Range Technology V8 AFM Disable Module

Bbowen826 · March 24, 2014

I dont think that was related to the Range unit. People have experienced the "loss of communication" errors, without ever using a Range module.

That said, I've had my Range for a few months now. No problems. runs great.

Range Technologies are aware of these issues and admit it is their device causing it. The blame it on the delayed start up procedures on GM vehicles. They said if their device activates before the vehicle is done going threw its start up process it can cause these codes. They also admit there is no fix accept removing the device and reinstalling it every time it happens. You can go to their website and go to the FAQ section and it explains it a little. Seems like some people do get lucky and don't get the codes. But its not worth the risk to me to have my vehicle disabled because of this device.

swaptrex14 · March 26, 2014

I'm ready to buy this, does anyone know of a current discount code?

BNC · March 27, 2014

I'm ready to buy this, does anyone know of a current discount code?

I have one if you would like to buy it? I had it on my Silverado until I sold my truck. I never had a problem with it. I'll sell it for $100.

fondupot · March 27, 2014

I have one if you would like to buy it? I had it on my Silverado until I sold my truck. I never had a problem with it. I'll sell it for $100.

THAT is the best deal around!

14SLTZ71 · April 3, 2014

I just got an email from Range Technology.

The Range V8 BETA testing on the 2014 Silverado/Sierra has officially completed and they started shipping on Monday.

This device will disable V4 mode allowing your truck to run in V8 mode all the time.

Here is the web site http://www.rangetechnology.com

I am just passing the information along, I do not work for Range Technology.

THE KEY WORD IS "officially"

fondupot · April 3, 2014

Been using my Range unit for several months now on my 2014. Not one hiccup.

Sent from my iPhone.

14SLTZ71 · April 3, 2014

Been using my Range unit for several months now on my 2014. Not one hiccup. Sent from my iPhone.

just placed my order, I was waiting for them to finish the BETA.

Whoever moved my post, thanks. I knew there was another range V8 thread but I couldn't find it.

fondupot · April 30, 2014

Hey Guys,

So I have been using my Range Technologies V8 delete module for a couple of months now. I really like having the truck in V8 mode all the time and have not seen any adverse side effects with engine codes, mileage drops, etc.

What I have been experiencing is a warning message when going to start the truck that says "Battery Level Low- Start Engine now." (or along those lines, cant remember the exact wording). Now I drive my truck daily. I have a 30-40 minute commute to and from work, plenty of time for the engine to run and get the battery going. It usually only sits for a couple hours at a time, either while I'm at work, or overnight at home.

According to Range, there is a slight electrical draw from the module when the engine is off. But if the truck is driven everyday, I should not have to unplug the unit every time I get out of the truck. They do recommend removing it if the truck will be sitting for extended periods of time, and my rule of thumb is if I know it will sit for 3 days or more, I will pull the module. Up until now this has worked fine for me. I was able to leave the truck sitting over the course of 2-3 days without being driven and I did not see any messages.

However, lately I have been getting the "Battery Level Low" message several times over the past few weeks, when the truck has only been sitting for 8-9 hours at max without being driven. Once again either while I am at work, or overnight. In the past few weeks its been about 1 in 4 starts will give me the message if I leave the module plugged in. And I NEVER experience it with the unit unplugged. I have never experienced an issue starting the truck when I see these messages. It will fire up normally with or without it.

At first I thought maybe the rough winter did a toll on my battery so I had it tested at Auto-zone with quick tester they have. Everything good. I went one step further and had it deep tested by my dealer that took about 45 minutes. They came back and said everything on the battery is fine. So now I place judgment on the Range unit. I feel having to pull the unit every time I get out of the truck is just tedious. And I don't want to be in the situation where it runs my battery down completely and I am left stranded.

Anyone else with the Range unit experience this? I have reached out to Range inquiring about my issue, but have not had any response yet. The only options I see are either:

1. Stop using the Range unit altogether.

2. Install a better battery that can keep up with the small voltage draw of the Range unit, since it's obvious the factory installed AC delco (or whatever it is) battery isn't cutting it.

3. Something I am not thinking of?

TL:DR - range unit causing low battery situation when truck is sitting for only 8-9 hours at max.

TJay74 · April 30, 2014

if you don't want the warning stop using the Range Unit. It piggy backs on the CANBUS network and causes interference which causes error codes to pop up. GM has a bulletin out on this as well about any device that is plugged into the ALDL port.

fondupot · April 30, 2014

if you don't want the warning stop using the Range Unit. It piggy backs on the CANBUS network and causes interference which causes error codes to pop up. GM has a bulletin out on this as well about any device that is plugged into the ALDL port.

Its not causing that type of error. I know that issue exists. This is different. It's an excessive draw on the battery when plugged in and turned off. If i insert my key and I see this message, my voltage indicator is past the first 1/4 tick mark indicating a "low battery"

TxTruckMan · April 30, 2014

Why not just pull it out when you turn your truck off, and then plug it in when you get back in?

fondupot · April 30, 2014

Why not just pull it out when you turn your truck off, and then plug it in when you get back in?

Did you read my post? Not trying to be argumentative. This is what I have been doing for the last week or so. But its tedious. I know its simple, but can get annoying after a while.

TxTruckMan · April 30, 2014

I sped read. I guess I missed that part. I agree, that would be annoying to do.

TJay74 · May 2, 2014

Have you measured the battery voltage at key off and then when starting and you see the message to confirm the battery is low? the low battery message is a feature of the BCM which communicates via the CANBUS system so it could be related. When I have my HPT module plugged into the truck it triggers a low battery message as well.

fondupot · May 2, 2014

Have you measured the battery voltage at key off and then when starting and you see the message to confirm the battery is low? the low battery message is a feature of the BCM which communicates via the CANBUS system so it could be related. When I have my HPT module plugged into the truck it triggers a low battery message as well.

How would I go about doing this? Using a voltmeter manually on the battery?

That's interesting. I've just been going off the gauge. And when I get the message, the gauge is usually lower than the first 1/4 tick mark on the left side of battery volts gauge.

This is not actually my gauges, I just drew something up in MS paint to show you what I mean.