DFM disabler released

[jfoj]

Will watch the Evap Monitor on my truck, I have had a lot of starts and driven quite a few miles since I last triggered codes when installing and testing my Park Release cable and then clearing codes. Maybe it has been too cold for the Evap to clear, as I recall temperature does play into the Evap testing due to expansion and contraction of the fuel.

But even before the Polar Vortex hit my area, I would have expected the Evap to clear if it as going to. Who knows, but it was interesting the reply from Range unless this was just their "canned" reply, remove the device and run Drive Cycles. Maybe their device delays the Readiness Monitors turning to Ready. So beware and check before an Emission Inspection.

I would prefer not have to remove it, just extra work.

 

[jfoj]

Wanted to post a follow up.

My Evap Readiness Monitor finally cleared with the Range module in the vehicle.

From my experience it seems with the Range module certain Readiness Monitors may take longer to change their state to Ready than without the module.

Kind of disappointed that the Range staff even stated that the module would need to be removed and the Emission Drive Cycle would need to be performed until the Readiness Monitors were set to Ready.

I think this was either someone at Range that did not understand how their device functioned or just figured it was quicker and easier to tell people to remove the module to get the vehicle ready for Emission Testing if the Readiness Monitors were not all set to Pass/Ready/Clearf.

So a word to the wise, anyone with a Range device should check the Readiness Monitors on their vehicle a few weeks prior to Emission Testing to be 100% sure the vehicles Readiness Monitors are all in a Pass/Ready/Clear state.

Overall I have no complaints about the Range device at this point in time. While the Cylinder Deactivation Counters DO increment on Decel with Fuel Cutoff as monitored on a more advanced scan tool. I have not 100% verifiied if the DFM solenoids are active during DCO at this point. Even if the DFM solenoids are active and the lifters are collapsing, during DCO, I still see this as a win as there is far less activity with the lifters collapsing during DCO then if the entire system was left active.

 

[jerry455]

I am looking to purchase a scan tool. I work for GM but will be retiring while I still own my truck and won't have access to an MDI 2. What tool do you have?

 

[jfoj]

I am looking to purchase a scan tool. I work for GM but will be retiring while I still own my truck and won't have access to an MDI 2. What tool do you have?

So this is somewhat a loaded question. I often base scan tool choice on what the tool could save me in repairs to how much I would pay for the tool. If you do most of your own repairs and can troubleshoot well and are not afraid of electrical systems, then maybe invenst more in a tool. If you use a shop for most of your work, but want a chance and maybe repairing things yourself or at least having an idea how critical a problem is, a lower to mid priced tool is for you. Also if you have household of different vehicle brands, you may need to spend more, i.e. if you have GM, Toyota and a BMW, you may need a tool that supports those brands rather than a more specific US or GM tool.

I recommend EVERYONE that has an ounce of technical knowlege have at least a plain, generic OBDII tool for reading and clearing codes. One of the cheapest and I think best bang for the buck is the OBDFusion App which has a version for both Android and Apple IOS. $10 for the App tops and about $30-$40 for a wireless interface to work with the App. If anyone wants suggestions on an interface, message me and I will make some recommendations. Keep the interface in the console or glovebox of all your vehicles and you ALWAYS have an OBDII tool on hand for your vehicle or helping out family of friends.

You really need to understand what you really need, many people try to over buy on a tool as well.

I break tools into a few categories:

A. Level 1 - Basic generic OBDII tool, works with almost anything from 1996 up and assists with the MAJORITY of things that trigger the SES/CEL/MIL. Everyone needs one of these. OBDFusion is my go to App and has been for over 10 years.

B. Level 2 - Supports generic OBDII and typically adds things like ABS and Airbag codes and clearing error support. These can be cheaper asian tools for typically between $75-$200. Some have lifetime, updates, some you pay for updates.

C. Level 3 - A slightly more advanced tool that may support some bi-directional control for testings and trouble shooting, may support TPMS, Electronic Parking Break, ABS Brake Bleeding, Battery Registration on vehicles that require it, Clearing Service Reminders and might support other modules as well. Some may have add on modules for battery and chargings system tesing and even borescope cameras. These tend to be in the $400-$700 range depending on vendor and module support.

D. Then there is the class of tools that probably start around $1000 and range up to price to $5000 and have expensive updates. These tools tend to support more bi-directional control, module programming, key programming, and more. These tools may also support Collision Avoidance Sensors, Parking Sensors, Cameras and more. They also have a bit more learning curve as well. Some of these may be OE tools or OE tool clones.

I recommend everyone have more than 1 tool.

Have a Level 1 OBDII App on their phone/tablet and a wireless interface. This is a bare minimum.

Then depending ones skill level, they should have at least a Level 2 or Level 3 tool. Prices are higher for a Level 3 tool, but if you can save a single shop trip for something a bit more complicated by having a Level 3 tool, it may pay for itself on the first use.

I have too many scan tools. Some are a bit outdated due to the cost of updates, some are somewhat obsolete for the newer cars, but are very advanced for older cars.

I would say the Autel or Launch tools have a good price to feature set. Are pretty easy to use and update. Many of these tools are now effectively Android based tablets with Wifi and Bluetooth. Many can update over Wifi now, so no need to connect to a computer or pull a memory card and update with a computer. Some have wireless OBD interfaces so you are not tethered in the drivers seat. Autel usually charges around $250 for annual updates, I usually only update my tools every 3-4 years unless I really need a more current update. Some Launch tools have free updates.

There are a number of tools around the $500 range that give additional info like oil pressure, oil temperature, will show DFM activity, show what gear the transmission is in, most can graph sensors as seem from the ECM on the tool. While on tool graphing can be useful, I often find for more complex issues having a tool that can aquire data and be exported can be more useful.

Believe it or not OBDFusion has this ability for the basic OBDII sensors, but not what are typcially considered Extended PID's. OBDFusion does have some add on packs for different models, but unfortunately no GM due to the way GM's licensing works, it is far too expensive for a smaller company with low cost Apps to have GM specific data available.

Anyway, this is a broad subject that could use its own forum. Anyone that has specific quesitons, message me and I can hopefully give some recommendations.

 

[jerry455]

I have my own Tech 2. I loved using that. I wish GM wouldn't have gone the MDI and computer direction. It is so much easier with a stand alone tool. I have always repaired my own vehicles. So I would like to buy a good scan tool that can diagnose all of the systems on the truck. I have never even used the "free" oil changes when my vehicles were new. I prefer to do all of the maintenance myself.

 

[jerry455]

Maybe there could be a thread on what scanners people have and how they use them, just read codes or more in depth.