Technical Support

General FAQ's

• What Version do I have?

  Modules manufactured after mid-2015 (version 7.1 and later) will blink a distinctive light pattern when plugged in (or waking from sleep).
  
  

  1. First you'll see all of the LEDs cycle in sequence as it runs it's internal diagnostics and transitions to operational status.
  2. You'll see LED #4 (far left LED when plugged into the OBD2 port) BLINK the major Version number.
  3. You'll see LED #3 (2nd from the left LED) BLINK the minor Version number.

  
  EXAMPLE:
  Version 8.1 would blink LED #4 EIGHT (8) times with a small pause and then LED #3 ONE (1) time for 8 point 1.
  NOTE: You will NOT see this pattern on early modules (Version 7 and earlier) and if this is the case, you should send the module to us for updating.
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• Why do I get a notice that OnStar Diagnostics Report didn't run?

  The quick answer is - the OnStar report occurs once a month and it does not like ANYTHING (Progressive SnapShot, Range Module, DashHawk, DashBoss, etc.) plugged into the OBD2 port when it runs.
  HOWEVER, the latest firmware (8.6+) has a more "stealthy" mode and is invisible, so it DOES NOT affect the OnStar report for most vehicles most of the time. HOWEVER, there may be a case where the Onstar hits the vehicle when running or driving, and at those times it MAY give an error.
  The longer answer - OnStar runs diagnostics on the CAN bus at the same "address" as a diagnostic tool plugged into the OBD2 port (makes sense, right?) If something else is plugged into the port, it's like the address slot is already filled, so it can't run its diagnostics. (Same thing happens with the dealer Tech II and any other device).
  This doesn't hurt anything, but it will complain that it can't run diagnostics ... it usually occurs the same time every month and if you want, you can just update your module to the latest firmware and it should be transparent from then on.
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• Does using Range products void my factory warranty?

  Many of our customers ask, “Will your product void my vehicle’s manufacturer’s warranty?” Range is committed to providing quality products that are safe to use. Our products do not cause damage to a vehicle when used as intended in accordance with the User Manual and should not void your vehicle’s manufacturer’s warranty. However, the reality is that many dealerships have been known to improperly void warranties on vehicles that use aftermarket products as a matter of policy.
  Consumers of aftermarket products are protected by the Federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act. The Act provides that if something breaks on your vehicle and you take it in for warranty repair, the dealer must honor your warranty unless whatever modifications you have added to your vehicle directly caused the problem in question.
  In order to understand your rights under the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, please see below the excerpt.
  "When accessorizing your vehicle with aftermarket parts, your warranty claim cannot be automatically denied, nor can your warranty be voided, if you install non-OEM parts in your vehicle. The burden is on the dealer to prove the aftermarket parts caused the failure. For example, if your windshield wiper motors fail, your vehicle’s warranty claim can’t be denied because you installed aftermarket performance programmer, tuner, chip, etc. Similarly, if a wheel bearing fails or a fan belt snaps and you have an aftermarket exhaust installed, the dealership would have to prove the exhaust system caused the bearing failure or the belt to snap in order to deny a warranty claim." In these types of scenarios, the dealership should have no reason to deny your claims.
  In addition to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, you also have SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) working to protect your rights. Because SEMA represents U.S. aftermarket wholesalers, retailers, distributors and manufacturers, they often keep car manufacturers in check by supporting legislation that prevents dealership service providers from denying warranty coverage. This means dealerships have become less stringent when it comes to aftermarket parts.
  Range's products are designed with this in mind, making installation and removal a breeze and leaving no trace. That way, you are still able to enjoy your late model vehicle's warranty while using Range products without worrying about it when you visit the dealership. It DOES NOT override any factory safety features (such as over-temperature protection, low oil pressure protection, diagnostic fault protection, etc.) It retains all the factory protections and works within the factory system limits.
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AFM/DFM Disabler FAQ's

• How does Range disable AFM and DFM?

  Factory GM vehicles equipped with Active Fuel Management and Dynamic Fuel Management can disable AFM/DFM in a normal operating condition. Range uses factory messages sent over the CAN Bus to "tell" the ECU to stay in V8 mode. We do not trick the ECU with false signal readings. We disable at the source and your truck runs as it normally would in 8-cylinder mode.
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• Can I use this module on different vehicles?

  The module will work on any GM Active Fuel Management (AFM) or Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) equipped vehicle. It's not "locked" to a vehicle and you can move it between vehicles as needed.
  One caveat, if you are using an early version of the module, you may need to return it to us to be updated to the latest version of firmware for the 2014/2015/2016 vehicles. It may work just fine, but if you encounter any SES lights on the vehicle, contact us for instructions on how to get your module updated. IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR EARLIER YEARS.
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• Does the AFM/DFM Disabler affect Remote Start?

  The AFM/DFM Disabler does NOT affect REMOTE START (and is "silent" until the engine is started). It WILL disable eAssist Start/Stop as a side benefit.
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• Will This Fix my Oil Consumption Problem?

  We have many reports from customers that tell us that the Range module not only improved drivability and made the vehicle more enjoyable to drive BUT it either greatly lessened or even stopped the oil consumption issue.
  Naturally, these results will greatly depend on the CAUSE of the oil consumption. In a great many of these cases, it seems to be directly related to the AFM system being in V4. The oil tends to be splashed around on the top end of the motor components and over lubricates the valve seals and gets sucked into the PCV system when in V4 mode.
  After a couple of thousand miles using the AFM/DFM Disabler module, being in V8 mode seems to prevent or reduce the oil splash on the valve guides/ PCV system and possible oil ring "gumming up" problems and help burn off deposits and free up the rings. This results in the oil consumption dropping to what most of us consider a more "normal" (i.e. a quart every 2-3K miles or better) instead of 800-1000 miles that some people are reporting.
  Of course, that said, there's no magic here ... if there is mechanical damage such as scored cylinder walls, broken components or oil rings that have lost tension, bad valve guides, clogged PCV system, etc. then no electronic gizmo is going to fix that. Unfortunately, that means mechanical measures need to be taken to address the problem.
  GM has a TSB that involved redesigned lifters and baffling in the valve covers to address this issue mechanically, but it involves significant engine work to implement and it's hard to get it performed on older vehicles without spending some serious $$$$. The Range AFM/DFM Disabler can be a cost-effective alternative to lessening the problem with a simple plug-in solution.
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• Can I use my Range with an OBD splitter?

  Yes! As long as your Range has a connection to the OBD module, it will function as intended.
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• Will disabling AFM/DFM make my fuel economy worse?

  We didn't test the Range product for fuel economy, although we have received feedback from a number of our users. Anecdotally, our users are reporting a +1 mpg to -1 mpg range when using the Range. This will depend on driving style, conditions, etc. We encourage you to do your own fuel economy testing and let us know the results.
  Some of the things that can affect fuel mileage:
  

  1. Obviously, driving style and conditions. If you do mostly highway driving and then have a period where most of your driving is in town, then you will see mileage drop (sometimes fairly dramatically). Additionally, if you happen to spend all of your driving time in the range where the factor AFM V4 mode is the most efficient (and the V8 disabler turns it off), you will see an additional hit to the mileage (usually around 1 mpg).
  2. Fuel type/formulation can affect mileage. Many parts of the country change additive and formulation depending on the season. Winter formulations usually contain more oxidizers and volatiles to aid in cold winter starting, which will hurt mileage (because of the reduced energy content).
  3. Outside weather conditions can affect mileage. Wind, rain, snow, cold temperatures can all affect how the engine management system manages the fuel and engine operation, sometimes cutting into fuel economy to maintain smooth operation.
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MDS Manager FAQ's