Carbyte (DFM disabler for 2024) limited giveaway

[hdrolling]

While the two devices are similar in that they activate all 8 cylinders and disable the DFM, the way they go about doing it is different. The Range product (which I had purchased first before Carbyte came out with their product) plugs into your ECM in the driver's side front wheel wheel while the Carbyte plugs into your OB2 port.

One of the nice things about the Carbyte product is that it truly disables DFM once you've reached about 40 mph; while the Range product allows for DFM to be enabled if your engine isn't under power (i.e. braking, coasting, etc.). Additionally, the Carbyte allows you to scan codes, which the Range doesn't.

Range does specify on their site that it's completely normal for certain model trucks to still have the DFM enable, which unfortunately my 23 AT4X does that when coming to a stop. I liked that I would no longer hear that "rumble" of the DFM kicking in when coming to a stop sign with the Carbyte, but for whatever reason, it absolutely killed my fuel economy. My guess (and this is completely a guess), is that when your engine is not under power, the fuel economy doesn't jump up to the 99 mpg, but instead continues to use fuel. Whereas with the Range product, if the engine isn't under power, it's also not using fuel.

I agree with you that both "should" give the same results, but after months of using both, there's a clear difference in the results...and I'll stick with the product that gives me the best of both worlds, which for me is decent fuel economy AND running on all 8 cylinders when the truck is under power.

Interesting. And my main reason for wanting one was to be able to hear the active exhaust at all times, and to read and clear codes. So it sounds like I have the right tool for my needs.

If I was after fuel economy on a 6.2L I would leave it stock out of sport mode with the DFM and auto start/stop enabled.

The other perk is if I have an issue and need to be towed to the dealer I can just reach down and unplug it and put it in my pocket, same if I need to go in for updates or recalls/warranty work. And then just plug it back in before I leave.

 

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[FirstTimeTruckOwner]

Interesting. And my main reason for wanting one was to be able to hear the active exhaust at all times, and to read and clear codes. So it sounds like I have the right tool for my needs.

If I was after fuel economy on a 6.2L I would leave it stock out of sport mode with the DFM and auto start/stop enabled.

Having the code reader is a definite plus...and I still keep the Carbyte in my center console in case I need to run a scan. Interestingly enough, the AT4X doesn't have a sport mode like the AT4 does, but I will admit the Range definitely disables the DFM while driving and my Borla exhaust sounds great.

 

[Teegunn]

Interesting. And my main reason for wanting one was to be able to hear the active exhaust at all times, and to read and clear codes. So it sounds like I have the right tool for my needs.

If I was after fuel economy on a 6.2L I would leave it stock out of sport mode with the DFM and auto start/stop enabled.

The other perk is if I have an issue and need to be towed to the dealer I can just reach down and unplug it and put it in my pocket, same if I need to go in for updates or recalls/warranty work. And then just plug it back in before I leave.

I am not the poster you are responding to, but I will chime in. I don't have active exhaust (I did clamp open the flapper valve early into ownership of my 23 AT4X). I was originally going to out on a different muffler to give the truck a more throaty sound, but over time being driven and broken in, the truck has gotten a more throaty sound on it's own (not uncommon for exhaust to do this I believe).

I like that I can read codes. I have a basic, cheap code reader/deleter, but the carbyte is definitely more comprehensive than the basic reader.

I also agree that being able to just pull the carbyte out of the OBD is a good thing. Untraceable that way.

I do wish I could keep DFM on (full time V8 off) and auto/start stop on (auto start/stop off). But you either have to have both toggled on or off.

My next tank of gas I am going to toggle full time V8 back on and test the MPG (I figure every tank at fill up and write the MPG and whether I was pulling my job trailer on to my gas receipt). I always adjust the MPG figure by taking the percentage that my non-stock size tires are different from stock tires, and use that to get an accurate MPG figure.

I would prefer to stay in full time V8, but with a measly 24 gallon tank, the range is already too short. If I am losing 2 to 3 MPG, that cuts down the range another 50 to 75 miles. I also don't like wasting money, so getting say 15 to 16 MPG vs 12 to 13 MPG matters to me. I realize no full size truck will get "good" gas mileage. I mean my 2020 3.0 AT4 I had previous averaged about 19 MPG, which of course is better than 14 to 15 MPG for the 6.2. But I believe the overall long term cost out of pocket is about the same as diesel is almost always more expensive, and upkeep on a diesel (more expensive oil changes, DEF, etc) is also simply higher. So to me the cost to drive per mile on my 6.2 vs my previous 3.0 baby diesel is about the same. I did like the 3.0 baby diesel until GM couldn't fix or figure out why the emissions system was stuck in severe limp mode. Which is why I traded it for my now 23 AT4X 6.2.

 

[FirstTimeTruckOwner]

I am not the poster you are responding to, but I will chime in. I don't have active exhaust (I did clamp open the flapper valve early into ownership of my 23 AT4X). I was originally going to out on a different muffler to give the truck a more throaty sound, but over time being driven and broken in, the truck has gotten a more throaty sound on it's own (not uncommon for exhaust to do this I believe).

I like that I can read codes. I have a basic, cheap code reader/deleter, but the carbyte is definitely more comprehensive than the basic reader.

I also agree that being able to just pull the carbyte out of the OBD is a good thing. Untraceable that way.

I do wish I could keep DFM on (full time V8 off) and auto/start stop on (auto start/stop off). But you either have to have both toggled on or off.

My next tank of gas I am going to toggle full time V8 back on and test the MPG (I figure every tank at fill up and write the MPG and whether I was pulling my job trailer on to my gas receipt). I always adjust the MPG figure by taking the percentage that my non-stock size tires are different from stock tires, and use that to get an accurate MPG figure.

I would prefer to stay in full time V8, but with a measly 24 gallon tank, the range is already too short. If I am losing 2 to 3 MPG, that cuts down the range another 50 to 75 miles. I also don't like wasting money, so getting say 15 to 16 MPG vs 12 to 13 MPG matters to me. I realize no full size truck will get "good" gas mileage. I mean my 2020 3.0 AT4 I had previous averaged about 19 MPG, which of course is better than 14 to 15 MPG for the 6.2. But I believe the overall long term cost out of pocket is about the same as diesel is almost always more expensive, and upkeep on a diesel (more expensive oil changes, DEF, etc) is also simply higher. So to me the cost to drive per mile on my 6.2 vs my previous 3.0 baby diesel is about the same. I did like the 3.0 baby diesel until GM couldn't fix or figure out why the emissions system was stuck in severe limp mode. Which is why I traded it for my now 23 AT4X 6.2.

I'm not 100% sure on this, but I believe there is a product out there that you can install that disables only the start/stop. From what I've seen, it's a pretty involved process of pulling out center console panels and what not, but if you did that, your auto start/stop would be disabled without having to press the piano key every time. This would also allow you to run the truck with DFM still enabled. Honestly seems like between the two products (since I've actually used both for several months each), the Range seems the better option for me. Like you said, you don't exactly by a 6.2L truck for the fuel economy, but if I can get 15-16 versus 12-13...you know which way I'll go!

 

[hdrolling]

I am not the poster you are responding to, but I will chime in. I don't have active exhaust (I did clamp open the flapper valve early into ownership of my 23 AT4X). I was originally going to out on a different muffler to give the truck a more throaty sound, but over time being driven and broken in, the truck has gotten a more throaty sound on it's own (not uncommon for exhaust to do this I believe).

I like that I can read codes. I have a basic, cheap code reader/deleter, but the carbyte is definitely more comprehensive than the basic reader.

I also agree that being able to just pull the carbyte out of the OBD is a good thing. Untraceable that way.

I do wish I could keep DFM on (full time V8 off) and auto/start stop on (auto start/stop off). But you either have to have both toggled on or off.

My next tank of gas I am going to toggle full time V8 back on and test the MPG (I figure every tank at fill up and write the MPG and whether I was pulling my job trailer on to my gas receipt). I always adjust the MPG figure by taking the percentage that my non-stock size tires are different from stock tires, and use that to get an accurate MPG figure.

I would prefer to stay in full time V8, but with a measly 24 gallon tank, the range is already too short. If I am losing 2 to 3 MPG, that cuts down the range another 50 to 75 miles. I also don't like wasting money, so getting say 15 to 16 MPG vs 12 to 13 MPG matters to me. I realize no full size truck will get "good" gas mileage. I mean my 2020 3.0 AT4 I had previous averaged about 19 MPG, which of course is better than 14 to 15 MPG for the 6.2. But I believe the overall long term cost out of pocket is about the same as diesel is almost always more expensive, and upkeep on a diesel (more expensive oil changes, DEF, etc) is also simply higher. So to me the cost to drive per mile on my 6.2 vs my previous 3.0 baby diesel is about the same. I did like the 3.0 baby diesel until GM couldn't fix or figure out why the emissions system was stuck in severe limp mode. Which is why I traded it for my now 23 AT4X 6.2.

On my App I can pick if I want both on or just one, you don't need them both on or off. Just go to the auto on/off on the app and if its orange just tap it and it will go back to gray and say disabled or enabled.

 

[Teegunn]

I'm not 100% sure on this, but I believe there is a product out there that you can install that disables only the start/stop. From what I've seen, it's a pretty involved process of pulling out center console panels and what not, but if you did that, your auto start/stop would be disabled without having to press the piano key every time. This would also allow you to run the truck with DFM still enabled. Honestly seems like between the two products (since I've actually used both for several months each), the Range seems the better option for me. Like you said, you don't exactly by a 6.2L truck for the fuel economy, but if I can get 15-16 versus 12-13...you know which way I'll go!

There is a product that shuts off just the auto stop/start, but it's not THAT important to me to buy it and then install it.

And yes on the 3 or so MPG difference - it adds up. Not only in $, but simply in range. I was driving back and forth between MT and NE at least 6 times a year (more like 7 or 8 some years) as I was building spec houses for my parents back in NE, so would go every other month or so and work 7 days a week for 3 or 4 weeks. It is 998 miles between my place in MT and theirs in NE. 3 MPG less means at least 50 miles less range (more like 70 to 80 less), and the range is already too short on this dumb 24 gallon mini-gas tank. I am not making that drive anymore since I built out the last of their lots (dad did the subdivisions then built out houses on the lots), and have now retired and they are not planning on building any more. But even for normal driving, pulling my job trailers, etc here in MT - I hate losing that MPG on a vehicle that already gets poor MPG.

 

[Teegunn]

On my App I can pick if I want both on or just one, you don't need them both on or off. Just go to the auto on/off on the app and if its orange just tap it and it will go back to gray and say disabled or enabled.

I can pick also, but it never works. If I have full time V8 disabled, I can't have auto/start stop disabled, too. Trust me I've tried many times. Even factory reset the Carbyte, the re-downloaded the updates, etc. They both have to be on or off. It's not the end of the world - one, Carbyte sent me this unit for free - and it does it's job. I just didn't think my MPG would take such a large hit.

My next fill up (probably early next week), am and going to enable full time V8 and see if the MPG's are better this time, since it has warmed up here quite a bit in Montana, and as of now most of the snow/ice is gone so maybe the higher temps outside plus not having to slog through snow/ice will even things out some. I will report back here with a post after I test this next tank.

 

[hdrolling]

I can pick also, but it never works. If I have full time V8 disabled, I can't have auto/start stop disabled, too. Trust me I've tried many times. Even factory reset the Carbyte, the re-downloaded the updates, etc. They both have to be on or off. It's not the end of the world - one, Carbyte sent me this unit for free - and it does it's job. I just didn't think my MPG would take such a large hit.

My next fill up (probably early next week), am and going to enable full time V8 and see if the MPG's are better this time, since it has warmed up here quite a bit in Montana, and as of now most of the snow/ice is gone so maybe the higher temps outside plus not having to slog through snow/ice will even things out some. I will report back here with a post after I test this next tank.

So you are correct, I was wrong.

After seeing your post I had to try it this morning, so I have turn on one and left the other off but never looked to see if both were turning on and off.

Well they do, both on or both off. What's the point of having two separate buttons if one activates or deactivates both?

I did confirm my phone was updated, app was updated and the firmware was the latest ver.

I guess since I leave both on so the two features are off on the truck all the time that I would never have noticed.

 

[FirstTimeTruckOwner]

So you are correct, I was wrong.

After seeing your post I had to try it this morning, so I have turn on one and left the other off but never looked to see if both were turning on and off.

Well they do, both on or both off. What's the point of having two separate buttons if one activates or deactivates both?

I did confirm my phone was updated, app was updated and the firmware was the latest ver.

I guess since I leave both on so the two features are off on the truck all the time that I would never have noticed.

I also noticed that you can't turn either option "on or off" while the truck is in motion. I noticed a few times while driving that the Carbyte hadn't disabled the DFM and was trying to disable it while driving down the interstate...but no luck. It wasn't until I got to a stop light that I was able to disable the DFM via the app.

 

[Teegunn]

I also noticed that you can't turn either option "on or off" while the truck is in motion. I noticed a few times while driving that the Carbyte hadn't disabled the DFM and was trying to disable it while driving down the interstate...but no luck. It wasn't until I got to a stop light that I was able to disable the DFM via the app.

Also correct. You have to be stopped to change the setting.

I still like the device, and depending on if my test have full time V8 on for my next tank of gas goes as far as MPG hit, if the hit in MPG is not bad I will probably keep the settings on.

There are other nice features with the device, such as detailed diagnostics, code reading and clearing. Those are nice features.

 

[Carbyte]

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

If you’re experiencing Carbyte not properly disabling the start/stop function or AFM/DFM at random, please reach out to our support team.

We have seen an uptick in tracker devices installed in vehicles without the owner’s knowledge. Those devices interfere with Carbyte, preventing it from functioning properly. This occurs seemingly at random, when the tracker is using the OBD port to transfer data.

Our support team can help you identify such devices.

 

[hdrolling]

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

If you’re experiencing Carbyte not properly disabling the start/stop function or AFM/DFM at random, please reach out to our support team.

We have seen an uptick in tracker devices installed in vehicles without the owner’s knowledge. Those devices interfere with Carbyte, preventing it from functioning properly. This occurs seemingly at random, when the tracker is using the OBD port to transfer data.

Our support team can help you identify such devices.

No tracker on mine.

Can you verify if your suppose to be able to enable one feature at a time or is it always both on or both off?

I leave both off anyways and they both work, just never noticed if you turn one on then they both turn on or off.

Also I did submit a ticket and used this thread title as the Order#

 

[BillyCeee]

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

If you’re experiencing Carbyte not properly disabling the start/stop function or AFM/DFM at random, please reach out to our support team.

We have seen an uptick in tracker devices installed in vehicles without the owner’s knowledge. Those devices interfere with Carbyte, preventing it from functioning properly. This occurs seemingly at random, when the tracker is using the OBD port to transfer data.

Our support team can help you identify such devices.

Are these tracker devices the ones installed by the dealer to deter theft when they are entered into their inventory? Where would I look to see if there is one in the vehicle? Also, is there anyway the Onstar system could trace and transmit about the Carbyte device being used? Thank you.

 

[Pingbling23]

I’ve been pleased with mine. I had to remove it today when dropping it off at the dealer for a recall. Drives and idles much smoother with the carbyte installed.

 

[Whitebeast]

Also correct. You have to be stopped to change the setting.

I still like the device, and depending on if my test have full time V8 on for my next tank of gas goes as far as MPG hit, if the hit in MPG is not bad I will probably keep the settings on.

There are other nice features with the device, such as detailed diagnostics, code reading and clearing. Those are nice features.

Thinking of getting one of these. Can you update me on your MPG issue. Thanks in advance!