DFM disabler released

[KMeloney]

This dealer has kind of avoided technical questions. I asked if they’d disable DFM… they gave me the “GM designed it this way” ok sure.

They did design it that way, and the dealer can't do anything about it. There is no way for GM to disable DFM. You weren't getting the run-around.

 

[Marky Dissod]

This dealer has kind of avoided technical questions.
I asked if they’d disable DFM … they gave me the “GM designed it this way”. ok sure.
And They highly suggested I don’t use 3rd party disabler ok sure.

This is like asking the Joker to not use Jokervenom, on camera.
The Joker's entire raison d'etre requires using it, or at the very least to ignore pleas to NOT use it.

GM pays everyone that works for GM to NOT disable AFM / DFM Also,
GM pays everyone that works for GM to not even speak against AFM / DFM in public.

 

[jerry455]

It is much more difficult to "tune" a Global B vehicle. The dealer can't turn off DFM. As far as I know, there is no DFM delete yet.

 

[Fairweatherider]

I finally made it through all 33 pages. Very helpful knowledge in here.
BTW, what is a “global B” motor? Saw several references to that.

 

[djnice]

Global B is gm's clasification of the electronic control module used in newer gm vehicles.

 

[jerry455]

Global B electrical architecture started on the T1 Suburban/Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade for the 2021 and newer models. I think the T1 pickups started somewhere around 2022. The GM diagnostic tool for the Global B use the MDI 2. I am not sure what aftermarket scanners will work on these vehicles.

 

[jfoj]

The MDI 2 interface is only really needed for module programming, sure with the right license/subscription, software and computer you can read codes, clear codes and run bi-directional tests, but the main reason for the MDI 2 is module programming and this requires all the licensing, subscriptions and access to the data files, not something the average DIYer can afford and needs. OBDII tools still work fine and will query most OBDII modes, generic data and codes, manufaturer specific data and codes, if supported ABS, Airbags, EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) and other modules to include bi-directional data and service resets depending on the advanced level of the tool.

A $10 phone App and $20-$40 OBDII interface can read standard OBDII codes and clear codes, display live data and Emission Readiness Monitor status. The issue is GM has one of the highest licensing fees for Extended OBDII data support so the folks offering powerful phone/tablet Apps for under $20 cannot really afford to purchase the GM license. Additionally even if these App providers purchase the GM license, if they stop subscribing to the GM license, even though they have written all the code to support the GM specific data, they are required by the terms of the licensing agreement to delete all the GM specific coding and support they offered. Kind of a tight line the App developers need to walk, if they do not charge enough to support the GM licensing costs and have enough App purchasers it does not make financial sense for the smaller guys. The big name tool suppliers do offer this, but you have to pay 4 figures for the tool up front and pay 3 to 4 figures annually for updates and subscribtions.

The average DIYer and smaller shop really have no need for a MDI 2 interface due to the requirement for expensive software subscriptions and access to software updates for module programming and so forth. These vehicles are just now catching up with many of the higher end European models that for years had to have most modules "coded/programmed" with the VIN and vehicle options as well as the lastest updated software/firmware.

Over 10 years ago, I was at a BMW dealer that had a bunch of parking spaces behing the dealership up against the building. All of these parking spaces had power outlets and Ethernect connections build into the building. There would be half a dozen or more cars parked in these spots with the hood up, higher current battery maintainers on the vehicles and a box that was connected to the Ethernet port and the OBDII port. These were then connected to BMW Support for troubleshooting and module updating. Typically there were not Techs around as all of this work was being performed remotely. Kind of a crazy situations, but modern vehicles have way too many computers, modules, data storage devices, cameras, sensors and electronics, some even had multiple data busses as well as fiber option data links. When the batteries get weak or the alternators have problems in these newer vehicles, data between modules gets corrupt and the modules just start going offline. Some even go offline as a form of triage to try to keep the engine running so you can get the vehicle pulled off somewhere safe before the entire monster shuts down.

 

[Marky Dissod]

So, our cars are becoming more like John Deere, then? Disappointing.

 

[jfoj]

@Marky Dissod

Luckily it is not going to be as bad a John Deere. OBD will be around a long time, not sure if there will be an OBDIII at some point? But there needs to be a way everyone can at least get an idea of what is going on with basic functions of the vehicles.

As for other higher level things, yes, it makes sense to take the vehicle to the dealer due to the support required to flash modules and make more advance "technology" related repairs.

Unfortunately with all the computerization this is just the way the industry is heading for some of the repairs. One of the problems with all the "technology" some of it is obsolete within 3-4 years or at least did not have enough processing power and RAM to support more advanced updates. I expect SuperCruise to be falling behind in year 4 or 5. I have no interest in someone writing software for my vehicle to operate on the highway that takes public transportation or rides a bike! I have seen too many instances where some sort of self driving cannot expect the unexpected.

I had a guy on the highway pass me in a pickup truck with a 10-12 foot step ladder hanging over the top of the tailgate. Just as I finished my thought that everything gets sucked out of the back of pickups at highway speeds, the ladder caught air and flipped out of the truck, I was immediatey in defensive mode moving into the shoulder and slowing quickly. Luckily the ladder stayed in his lane and did not flip. This weekend I was on the highway in the left lane and as I drive looking both close and far ahead, saw something in the left lane, moved to the right lane and increased the gap from vehicles in front of me. What was in the left lane, a bumper cover that had fallen off someones car! You just cannot make this stuff up and it happens all the time.

Maybe the best options are the way of the "Retomod", a 1970 car or truck with updated suspentions and a BT head unit with a port fuel injected V8 that you can tweak with your laptop! Something that most people can work on with a basic level of experience.

 

[Marky Dissod]

OBD2 is ok, livable. It's the Global Bullschidt architecture that makes everything even more expensive to tune than the GMTK2xx tuff before 2018.

And yes, one of the things that will exacerbate this nation's metastases is how difficult it's become for shadetree mechs to work on their own cars.

 

[tom082551]

I was hoping for an easier install as well like the other ones that go on the obd under the dash. Doesn’t seem that bad though but if there are issues then it’s a pain to remove or check.

 

[tom082551]

I just installed mine this morning in less than 30 min. Very clear instructions included. What took the most time for me was taking the screws the torque screws out of the fender liner because I’m 74 years old and I can’t see anymore, but as far as the rest of the procedure, it’s very easy. what took the most time for me was removing the old start stop disabler that was behind my AC vent. This device are already has a start. Stop disable or included.

 

[jfoj]

I just installed mine this morning in less than 30 min. Very clear instructions included. What took the most time for me was taking the screws the torque screws out of the fender liner because I’m 74 years old and I can’t see anymore, but as far as the rest of the procedure, it’s very easy. what took the most time for me was removing the old start stop disabler that was behind my AC vent. This device are already has a start. Stop disable or included.

Tom,

I commend you at 74 rolling around on the ground installing the Range DFM device. I agree it is not too hard, trickier to get the proper socket/tools to remove the fasteners than installing the Range device.

I put the Range device on my 2024 at about 175 miles, have almost 10k on it now and have ZERO regrets. Hope it continues to serve you well.

Keep active on your truck doing as much work as you can!!

 

[jerry455]

Just ordered mine this morning for my 2021 Suburban. I will install it as soon as it arrives.

 

[jfoj]

I think you'll generally be pleased. Pretty much install and forget. The only thing I noticed is that sometimes took longer to set the Emission Readiness monitors then I would have expected but it would finally set everything to Ready.

 

[jerry455]

I have had the Range module in for almost a week and a half. The truck seems so much smoother while driving. It was an easy install. I put anti seize on every fastener that I removed and reinstalled, just a habit, I do that on any vehicle I work on.

 

[tom082551]

Tom,

I commend you at 74 rolling around on the ground installing the Range DFM device. I agree it is not too hard, trickier to get the proper socket/tools to remove the fasteners than installing the Range device.

I put the Range device on my 2024 at about 175 miles, have almost 10k on it now and have ZERO regrets. Hope it continues to serve you well.

Keep active on your truck doing as much work as you can!!

Why thank you! I’m a Detroit born “GEARHEAD” from day one! I have my entire life done all of my repairs and upgrades and downgrades side grades and what have used to my vehicles because I love learning and understanding what makes things tick? So for me to install a device that is phenomenal The reviews on that device are just top-notch and the simplicity of the install is even better. So if anything, I think it reduced my mpg and probably only because the vehicle now doesn’t have a gender identity problem it knows that it is a Wahl V8 full-time all the time and what that does to me is allow me to mash my foot And that could be why the gas mileage is a little lower but yeah, that device is a game changer thanks for your reply. I’ve got really hit me in the heart.

 

[MSTI]

I installed one in my 2025 Tahoe yesterday and the check engine light came on and the engine still did the auto shut off. I pulled it, reinstalled and everything was fine and it worked how it should. This morning, the truck wouldn't start and I got all kinds of weird messages. I had to disconnect the negative battery cable and it started after reconnecting but the check engine light came back on and the module was not working. I tried to do the reinstall but to no avail. I completely removed the range and the check engine light went off. Wondering if I just got a bad one or is this common?

 

[jfoj]

@MSTI

As far as I know nobody has a device that will work with the 2025 in newer models. The new Gobal B architecture has been getting locked down more and more each year and 2024 was last year that the range and the other DFM defeat devices would function.

If you have a 2025 what you need to do is drive it in L9 except when you get out on the highway you can run L9 up to about 55 mph on State routes and secondary back roads. I'm not sure if L9 will defeat the Auto Start Stop feature, if not for about $100 you can get a plug-in module that we will remember the last setting of the ASS.

 

[nick14226]

From ranges website, seems GM likes to be difficult with the SUV’s before the trucks (don’t think the trucks got global B till 2025). Yeesh

“DFM Module for Refresh V8 models - 2021-2024 GM SUV and 2022.5-2026 GM 1500 Truck”