To install the Range V8, simply plug the device into the vehicle OBD II port under the steering wheel. The vehicle should always be fully off when installing the device. Once installed, the blue light should illuminate.
You can leave the Range device in the vehicle all the time if the vehicle is driven regularly. If it is driven sporadically, please remove the device and reinstall when ready to drive.
Always remove your device before visiting your automotive dealership. The technicians at the dealership will need access to the OBD II port in order to run diagnostics on your vehicle.
NO! That's the beauty (and the innovation) behind this technology.
It DOES NOT alter/reprogram/reflash ANYTHING in your vehicle's powertrain systems. It is ONLY active when plugged into the OBD II port and is its own standalone "mini powertrain controller". The module contains a powerful microprocessor and does all the "heavy lifting" to work in concert with the factory powertrain modules to alter the AFM operation.
It DOES NOT override any factory safety features (such as over temperature protection, low oil pressure protection, diagnostic fault protection, etc.) It retains all the factory protections and works within the factory system limits.
When it is time for service or warranty work, simply unplug it from the connector and it is totally removed from the vehicle to allow the dealer service tools to be used.
Your vehicle is equipped with a "Driver Information Center" in the center of the dashboard that gives you a lot of options and displays. These displays (usually in the INFO category) can tell you everything from tire pressures to average fuel economy. As part of these displays, there is an indicator that shows you "V8" (or "V6" on EcoTec V6 models) and V4 (or "V3" on EcoTec V6 models).
To access this information, you use the steering wheel controls on the right side or the button on the dash for the Driver Information to scroll through the information in the screen in the center of the dash under the gauges.
On the pre-2014 models, it is usually a single button on the dash to the right of the steering wheel and single presses will scroll to the next information screen.
On 2014+ models equipped with the LCD screen, you use the steering wheel buttons to scroll through the options in the INFO category.
Once in awhile the company runs across a vehicle that has no power to the OBD2 port, which means module cannot power up. This is usually due to the OBD2 fuse being blown and in most GM products this is shared with the CIG LTR fuse (not to be confused with the AUX PWR fuse, which is the other sockets).
This fuse is usually located under the hood in the fuse box and labeled as CIG, CIG/LTR or CIG/OBD. An example of a typical Silverado fuse box is shown here:
d in the fuse box and labeled as CIG, CIG/LTR or CIG/OBD. An example of a typical Silverado fuse box is shown here:
The Range Device does draw much on the vehicle battery during normal operation. If you drive your vehicle daily (or almost daily), then this will not be a concern. However, if you drive your vehicle infrequently (i.e., only on weekends), please remove the device. It is best practice to remove the device if your vehicle will sit for anything longer than 3-4 days.
To add some more detail:
Given this and the normal draw from other modules (a modern vehicle will always have a small draw for the security systems, BCM, remote start/locks, OnStar, etc. sometimes as much a 50mA), it is recommended to reduce the risk of battery depletion by unplugging the module when the vehicle is going to be sitting for an extended period. Cold weather, weak charge state, age, etc. can all contribute to less battery capacity.
A healthy battery with decent capacity should be able to go much longer than the recommended length of time; it is important for you not to find the battery dead in the airport parking lot when you come out from a 2 week vacation.
Many users have installed the Range V8 in Camaros and 2014/15 Silverado/Sierra/Yukon/Tahoe. The new vehicles have electronic power steering that sends a lot of messages on the CAN Bus (the communication system of the vehicle). As such, the engineers at Range have had to work around these messages.
Infrequently, the device will interrupt these communications and temporary check engine lights will appear on the dash. Latest firmware version solves this almost completely, but there is still a small chance of it happening. If this problem manifests in your vehicle - turn the key completely off and remove it from the ignition. Remove the Range device and wait for 3-4 minutes. You can then restart the vehicle and all the codes will be cleared.
If you have one of the latest modules (Version 5 released in the last week of April or Version 6 released in late May or Version 7 released in Mid August 2014) ... you can do the following to clear the CURRENT DTCs that may be causing a SES/CEL:
Since the "Historical" code is stored (even if you unplug the battery cables) for a number of drive cycles, you need to complete 6-8 drive cycles without the code reoccurring to have the messages regarding the ABS or PowerSteering system clear. It's a requirement by the govt. to NOT be able to clear the historical so that a technician can diagnose it if it was a communications error (which is what is stored ... a U1xxx - communications lost DTC).
As with any device that plugs into the OBD2 port, you should REMOVE THE DEVICE AND DRIVE IT SEVERAL TIMES/MILES before taking it into the center for testing. This will force the vehicle to reset all the "OBD2 READINESS MONITORS" and to be prepared for the emissions testing (whether it be on the rollers or just an OBD2 "sniff" test).
The Range module doesn't affect emissions but because the company takes control of the AFM system, the vehicle may have an OBD2 Readiness monitor show "Not Ready" because it wasn't allowed to run (no V4 mode with the V8 module, for example). The easiest thing to do is just unplug the module and run the vehicle a couple of days without it to be absolutely sure that everything gets a chance to run.
Another good thing to do is top off your tank and drive 50-100 miles total before performing the test (this has nothing to do with the Range module). This allows the EVAP system to perform a proper "purge test" and pressure cycle, which will allow the EVAP OBD2 READINESS MONITOR to show complete.
Range Technology didn't test the Range V8 product for fuel economy, although the company has received feedback from a number of its users. Anecdotally, the company's users are reporting a +1 mpg to -1 mpg range when using the Range V8. Obviously, this depends on driving style, conditions, etc. Range Technology encourages you to do your own fuel economy testing and let it know the results.
Some of the things that can affect fuel mileage:
The module will work on any GM Active Fuel Management (AFM) equipped vehicle. It's not "locked" to a vehicle and you can move it between vehicles as needed.
One caveat, if you are using a very early version of the module, you may need to return it to Range Technology to be updated to the latest version of firmware for the 2014/2015 vehicles. It may work just fine, but if you encounter any SES lights on the 2014, contact the company for instructions on how to get your module updated. IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR EARLIER YEARS.
A complete driving cycle should perform diagnostics on all systems. A complete driving cycle can be done in under fifteen minutes. Some "logged" codes require 5-8 complete drive cycles before they will reset (and can't be reset easily via the OBD2 port).
To perform an OBDII Driving cycle for GM vehicles do the following:
The quick answer is - the OnStar report occurs once a month and it does not like ANYTHING (Progressive SnapShot, Range Module, DashHawk, DashBoss, etc.) plugged into the OBD2 port when it runs.
The longer answer - OnStar runs diagnostics on the CAN bus at the same "address" as a diagnostic tool plugged into the OBD2 port (makes sense, right?). If something else is plugged into the port, it's like the address slot is already filled, so it can't run it's diagnostics. (Same thing happens with the dealer Tech II and any other device).
This doesn't hurt anything, but it will complain that it can't run diagnostics... it usually occurs the same time every month and if you want, you can just unplug the module when your report is due that night and then plug it back in the next morning.
The good news is the fact the Range Module can just be unplugged and replugged to cure. It doesn't leave any "footprint" in the ECU and it doesn't modify ANYTHING in any of the modules.
Factory GM vehicles equipped with Active Fuel Management can disable AFM in a normal operating condition. Range uses factory messages sent over the CAN-Bus to "tell" the ECU to stay in V8 mode. The company does not trick the ECU with false signal readings. They disable at the source and your truck runs as it normally would in 8-cylinder mode.
On the latest AFM DISABLER Modules, the four blue lights are basically to indicate the unit is operating. They are as follows:
The LEDs are numbered FROM RIGHT TO LEFT as you see them when plugged into the OBD2 port.
When you first plug the module into the OBD2 port, you may see the LED cycle in a pattern (units produced after Sept. 22rd 2014) which is just an indication that it is performing internal hardware diagnostic checks before going into full operating mode. Earlier modules may not cycle the LEDs (but still perform the hardware checks in "silent" mode).
During operation, it is normal to see the lights cycle and go on/off in different sequences sometimes appearing to dim or vary in brightness (or even almost go dark). The lights are not really useful to you as the driver, but are used more for diagnostic or status indications when doing troubleshooting/verification. You will see the lights dim dramatically as you slow down/brake. As long as the vehicle is staying in V8 and speed is above 9 mph, the unit is operating normally.
Also, the units have a "SLEEP" mode where after you shut the key off and engine is not running for 3-10 seconds. All the LIGHTS WILL GO OUT and it will go into power saving mode.
The device will wake up again when you start the engine and the LEDs may cycle 2-3 times as the unit performs internal diagnostics. Earlier versions may not cycle the LEDs.
It may take up to 20 seconds (usually less) for it to start showing lights again ... this is NORMAL because it may take that long before the company can send commands to the vehicle (especially on a cold motor).
Short answer - maybe
Long answer – The company has many reports from folks that tell it that the Range module not only improved drivability and made the vehicle more enjoyable to drive BUT it either greatly lessened or even stopped the oil consumption issue.
Naturally, these results will greatly depend on the CAUSE of the oil consumption. In a great many of these cases, it seems to be directly related to the AFM system being in V4. The oil tends to be splashed around on the top end of the motor components and over lubricates the valve seals and gets sucked into the PCV system when in V4 mode.
After a couple of thousand miles using the Range V8 module, being in V8 mode seems to prevent or reduce the oil splash on the valve guides/ PCV system and possible oil ring "gumming up" problems and help burn off deposits and free up the rings. This results in the oil consumption dropping to what most of us consider a more "normal" (i.e. a quart every 2-3K miles or better) instead of 800-1000 miles that some people are reporting.
Of course, that said, there's no magic here ... if there is mechanical damage such as scored cylinder walls, broken components or oil rings that have lost tension, bad valve guides, etc. then no electronic gizmo is going to fix that. Unfortunately, that means mechanical measures need to be taken to address the problem.
GM has a TSB that involved redesigned lifters and baffling in the valve covers to address this issue mechanically, but it involves significant engine work to implement and it's hard to get it performed on older vehicles without spending some serious $$$$. The Range V8 can be a cost effective alternative to lessening the problem with a simple plug in solution.
One of the most common mistakes Range Technology sees people make is trusting your vehicle's measurement of miles per gallon. I have never seen an instance where the vehicle calculation is correct. Accurate MPG can be calculated in five easy steps:
While people at Range prefer to measure gallons per 100 miles, "MPG" is the convention in the United States. Please see MPG is Stupid for more on this subject.
Range helps fuel economy in two ways. First, it enhances factory Active Fuel Management (AFM) on your vehicle to ensure that your truck or SUV spends more time in 4 cylinder mode than 8 cylinders. Second, it teaches you how to drive for fuel economy in any vehicle. Here are the 3 key tenets:
Fuel economy begins with "Load"
Fuel economy is 100% dependent on the load that you put on your engine. If you think about how to ease the load on the engine, the most common fuel saving tips seem obvious. Removing unnecessary items from your vehicle, maintaining adequate tire pressure (to minimize rolling resistance) and reducing idle time all help improve economy. Range can only switch the vehicle to 4 cylinder mode in low-load situations. As such, you can not only save fuel by reducing load, but also by allowing Range to use less cylinders. Low load is key to big fuel economy gains with Range - up to 12-14%.
Roll on to the throttle
Rapid acceleration is the enemy of efficiency. Factory AFM is very sensitive to throttle. Range reduces this sensitivity, but thinking about throttle is important. In order to maximize fuel economy, find the level of throttle that allows your vehicle to speed up on a level road in 4 cylinder mode and try to replicate that. While it may require twice as much time to get up to speed, the overall increase in trip time is negligible. According to the NHTSA, gradual throttle saves 3-5% in fuel economy and only results in 4 minutes of added average commute time.
Speed up to maintain
Again, the key to remaining in 4 cylinder mode as long as possible is eliminating high load scenarios. High load occurs when the vehicle is using more power to do the same amount of work, such as going uphill or accelerating rapidly. When driving, I'll often try to speed up early to avoid using the throttle to climb a hill, or achieve speed. In this way - I can apply steady throttle over a long period rather than increasing throttle quickly. Sometimes its possible to stay in 4 cylinder mode the whole time and sometimes it isn't, but regardless it is a far more efficient way to drive.