The Chevy Silverado has long been a popular choice for those needing a reliable pickup truck. Even so, some owners have caught sight of the Chevy Silverado V8 to V4 problems.
This upgrade is meant to improve fuel efficiency, but it can lead to a rough ride and even engine damage if it occurs too frequently.
As a highly skilled assistant in the auto field, I have researched this issue extensively to provide comprehensive solutions for Chevy Silverado users.
So, whether you are a Chevy Silverado owner or simply interested in learning more about this common problem, this article will surely provide valuable insights and measures.
What Are Chevy Silverado V8 To V4 Problems?
The engine not fitting appropriately in your new chassis is a frequent problem.
Also, you can notice other issues in the coolant system, piston safety, wrong control brake torque, and many more.
Besides, you might get the 2017 Chevy Silverado V8 to V4 problems with many other sure signs.
Here are a few more issues on engine components related to the Chevy Silverado active fuel management or V8 engine to V4 modification:
- High-temp coolant function is turned on
- Too big or tiny engine for the new chassis, causing hazardous rattles and vibrations
- Get a knock, and the piston safety is on
- The anti-overheating catalytic converter feature is on
- The mechanism to impede engine metal overheating is switched on
- Axle-specific active torque restriction
- Activated control brake torque
- Engine power reduction gets active
- Lousy HVAC system and low-temperature heater
- The timer for the shut-off fuel will be set
- Fuel cut-off for deceleration is engaged
- Evident oil aeration
- Exceeding max time for V4 mode
- Lack of time spent in your V8 mode
- The output control scanner get all cylinders engaged wrongly
- The transmission’s gears shift suddenly
- Miscommunication range
- Bad transmission gear
- Excessive engine oil temp, pressure, ignition voltage, and RPM
- May get an incorrect voltage level
- Excess gas pedal use
- The gas pedal position and the electronic throttle control are raised too high
- Decreased vacuum pressure inside your brake booster
- Insufficient manifold vacuum
What Should I Know About Chevy Cylinder Deactivation Problems?
Can I Disable Cylinder Deactivation?
Yes. You can turn off the cylinder deactivation feature in your car easily. This function is available on specific automobile models.
If one of the cylinders isn’t operating, I can still get it started by turning off cylinder deactivation.
What’s Wrong With My Cylinder Deactivation?
Cylinder deactivation may have a few obstacles. One danger is that it may trigger oil consumption issues.
The production of dangerous contaminants is another concern. Also, a clicking or annoying sound is another possible outcome of the GM cylinder deactivation problems.
Does Cylinder Deactivation Hurt The Engine?
Yes, it’s feasible. The potential adverse effects of cylinder deactivation on the engine’s performance have sparked some concerns.
Still, many experts believe it could lead to increased oil use and other repercussions.
What Are The 5 3 Cylinder Deactivation Problems?
How to tell if my 5.3 have cylinder deactivation? You should get your EcoTec3 engine tested soon after you notice any of the following issues:
- The broken fuel pump: The pump in an EcoTec3 vehicle breaks, making the engine not start and running the risk of a fire.
You have no way but to replace the fuel pump if it goes wrong.
- 4WD mode failure: A malfunctioning transfer case sensor halts the engine from switching to a four-wheel drive.
- Fuel injector issue: An unstable fuel injector hinders the engine from receiving the necessary fuel supply, leading to overheating and possibly a fire.
This issue should be remedied soon by a pro mechanic, or else, you are at risk of a complete engine failure or an accident.
- Carbon accumulation in the EcoTec3 Engine: This can drop the engine’s efficiency and perhaps ignite a fire.
How About 5 3 AFM Recall?
Many cars, trucks, and SUVs manufactured by General Motors have been recalled due to an engine defect.
In fact, multiple vehicles have experienced unexpected stalling while driving due to the defect known as the 5 3 Chevy AFM problems or active fuel management problems, which can result in grave harm or even death without timely interference.
FAQs
Can You Turn Off Active Fuel Management System?
Yes. You can do it with the 2015 and newer year models of Silverado.
There are many methods to have things done, but using the AFM disabler device is the easiest.
What Is The V4 Mode?
Certain GM vehicles have a cylinder deactivation system called V4 mode, also so-called AFM – Active Fuel Management.
To save fuel, the car can idle in the second or first gear without starting the vehicle.
It’s beneficial, notably in cities where engines can run continuously and consume fuel more economically.
Many diesel engines use AFM technology as the factory settings.
By turning off cylinders while not in use, your engine would work more efficiently and quietly, saving fuel and lowering pollution likelihood.
What Year Silverado Has Cylinder Deactivation?
GM equipped the 5.3L active fuel management system in most trucks and SUVs from 2007-2014.
How Does The Chevy V8 To V4 Work?
Many trucks from the 2008–2014 model year have a V8 as the preset engine option.
Some were constructed with the expectation that a V8 would be present right from the factory with better performance.
The fuel injectors will be switched OFF upon the shift from V8 to V4 mode.
The spark plug electrodes are still in contact with the ignition spark or secondary voltage system on the inactive cylinders.
Also, the manufacturers put many trucks into “V4” mode upon sale by rebuilding an existing controller or purchasing a new unit installed in “V4” mode in advance.
What Are The Benefits of Deleting AFM?
Avoiding common engine issues is the main upside to uninstalling or disabling AFM. There are a few extra advantages, though. First off, you can always access V8 power whenever you want it.
Beyond that, rather than sounding like a tiny V4 Honda, your Chevrolet will seem like a V8. Also, in my opinion, I appreciate these perks of deleting AFM:
- Less chance of lifter malfunction.
- Lower wasteful use of oil.
- Increased the catchy exhaust sounds. It also makes sense if you can go for the loudest exhaust systems to your liking.
How To Keep Silverado In V4 Mode?
Keeping the Chevy in V4 mode can be done easily with the following steps:
Remove your cluster and detach your dimmer switch to complete the task. Then you can simply add a wire to fool the vehicle into believing it is in V4 mode.
Is A 4-Cylinder Engine Good For A Truck?
Yes. A 4-cylinder truck offers the same perks as a truck but at cheaper prices.
My trucks with four-cylinder mode can still complete tasks that other vehicles can’t, thanks to the currently innovative engineering making them better at pulling and hauling than the former generations.
On top of that, many drivers share that all of their four-cylinder modern trucks are also highly durable, pleasant, and reliable.
Final Words!
The Chevy Silverado is a popular pickup truck known for its plenty of power and reliability. However, some owners have reported the Chevy Silverado V8 to V4 problems.
This technology improves fuel efficiency by disabling half of the engine’s cylinders when unnecessary.
While this feature can save on gas, it can also lead to common issues like rough idling, misfires, and even complete engine failure if not properly maintained.
As a Silverado owner, it’s essential to understand the potential risks associated with AFM and take the necessary steps to halt any hassle from occurring and come up with the right remedy.
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