How to get rid of Active Fuel Management, auto stop/start and adjust petal response

Carcudi

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Hi everyone. I just got my 2024 Sierra 1500 AT4 with the 6.2l in it and I was just curious to see if their is anyway to get rid of Active Fuel Management, auto stop/start and adjust petal response without going in and changing the tune. I don't want any thing to show up if I have to go to the dealership especially since I just bought the truck this week. I am fully aware of buying individual everything individually to plug into the OBD. I just didn't know if there is anything that I can plug inline to do all of that similar to the Pulsar.
 

I am a reluctant member of the "L9" club. I really really do not like the bogged down along with slight shudder feeling I get when the AFM kicks in and out. Maybe there is something wrong with my particular truck? When I asked about it at the dealer the service advisor told me "that's just how they are" and that he "personally would not own an AFM equipped vehicle because of the long term issues". I used the Range Technology disabler for my previous three 6.2 trucks but it does not work on my 22 refreshed AT4. Until I learned the L9 trick I was seriously considering trading it. I swear around town it is a different truck in L9. I likely will not buy another GM with AFM again because of this. Maybe I will move up to an HD or the diesel AT4? I have stuck with GM SUVs and trucks for almost 20 years but this may be the issue that pushes me elsewhere.
 

You may want to try other Driving Modes as well. They do change pedal response:

I usually (but rarely) select sport mode to reduce the lag, and off-road to improve fuel economy and comfort during road trips. And I've yet to understand what Tow mode does (when the truck is not towing anything)...
 

Put it in L and then use paddles to shift up to 9th gear . I do it every time I start my truck . This does everything you are asking for except for pedal response .
Then put in tow/haul for better response! Or wait, you have a 1500 6.2. Should have a sport mode. That may do the trick.

No BS, I've been driving my trucks this way since afm/dod came into play. M or L, 2nd to highest gear, tow/haul, traction off. My wife thinks I'm preparing for take off every time, but I have over a million miles between the last 3-4 trucks so not hurting anything... Except gas mileage 😉. I swear this method allowed my 2015 to hit 265,000 before lifter issues. That and because I drive it hard.
 

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I have been in and around a few different models of the GM truck. Is it rare to find one without the auto start/stop feature? I have a 22 with the 6.2 and don't have the button. Which I am grateful for because I don't have to turn it off every time I get in the truck. But everyone who gets in my truck asks, "How did you get it without the auto start/stop"

That's just how it came.
 

I have been in and around a few different models of the GM truck. Is it rare to find one without the auto start/stop feature? I have a 22 with the 6.2 and don't have the button. Which I am grateful for because I don't have to turn it off every time I get in the truck. But everyone who gets in my truck asks, "How did you get it without the auto start/stop"

That's just how it came.
It's my understanding that certain years built during covid didn't come with it due to the chip shortage.
 

I tried the "tow mode" option today in my 20 minute (each way) commute to the jobsite for the house I am building currently. Wanted to see if the truck would "shift up" out of 10th and if the RPM's would change. Didn't see or notice a difference in or out tow mode.

My AT4X only has "normal", "terrain", or "offroad" for factory tune options. Terrain seemed to downshift me to a gear where the RPM's went up. Off Road mode really didn't work well, which it isn't meant for HWY driving I don't think.

I actually can't say I notice if AFM/cyclinder deactivation is happening on my truck. I am sure it is, but I don't notice it. I noticed it on my 2014 Z71 Sierra though. Just really haven't noticed it on the 23 AT4X.

I am going to do some google searching to see if I can find out what exactly "tow mode" is changing on this truck. I know usually that shift points and downshift points change in Tow Mode, at least traditionally. Also engine braking kicks in I believe. And I normally tow a large job trailer a lot. But haven't had to now for over 3 months. I always put the truck into Tow Mode when pulling a trailer, have dropped off the trailer and forgot to disengage Tow Mode back to Normal, and never was able to notice a difference.

The main thing I am looking to accomplish is to get rid of AFM so lifter issues become less likely. And other improvements - better MPG, better throttle response or power would be great, but doubt MPG would be better in Tow Mode vs Normal. Power, or at least seat of the pants power, could change given slower shift points.

I have driven trucks that have a "sport mode", and definitely noticed better throttle respons and power curve. Always figured the trade off would be worse MPG, which I am sure would be the case. Do wish my 23 AT4X had a "sport" mode. Ohh, well.
 

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I tried the "tow mode" option today in my 20 minute (each way) commute to the jobsite for the house I am building currently. Wanted to see if the truck would "shift up" out of 10th and if the RPM's would change. Didn't see or notice a difference in or out tow mode.

My AT4X only has "normal", "terrain", or "offroad" for factory tune options. Terrain seemed to downshift me to a gear where the RPM's went up. Off Road mode really didn't work well, which it isn't meant for HWY driving I don't think.

I actually can't say I notice if AFM/cyclinder deactivation is happening on my truck. I am sure it is, but I don't notice it. I noticed it on my 2014 Z71 Sierra though. Just really haven't noticed it on the 23 AT4X.

I am going to do some google searching to see if I can find out what exactly "tow mode" is changing on this truck. I know usually that shift points and downshift points change in Tow Mode, at least traditionally. Also engine braking kicks in I believe. And I normally tow a large job trailer a lot. But haven't had to now for over 3 months. I always put the truck into Tow Mode when pulling a trailer, have dropped off the trailer and forgot to disengage Tow Mode back to Normal, and never was able to notice a difference.

The main thing I am looking to accomplish is to get rid of AFM so lifter issues become less likely. And other improvements - better MPG, better throttle response or power would be great, but doubt MPG would be better in Tow Mode vs Normal. Power, or at least seat of the pants power, could change given slower shift points.

I have driven trucks that have a "sport mode", and definitely noticed better throttle respons and power curve. Always figured the trade off would be worse MPG, which I am sure would be the case. Do wish my 23 AT4X had a "sport" mode. Ohh, well.
My sales guy told me that all 6.2l AT4X’s “Normal” driving mode is the same as Sport mode on all other 6.2l Sierra models. This is my first GM vehicle so I have no frame of reference and I know that sales guys are full of sh*t.

I don’t notice the AFM on my ‘23 AT4X either. Oh and I agree that Off Road mode is extremely disappointing…I expected much more from it.
 

My sales guy told me that all 6.2l AT4X’s “Normal” driving mode is the same as Sport mode on all other 6.2l Sierra models. This is my first GM vehicle so I have no frame of reference and I know that sales guys are full of sh*t.

I don’t notice the AFM on my ‘23 AT4X either. Oh and I agree that Off Road mode is extremely disappointing…I expected much more from it.

That's interesting info! I have no idea if it is true, either. Possibly. And yeah - I have never noticed AFM. No flutter, etc, or funky things or sounds going on. I have tried the L9 trick multiple times and never noticed a difference.

AFM was obvious on my 2014 Sierra. Fluttering sound mostly. Besides that, I didn't really notice anything. AFM seems a useless thing though - is it really saving fuel? Is there a proven benefit? We know there is at least one negative with the lifter issues.
 

I tried the "tow mode" option today in my 20 minute (each way) commute to the jobsite for the house I am building currently. Wanted to see if the truck would "shift up" out of 10th and if the RPM's would change. Didn't see or notice a difference in or out tow mode.

My AT4X only has "normal", "terrain", or "offroad" for factory tune options. Terrain seemed to downshift me to a gear where the RPM's went up. Off Road mode really didn't work well, which it isn't meant for HWY driving I don't think.

This is what GM says about driving modes.

ABOUT DRIVER MODE CONTROL/TRACTION SELECT SYSTEM​

Driver Mode Control/Traction Select System allows you to choose your desired mode in response to changing road conditions. You can change modes at any time — even when your vehicle is in motion. The types of modes available depend on the model and the vehicle’s equipment, but may include the following:
  • Tour/Normal — Designed for everyday driving; Tour Mode optimizes fuel economy and drive quality
  • Sport — Steering response is tightened, suspension calibration is more responsive and hydraulic dampers provide a fun-to-drive, sporty performance ideal for dry roads
  • Tow/Haul — This mode keeps the vehicle in a lower gear for more torque, improving the drive when pulling a trailer or heavy load
  • AWD — Engages the rear wheels to help improve normal driving on paved roads that are covered with water, snow or ice. This feature is only available on vehicles that do not have the option to select four-wheel drive. Vehicles with selectable four-wheel drive may have 2WD, Auto, 4Hi and 4Lo (if equipped)
  • Snow/Ice — This mode is designed to help provide improved performance on slippery road surfaces by adjusting the pedal map, which slows acceleration and torque response to prevent wheel slip
  • Off-Road — Off-Road is designed to help improve traction, maneuverability and handling confidence in off-road conditions such as gravel, sand and mud
  • Terrain — Terrain mode adjusts your vehicle’s shift mapping and traction control, and adds automatic braking to maximize performance in varying road or surface conditions
  • My Mode — A configurable mode programmed through the centerstack display. Depending on your vehicle and trim level, you may be able to customize the tuning of the suspension, steering, exhaust, engine sound and brake feel
  • Z Mode/V Mode — Depending on your vehicle and trim level, you may be able to choose your preferred propulsion setting in addition to customizing the tuning of the engine shift settings, suspension, steering, exhaust, engine sound, brake feel and PTM
  • Track Mode — Designed for closed racetracks when maximum vehicle handling is desired; the automatic transmission and steering are similar to Sport Mode, but the accelerator pedal is adjusted to help provide maximum control during spirited driving
  • Weather — Similar to Snow/Ice Mode, Weather Mode is designed to help control wheel speed on slippery road surfaces by adjusting the throttle progression and transmission shift

But I've not noticed any difference using tow/haul mode while not towing... Maybe it is just a placebo dial :)
 

This is what GM says about driving modes.

ABOUT DRIVER MODE CONTROL/TRACTION SELECT SYSTEM​

Driver Mode Control/Traction Select System allows you to choose your desired mode in response to changing road conditions. You can change modes at any time — even when your vehicle is in motion. The types of modes available depend on the model and the vehicle’s equipment, but may include the following:
  • Tour/Normal — Designed for everyday driving; Tour Mode optimizes fuel economy and drive quality
  • Sport — Steering response is tightened, suspension calibration is more responsive and hydraulic dampers provide a fun-to-drive, sporty performance ideal for dry roads
  • Tow/Haul — This mode keeps the vehicle in a lower gear for more torque, improving the drive when pulling a trailer or heavy load
  • AWD — Engages the rear wheels to help improve normal driving on paved roads that are covered with water, snow or ice. This feature is only available on vehicles that do not have the option to select four-wheel drive. Vehicles with selectable four-wheel drive may have 2WD, Auto, 4Hi and 4Lo (if equipped)
  • Snow/Ice — This mode is designed to help provide improved performance on slippery road surfaces by adjusting the pedal map, which slows acceleration and torque response to prevent wheel slip
  • Off-Road — Off-Road is designed to help improve traction, maneuverability and handling confidence in off-road conditions such as gravel, sand and mud
  • Terrain — Terrain mode adjusts your vehicle’s shift mapping and traction control, and adds automatic braking to maximize performance in varying road or surface conditions
  • My Mode — A configurable mode programmed through the centerstack display. Depending on your vehicle and trim level, you may be able to customize the tuning of the suspension, steering, exhaust, engine sound and brake feel
  • Z Mode/V Mode — Depending on your vehicle and trim level, you may be able to choose your preferred propulsion setting in addition to customizing the tuning of the engine shift settings, suspension, steering, exhaust, engine sound, brake feel and PTM
  • Track Mode — Designed for closed racetracks when maximum vehicle handling is desired; the automatic transmission and steering are similar to Sport Mode, but the accelerator pedal is adjusted to help provide maximum control during spirited driving
  • Weather — Similar to Snow/Ice Mode, Weather Mode is designed to help control wheel speed on slippery road surfaces by adjusting the throttle progression and transmission shift

But I've not noticed any difference using tow/haul mode while not towing... Maybe it is just a placebo dial :)
Thanks for the info! Wish my 23 AT4X had a couple of those driving modes you listed.
 

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