Top 5 Best AFM Disabler Reviews 2022- Expert Buying Guide & FAQs

best afm disabler

AFM (Active Fuel Management) is a technology from General Motors which instructs the engine to turn off half of the valves it has. The main reason behind it is to enhance the fuel economy. V8 engines are powerful to use in towing and hauling. But when on a smooth road, the engine uses only a fraction of its power. Through AFM technology, GM allows you to save some fuel by turning off half of the valves where you don’t need that much power.

Though this is a great approach from GM to save some fuel, people are facing some problems too. That’s why they are looking for the best AFM disabler so that they can get rid of the problems.

Editor’s Choice!

Top 5 Best AFM Disabler Reviews 2021 [New Update]

1. Range Technology Active Fuel Management Disable Device (Blue)

Range Technology Active Fuel Management Disable DeviceIf you are searching for the easiest way to run your V6 or V8 engine at its full power, maybe this one from Range Technology is the best one that can help you. This is a ‘plug in and ready to go’ type AFM disabler that doesn’t need any tool or mechanical skill to install. Plug this in the OBD-II port of your vehicle and it’ll do the rest.

Using this device will allow you to get the full power of your engine. As a result, you can enjoy your driving to the fullest no matter what type of driving condition it is. Also, it saves your money by saving the lifter from being broken again and again.

The best thing about this disabler is it doesn’t leave any trace when uninstalled because it doesn’t change the factory programmed ECU. As a result, your vehicle warranty won’t be void. When needed, simply unplug it and the AFM/DFM will be active again.

It comes in some color variations, but that is not an issue. All of those are same. But before buying RAFM Disabler Device, you must check if it’ll work with your vehicle or not. That’s all.

Pros

  • Doesn’t reprogram the ECU signal
  • Doesn’t need any expertise to set up
  • Saves your money
  • Doesn’t affect the warranty
  • Improves oil consumption
  • Works on deactivating both AFM and DFM

Cons

  • If you buy one that doesn’t fit, you have to face some problems

Overall speaking, this AFM disabler is a good choice if you don’t want to take the risk of warranty void. If may cost a bit more, but saves more than what it costs.

Range Technologies AFM Disabler Video Review


2. DiabloSport S1000 Sprint Car Fuel Management Module 2005 

DiabloSport S1000 Sprint Car Fuel Management ModuleComing from DiabloSport, this is another ‘plug in and ready to go’ type AFM disabler you can get for your vehicle. Find put the OBD-II port of your vehicle and plug this small device in. It’ll handle the rest. It doesn’t allow the AFM signal to reach to the engine. As a result, the instruction of switching to AFM mood doesn’t work and you get the full power of your engine- anywhere at any terrain.

This device is compatible with all the GM vehicles manufactured after 2005 that have the Active Fuel Management feature. A few recent vehicles from GM come with DFM technology; this doesn’t work for that purpose.

While stopping the AFM from being activated, this device neither reprogram nor re-flash the ECU. As a result, while claiming the warranty, nobody can understand that you’ve disabled the AFM system before. Just unplug it before you go to claim warranty.

Eliminating the AFM, it also adds extra in the performance of your vehicle. Thus it provides value for your money.

Pros

  • Setting up is super easy
  • Doesn’t affect the factory ECU
  • Improves vehicle performance
  • Doesn’t void warranty
  • You’ll save more than the amount you’ll spend

Cons

  • Doesn’t disable DFM that comes in recent vehicle models

If you are looking for the best AFM disabler, you can count on it. It is a durable and smooth performer. As a result, with it installed, you won’t face the disgusting cylinder dropping experience again.


3. FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Professional Mechanic Tool for Check Engine Light

FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 ScannerThis tool can work with most of the vehicles around the world including cars, light trucks, SUVs and 12V diesels which come with the OBD-II port. As a result, you can get access to a lot of tasks including turning off the CEL, locating bad O2 sensors, reading DTCs, resetting monitor, reading live data, and so on.

It is an easy to use tool. Coming with a 2.8” screen and the buttons, it ensures easy controlling and enhanced usability. This screen helps you to read the graphs easily. The 9 buttons allow you to go through different tasks easily. There are also three red-yellow-green LED signals and built-in speaker which let you know the readiness status.

The tool is always ready to read. So, get this out whenever you need and start reading or controlling the program, whichever you need. It doesn’t require any battery. You can easily charge it with the 16 pin DLC directly. So, you can keep it in your vehicle toolbox and use when you need.

Related Post: How to Disable Active Fuel Management System

Pros

  • Helps you to read a wide range of codes
  • Can be used in any vehicle with OBD-II port
  • Handy and easy to use
  • Comes with optional carrying case
  • Comes with free lifetime update

Cons

  • A bit complex because of the wide range of features

Overall this is a great code reader for any vehicle. Getting one of this will help you in many situation.


4. DiabloSport 8245 inTune i3 Platinum Performance Programmer 3rd Generation

DiabloSport 8245 inTune i3 Platinum Performance ProgrammerIf you are looking for a boost in your engine performance, this performance programmer can be a good pick for you. It is compatible with Ford, Chrysler and GM vehicles. It’ll allow you to get a notable upgrade in horsepower and torque. Also, you’ll feel improvement in drivability, throttle response and fuel economy.

It comes with an ‘Easy Tune’ mode for making the installation easy. It can read and delete the DTC with lightning fast read/write ability. The programmer comes with a few performance tunings so that you get the upgrade right after taking it out of the box. You can connect it to your Windows, Mac OSX or Linux when needed.

Purchasing the device will allow you to purchase Multi-vehicle license. As a result, you can use it for all of your vehicles if you have more than one. DiabloSport has CMR custom tuning dealers who can create tunes for specifically for your vehicle. You can get support from them too.

While purchasing, make sure that it fits to your vehicle model. Otherwise, you’ll face problems.

Pros

  • Gives boost at a great level
  • Equipped with pre-programmed tunes
  • You’ll get support from CMR custom tuning dealers
  • Super-fast reading and writing ability
  • Easy Tune feature to tune your vehicle in shortest and easiest way

Cons

  • You’ll have to buy license

This one is one of the finest performance programmers for your vehicle. Though it is a bit costly, purchasing it for programming will not be something you’ll regret.

DiabloSport inTune i3 Programmer Video Review


5. Jet 15008 Performance Programmer

Jet 15008 Performance ProgrammerWith the help of this performance programmer, you can take control of the programs of your vehicle and reprogram those to match your own driving style. Isn’t it great?

It comes with three different tuning modes which are for increasing the fuel efficiency to the highest level. It can also be used for a lot more things. For example- you can stop the ABS system trouble light if it is on because of changing tyre size or gear ratios.  It can correct your speedometer, read and modify ignition timing, air and fuel ratios, shift point, speed limiter, rev limiter and a few more things.

It comes with a built-in trouble code scanner which helps you to read and find the way to get rid of the engine troubles. The installation software is very much user-friendly. Plug it in to the diagnostic port of your vehicle and you can make the change with simple Yes or No questions.

Don’t forget to check the compatibility to your vehicle model before buying.

Pros

  • Reprograms to match your driving style
  • Built-in trouble scanning opportunity
  • Reads and modifies a lot of data
  • User-friendly installation

Cons

  • No torque management setting

Overall, this can be a good performance programmer if you are into reprogramming your vehicle.


Best AFM Disabler Buying Guide 2021

Buying an Active Fuel Management disabler can turn into a disaster if you don’t follow a few things. There are a number of points on which you must focus on while choosing the right one. Here I’m going to talk about those.

  • Response time

Checking out the response time of the disabler is something you must do. Most disablers come with the ability to work as soon as you install. Those are much suitable for you. If the disabler is quick, your car will know immediately what to do.

On the other hand, if the disabler is slow, your car will hesitate between sticking to full engine mode and jumping to half off mode. As a result, you’ll face similar problems that you’ve faced before.

  • Easy to install

Go for the disablers which are easy to install and don’t need much time or expertise. Active Fuel Management disablers are a bit costly. So, getting something that’ll cost you more is not a good idea. As many ‘easy to install’ disablers are available and performing great, you can depend on those without hesitation.

  • Compatibility with vehicle

Don’t forget this while buying an AFM disabler. Before selecting one, make sure that it’ll be compatible with your vehicle. Use your vehicle model and year to check the compatibility.

  • Compatibility with tuners

If you are into tuning your vehicle, make sure that the disabler is compatible with your tuners. There are AFM disablers which don’t work with a tuner plugged in. Don’t go for those types of tools. You can pick those only if you can leave your tuner.

  • Disabling Ability

You’ll find disablers which can disable only AFM. Also, you’ll find disablers which can disable AFM and DFM both. If you ask me, I’ll go for the second type because that’ll give me more usability. Think before you choose.

  • Affecting Warranty

There are disablers which reprogram the ECU signal of your vehicle to disable the AFM. On the other hand, there are some disablers which don’t affect or reprogram the ECU. Reprogramming the ECU will void your vehicle warranty. Whether you are concerned about the warranty or not, I’ll suggest you to use those which won’t void the warranty.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About AFM Disabler

What should I do if I want to get back to AFM again after installing an AFM disabler?

Most of the disablers allow you to get back to the AFM mode just by unplugging those from your vehicle. So, you won’t have to do much to go back if you use those. But some disablers reprogram the vehicle ECU. In those cases, you’ll have to reprogram the ECU again to go back to AFM mode.

Is there any disadvantage of using AFM disablers?

Yes. Despite of improving the performance, Active Fuel Management disablers have disadvantages too. These feed off of the vehicle’s battery. As a result, battery drain becomes quicker than before. But by taking proper steps, you can minimize battery drain. For example, you can take out the disabler after every use if you don’t drive daily.

Do the disablers increase the noise level?

Theoretically, the disablers are supposed to reduce noise level. When you use a disabler, the vehicle doesn’t have to put an effort to hold back half of the engine. As a result, it makes less sound then before. Practically, the same thing happens. But in some cases the change in the noise level is not that much notable.

How To Disable Active Fuel Management AFM


What are the Problems with AFM?

The main problem of the AFM is broken or faulty lifter. Lifters in the engines with AFM break easily because of some technical issues. Thus you’ll have to spend more money to replace the lifters again and again. Another problem is the oil. It gets past the piston often and gets accumulated in the cylinders. As a result, the piston and the cylinder fall in the risk of damage.

Also, some people just don’t get the feel while driving with half of the engine shut off. Shifting from half of the engine to full engine and vice-versa is a bit uncomfortable for some people too.

If you are worried about any of the above or anything else, you should go for an Active Fuel Management disabler machine that’ll allow you to keep your engine fully activated.

Now the question is about selecting the perfect AFM disabler for your vehicle. This can be a tough task, but I’m here to help you. I’ve gone through a few of this kind of devices. Here I’m going to discuss a few Active Fuel Management disablers that I’ve found great. You can pick one among those. Sounds great, right? Let’s start then.


Final Verdict

AFM is a good effort from GM to save some fuel. But unfortunately, most of the people are not likely to like it. However, if you are searching for the best AFM disabler, I hope my article will help you.

No matter which one you purchase, make sure that you research deep to know these better because knowing the tool will help you to find out the best. As these are costly purchases, all your money will be wasted if you don’t get the best one.