Active Fuel Management

Active Fuel Management (AFM) is a technology developed by General Motors (GM) designed to improve fuel efficiency in certain engines. It works by deactivating half of the engine’s cylinders when full power isn’t needed, such as during highway cruising or light acceleration. This helps reduce fuel consumption by using fewer cylinders, and then reactivating them when more power is required, like during heavy acceleration. AFM is typically found in V6 and V8 engines, providing a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.

While Active Fuel Management (AFM) can improve fuel efficiency, it can come with issues, including:

• Lifter and Valve Train Wear: The AFM system relies on deactivating and reactivating cylinders, which puts additional stress on the lifters and valve components. Over time, this can lead to premature wear and potential engine noise or even failure of the AFM components.
• Oil Consumption: AFM can cause increased oil consumption in some engines. This happens because the lifters used in the AFM system may not seal perfectly, allowing oil to escape into the combustion chamber, which can lead to engine knocking or damage over time.
• Activation/Deactivation Issues: The system’s transitions between active and deactivated cylinders need to be smooth, but sometimes the transitions can cause hesitation, rough idling, or a noticeable change in engine performance. This can be frustrating for drivers who notice it.

You might ask, what can I do to help prevent such issues from happening? To try and help ensure that your engine runs as smoothly as possible, stay on top of regular maintenance. Because AFM can increase oil consumption, regular oil changes with high-quality oil will help keep the engine lubricated properly. With that being said, it won’t hurt to monitor oil levels as well by checking the oil level on the dipstick. If you do hear unusual engine noise or have a check engine light on, do not let it linger. Take it in to get it looked at. The longer you wait, the more costly it could become.

What vehicles are affected by AFM and how do I know if my GM vehicle has it? GM (General Motors) products are most notoriously impacted by AFM. These include Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick, primarily with V8 and V6 engines. Most often found in larger, more performance-oriented, fuel-hungry vehicles such as trucks and full-size SUVs where it helps improve fuel efficiency. To know if your vehicle has AFM, you can check the engine specifications in the owner’s manual or consult with your local mechanic.