardous gases.
It turns off part of your engine’s cylinders when traveling down the interstate or driving under light load situations. Because of this, your engine won’t have to work as hard, assisting the environment and saving you money at the pump.
Here’s how it works: the AFM system regulates the engine valves using hydraulic lifters. The technology decreases hydraulic pressure to the lifters that control some cylinders while driving lightly, effectively deactivating them.
You won’t experience anything, so don’t worry! The mechanism reactivates those cylinders by boosting the hydraulic pressure to their lifters when you need to accelerate or raise the load on your engine. Suddenly, your car is firing on all cylinders once again.
What went wrong with AFM?
Have you ever had to deal with a General Motors (GM) vehicle’s check engine light that simply won’t go out, rough idling, or engine misfires?
If so, you may be one of many GM owners who are having trouble with the controversial Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology. What specifically went wrong with AFM, I hear you ask?
The AFM system was designed to increase fuel efficiency by turning off some cylinders when the engine is not under heavy load.
However, the deployment of this technology has resulted in excessive oil consumption, sometimes resulting in engine failure.
The offender? Unwanted oil control valve that increases engine wear and tear, oil consumption, and damage by failing to restrict oil flow to the inactive cylinders.
Are you having problems with the AFM? Watch for signs such as high oil consumption, engine misfires, rough idling, power loss, and the dreaded “check engine” light going on. Ignoring these symptoms might seriously affect your car’s dependability and drivability.
The impact of the AFM problem
The AFM issue with General Motors (GM) vehicles has angered and alarmed a lot of motorists. The following are some of the main effects of the AFM issue:
First, the AFM system was designed to save fuel consumption by turning off some cylinders when the engine is not under heavy load.
However, the flawed system might result in worse fuel efficiency and greater fuel consumption because of high oil use and engine damage.
Second, the engine may be significantly impacted by the AFM issue. Excessive oil consumption can cause engine failure and damage, which could necessitate expensive repairs or even engine replacement.
Drivers may be stranded without a working car, which may be a significant nuisance.
The AFM issue may significantly impact the driver. In addition to stress and anxiety-inducing engine issues, lower fuel economy can lead to increased gasoline expenses.
Additionally, drivers could lose power and performance when the system is turned on, which can be hazardous in some driving circumstances.
What year did GM fix the AFM problem?
A few years after deploying the technology, in 2007, GM first noticed the AFM issue.
However, they didn’t publish a technical service bulletin identifying the problem and suggesting a repair until 2010. Reprogramming the engine control module (ECM) was required for this modification to turn off the AFM system and stop it from using oil and harming the engine.
GM received a lot of criticism and legal action in 2014 because of the AFM problem, which prompted them to adopt more extreme measures.
For a limited number of cars, they introduced a unique coverage scheme that increased the guarantee period for the AFM system to 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever came first. From 2007 through 2013, a variety of GM vehicles were covered by this program.
GM’s solution to the AFM problem
Depending on the model year of the affected vehicles, GM used a few different approaches to address the AFM issue.
GM published a service bulletin for previous model years that suggested replacing the engine oil pressure sensor and upgrading the engine control module (ECM) software. As a result, the problem of erroneous “low oil pressure” alerts was addressed, and the oil level monitoring system’s accuracy was enhanced.
Later model years of the AFM system were released by GM with better parts, such as stronger lifters and a more durable oil pressure relief valve.
For some vehicles, GM also provided an extended warranty policy that covered repairs for excessive oil use or engine harm brought on by the AFM system.
How to avoid the AFM problem
Are you worried about the AFM issue if you own a GM vehicle? Not to worry, you can take precautions to prevent it and maintain your engine in good working order. Observe the following precautions, maintenance advice, and best practices:
- Regular maintenance can help prevent AFM problems. Examples of routine care include oil changes and tune-ups. Make sure you adhere to the suggested maintenance plan provided by the manufacturer.
- Use high-quality oil to avoid excessive oil consumption and engine failure. The appropriate kind of oil and high-quality brands can assist. Look for oils with the correct viscosity that adheres to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Avoid driving forcefully, as this might stress the engine of your GM car. Examples of aggressive driving include rapid acceleration and harsh braking.
The future of GM’s AFM system
Due to its propensity to result in excessive oil consumption and engine failure, General Motors’ Active Fuel Management (AFM) system has been a source of aggravation for many GM car owners.
To solve these problems, GM has modified the system over time, and there are exciting plans for the system’s future.
GM upgraded the software to enhance oil flow and engine performance and added an oil pressure relief valve to the AFM system. GM has also extended the warranty for the impacted vehicles to cover AFM issue-related repairs.
GM intends to introduce Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), a new and enhanced version of the AFM system, to continue enhancing it.
DFM provides precise control over cylinder deactivation, improving fuel economy and performance while reducing possible problems, including oil consumption and engine wear.
FAQs
What is the AFM system?
The Active Fuel Management (AFM) system is a technology developed by General Motors that improves fuel efficiency by deactivating some cylinders under light load conditions.
What are the signs of the AFM problem?
The signs of the AFM problem include excessive oil consumption, engine knocking or tapping, and engine failure.
When did GM first identify the AFM problem?
GM first identified the AFM problem in the mid-2000s.
When did GM fix the AFM problem?
GM has made several improvements to the AFM system over the years to address the problem. The most recent improvement is the introduction of the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system.
What was GM’s solution to the AFM problem?
GM’s solution to the AFM problem included making improvements to the system and introducing the DFM system, which offers more precise control over cylinder deactivation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what year did GM fix the AFM problem? General Motors’ AFM system has challenged many GM vehicle owners due to excessive oil consumption and engine failure.
However, GM has taken steps to address these problems, including improving the system and introducing a new and improved version called Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM).
A guy who graduated with honors with 2 college degrees Ferris State University & Austin Peay State University.After finishing school, he specialized in researching and testing tires, rims as well as brakes.Especially he has a love for off-road vehicles…
