
Problems regarding Active Fuel Management aren’t very uncommon regardless of it being designed to be helpful. This technology was made to increase mileage but has gone to show cons that may outweigh the pros in many cases.
This leads to today’s main concern: is active fuel management bad? The answer may vary from case to case, but let’s look at everything you need to know about it to conclude whether you should get it installed. So, without any further ado, let’s jump right into our discussion.
What is Active Fuel Management?
Commonly known as AFM, Active Fuel Management is a technology that was made to increase the fuel mileage of engines. When installed in your vehicle, this piece of tech will turn off half the cylinders of your engine. So, your V8 engine will turn into V4 when the AFM is installed and activated. In this way, you will get better fuel mileage but with less power.
The mechanism of AFM is a bit complex, and it’s not our primary concern today. So, let’s head on to discussing whether it is good or bad.
Is Active Fuel Management Bad?
As we have said before, issues with AFM are very commonly seen, which is why a lot of people often deactivate AFM with the help of a range active fuel management disable device. Regardless of the promise of improved fuel mileage that the AFM makes, it doesn’t seem to be that effective in practical usage.
Read more: How to Disable Active Fuel Management System: A Complete Discussion!
If you’re one of those people whose AFM works without any complications, then you will be saving a good amount of money by reducing the amount of fuel usage and can get up to 7% increased mileage. However, keep in mind that this isn’t always the case, so tread at your own risk.
Common Problems with AFM
There are quite a few issues that people face when they have AFM activated. We have written out some of the most common ones below:
1. Excessive Consumption of Oil
Although AFM is supposed to improve fuel mileage, it can result in the excessive consumption of fuel. As you may know, when too much oil is being consumed, there are many problems you may face. The parts of your engine may start to wear and tear, which will ultimately damage your engine, and the repair cost will certainly be harsh on your wallet.
In some extreme cases, you may even be left with a complete engine failure if your AFM is consuming way too much oil.
2. Reduces Power
When AFM is activated, half of the engine cylinders will be shut off, so obviously, the power you will be getting will be much lower. Suppose you have a V8 engine. Once the AFM system is activated, the engine will work like a smaller V4 engine. This may not bother regular drivers much, but car enthusiasts will certainly have a problem with it.
3. Increased Chances of Lifter Failure
The AFM system functions by turning on and off the valve lifter oil manifold (VLOM). While you’re driving, the AFM may cause the VLOM to be activated and deactivated thousands of times. Because of oil pressure or control problems due to the AFM, the lifter may fail, which is likely to do a great deal of damage.
Due to a lifter failure, many parts such as the rocker arms and valves may be broken, and overall your engine will be damaged. It is also very risky to drive with a failed lifter. Your vehicle may jerk when accelerating and may even suddenly stall in the middle of the road.
Can You Delete or Disable AFM?
Luckily, for those of you who have cars that come equipped with AFM, it can be deleted or disabled. You can do either of the two things, but disabling it is much easier. You can use an AFM disabler to disable it. Just plug it into the OBD-II port, and you don’t have to worry about the rest.
It is also possible to disable AFM with the help of a tuning device which may be more effective, but it is also more complicated to use than an AFM disabler.
Wrapping up
From reading this article, the answer to the question is Active Fuel Management is bad is quite evident. The answer is yes, it is bad. The improved fuel mileage that the AFM system may provide you with is not worth risking your whole engine and lifters.
Moreover, the AFM may cause complications that can put your safety at stake, which is bigger than any reason why you may want to buy it!