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Posted: 9/2/2024 12:21:51 PM EST
Got a nice knock in my 2023 Tahoe with 13k miles.

Assume it’ll be getting new lifters and maybe a new engine based on known issues.

Do the Silverado engines suffer from the same failure?

I love the Tahoe, it’s my perfect vehicle. But not gonna keep it if the engine is a time bomb. Plenty of reviews showing repeat issues with lifters even after replacement.


Edit for the readers: 23+ uses DFM, pre 23 is AFM. There is no DFM disabler available yet.

Edit: dealer couldn’t replicate issue but said video showed obvious failure. So they are replacing both banks since they can’t find the bad one. Still no loaner but happy they are doing both banks and not just kicking the truck back to me.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:23:15 PM EST
[#1]
Yes.

That engine could be one of the best on the planet IF the government wasn't retarded and IF GM fixed their F'ed up design fiasco which has been a disaster for over a decade.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:24:54 PM EST
[#2]
Anything with Active fuel management is prone to the issue... not sure about the newer stuff.. but 07 and up... suspect
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:27:07 PM EST
[#3]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Anything with Active fuel management is prone to the issue... not sure about the newer stuff.. but 07 and up... suspect
View Quote


Yep.  I’ll never buy another 5.3 again.  I was going to get a 6.2 but after hearing the horror stories with the main bearings getting spun out and folks waiting months to a year for a new engine under warranty replacement, fuck GM.  

Guess I’ll stick to my ford and their cam phaser or cylinder liner issues.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:37:09 PM EST
[#4]
Like another said. 5.3 is a great motor....and then the government got involved

If you find one in good condition...just tune out the active fuel management
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:37:57 PM EST
[#5]
Anybody know if GM is providing a free rental for fixing this shit?
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:38:27 PM EST
[#6]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Like another said. 5.3 is a great motor....and then the government got involved

If you find one in good condition...just tune out the active fuel management
View Quote


Don’t think you can tune 23+ models
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:40:24 PM EST
[#7]
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:41:14 PM EST
[#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Yes.

That engine could be one of the best on the planet IF the government wasn't retarded and IF GM fixed their F'ed up design fiasco which has been a disaster for over a decade.
View Quote
This

My 2003 Tahoe 5.3 has 324k miles on it, one of the best engines GM has produced in decades.

It gets 3k oil changes religiously
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:42:56 PM EST
[#9]
I have a 2010 that had a lifter crap the bed at 73k miles. Had to have the top half of the motor rebuilt. First thing I did when I got it back was had the AFM deleted through a tune.

Didn’t know it was still a problem in 2023 but I won’t have to worry about it again as I will not buy another GM product because of their shitty handling of their shitty AFM.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:44:56 PM EST
[#10]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Don't think you can tune 23+ models
View Quote
Can't use a AFM disabler?
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:45:29 PM EST
[#11]
Didn’t gm do away with afm starting in 23?
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:46:04 PM EST
[#12]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Don’t think you can tune 23+ models
View Quote

Just a matter of time....even so one of the OBD2 plugs can disable it...unless a 23 doesn't have an obd
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:50:33 PM EST
[#13]
Meh, just go get the AFM delete cam and lifters kit.

I wouldn’t buy a post 2006 GM 5.3 without automatically doing the delete on it.

Here’s a whole page of them.

AFM Delete Kits
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:57:22 PM EST
[#14]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Don’t think you can tune 23+ models
View Quote


I spoke to the folks at Range recently. They are supposed to release a new AFM disabler for the newer 5.3s in the near future and it will connect directly to the ECM.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 12:58:09 PM EST
[#15]
Unfortunately, as mentioned, the AFM will ruin the motor.

I just spent over $1k fixing a misfire, which ended up being all new injectors, plugs, and wires.

The mechanic immediately suggested that I put a AFM delete chip in, before my lifters are shot.

I bought the truck brand new, and am sitting at around 114k now. Since I've put the chip in and had the fuel system worked, it runs like a champ now. Wish I had put the chip in sooner.

Link Posted: 9/2/2024 1:02:43 PM EST
[#16]
My wife has a 23 Tahoe and I don't think it has AFM.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 1:03:09 PM EST
[#17]
I really do hate our government.  EVERY SINGLE FUCKING THING our government messes with gets so fucked up and it shits on the middle class
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 1:07:18 PM EST
[#18]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Like another said. 5.3 is a great motor....and then the government got involved

If you find one in good condition...just tune out the active fuel management
View Quote

Still have the faulty lifters after a tune.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 1:08:19 PM EST
[#19]
2023 + has DFM I believe.

That’s why nothing exists to disable it
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 1:08:55 PM EST
[#20]
'23 is DFM for sure.  I have AFM in my '19.  What's the difference?  AFM goes from V8 to V4 only using the same cylinders only.  DFM can turn off different number of cylinders & not always the same ones - in a nutshell.  Still goofy lifters with oil control, tho...
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 1:11:59 PM EST
[#21]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
My wife has a 23 Tahoe and I don't think it has AFM.
View Quote


It has DRM which disables multiple cylinders, it just doesn't switch from V-8 mode to V4 more, it can run 8, 7, 5 and so on in different combinations.

I'd bet it'll have the same issues, they did have some bad batches of parts that failed very quickly.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 1:12:35 PM EST
[#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
My wife has a 23 Tahoe and I don't think it has AFM.
View Quote

DFM skipfire.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 1:12:47 PM EST
[#23]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Can't use a AFM disabler?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:


Don't think you can tune 23+ models
Can't use a AFM disabler?


The devices commonly used did not work on the newest ones last I checked.
Here, from their FB page


It’s still a crapshoot with those engines. The hardware is still there.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 1:14:19 PM EST
[#24]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

If you find one in good condition...just tune out the active fuel management
View Quote


That only fixes part of the problem.   You need to strip the engine down to a short block, change the cam and lifters to completely fix it.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 1:19:33 PM EST
[#25]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
My wife has a 23 Tahoe and I don't think it has AFM.
View Quote



Unless it’s the 3.0 duramax it has cylinder shut off shit.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 1:32:26 PM EST
[#26]
Disabling the AFM with a tuner doesn't eliminate lifter failure, they can still collapse and wipe a camshaft lobe out.

The "real fix" (DOD Delete) is to replace the Camshaft, lifters, rockers, head gaskets and block off plate.  (With non AFM/DOD  lifters/cam)
You also have to replace the oil pump because the pressure changes.  
Then reprogram the ECM.

Then since COVID it's a lucky of the draw on getting a properly ground lifter taper ( not flat) it must spin.
And properly ground taper and heat treated camshaft.
That will cost around $6-10k
Parts and labor.

I think comp cams has a kit.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 2:34:50 PM EST
[#27]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


That only fixes part of the problem.   You need to strip the engine down to a short block, change the cam and lifters to completely fix it.
View Quote



That fixes alot. The percentage of failures falls off once you turn it off. I do agree the lifters are a problem, but I can find several items on Ford and dodge engines that have significant failure rates
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 3:25:05 PM EST
[#28]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Anybody know if GM is providing a free rental for fixing this shit?
View Quote



No


I worked flr gm dealers between 1997 and 01/2022


Gm execs don't care


They want your lifters tk fail


Guaranteed parts sale and service appt around 100k like the transmissions
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 3:42:26 PM EST
[#29]
I'll never buy another GM. Bought an 08 Silverado LT 4WD Crew Cab in 2011. It had 37k miles on it. Top end of the motor had to be replaced at 50k miles under warranty because of AFM. Now at 131k miles the tail gate has rust, the bed is rusted out on both side above the rear tires just like all the other Obama Era Silverados. Oh, the rockers under the doors are rusted out too. Fuel line started leaking a few years ago. The 45 degree bend of the fuel line giing into the pump was rusted. Couldn't put a line on it cause that bend was integral to the fuel pump. So new fuel pump. Then the rear main is leaking. And to top it all off, now the tranny has a small shudder in overdrive at low RPMs. What a pile of junk. Never again
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 5:34:22 PM EST
[#30]
2019 5.3 silverado owner here. 57k miles. I think this thread just saved me a lot of money. I'm ordering an afm tuner as we speak. Thanks gents. I was ignorant to this.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 5:42:16 PM EST
[#31]
My 2009 5.3 Suburban ate a lifter and cam at 150k miles. My 2021 5.3 Suburban ate them twice, 15k miles and 30k miles, so far...Did a delete kit on the 2009 and it has run like a top ever since.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 5:46:19 PM EST
[#32]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
2019 5.3 silverado owner here. 57k miles. I think this thread just saved me a lot of money. I'm ordering an afm tuner as we speak. Thanks gents. I was ignorant to this.
View Quote


I have 145k on a 2018 5.3l Sierra that has no lifter problem, knock on wood. I like to think it's because I have used an AFM disabler by Range since new.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 5:55:16 PM EST
[#33]
I still like GM trucks over the others but had to totally abandon 1/2 tons due to the 5.3 & the AFM BS.
My 2024 silverado 3/4 tn 6.6 gasser still has a key (no stop start), no AFM and, as an added bonus, it's amazingly easy to disconnect the external antenna connection to the on-star & ECM modules
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 5:57:17 PM EST
[#34]
Skipped all replys due to not giving a fuck , 125 k and no issue money saved will go to another 5.3
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 5:59:39 PM EST
[#35]
Lost the lifters on my Silverado in SE KY.  Had to drive it an hour and a half to get to Pikeville to the dealer.  The harmonic it caused made me feel sick.  Scrapped the truck.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 6:04:02 PM EST
[#36]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Anything with Active fuel management Displacement on Demand is prone to the issue...
View Quote


Link Posted: 9/2/2024 6:07:41 PM EST
[#37]
140,xxx miles and no issues so far. I do have the afm disabled, but I've heard that doesn't necessarily mean it won't happen. I think the mechanical delete kit is preferred.
Link Posted: 9/2/2024 6:09:37 PM EST
[#38]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:



Unless it’s the 3.0 duramax it has cylinder shut off shit.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
My wife has a 23 Tahoe and I don't think it has AFM.



Unless it’s the 3.0 duramax it has cylinder shut off shit.



3.0 best value in 1500 series trucks. Wouldn’t do without.
Link Posted: 9/6/2024 11:28:57 AM EST
[#39]
Update bump.
Link Posted: 9/6/2024 11:43:58 AM EST
[#40]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Can't use a AFM disabler?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:


Don't think you can tune 23+ models
Can't use a AFM disabler?
No, 2022+ are DFM, not AFM. The newer models have the 'Global B' computer architecture, so previous disablers don't work. Most say they are working on a new disabler, but none have been released yet.

m
Link Posted: 9/6/2024 11:46:12 AM EST
[#41]
It cost me $8k for a new 5.3 create engine on a Silverado.
Link Posted: 9/6/2024 11:46:20 AM EST
[#42]
Range did just release a DFM disabler, but it isn’t OBD
Link Posted: 9/6/2024 11:47:12 AM EST
[#43]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Can't use a AFM disabler?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:


Don't think you can tune 23+ models
Can't use a AFM disabler?


I believe the problem lies with the pieces to run AFM/DFM, so simply disabling the software isn't going to save you.

I've also read that if you do 3k oil changes you significantly decrease the chances of an issue, which right now is somewhere in the 1.5-3% range.
Link Posted: 9/6/2024 11:47:29 AM EST
[#44]
I bought mine with 50K miles. I bought an AFM disabler the same day. Hopefully I got it before the wear started. The 5.3 is a good engine, but the AFM is its own worst enemy
Link Posted: 9/6/2024 11:47:48 AM EST
[#45]
Range DFM disabler is now available  for the 2022+ engines.

m
Link Posted: 9/6/2024 11:52:13 AM EST
[#46]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Anybody know if GM is providing a free rental for fixing this shit?
View Quote



Not only did they not provide a loaner...


-They said they didn't have a replacement engine in stock and weren't sure when it would come.

-If I didn't sign an agreement to pay them 12K for the replacement engine, they would push my truck out into the tow lot with all the parts in the bed.  No questions, no discussion.  

-They would not discount or warranty anything...despite the truck having 62K on it and a perfect service record at the dealership.

-If I didn't like it, I could send a tow truck and I was welcome to shop elsewhere as they "have a waiting list of guys who want new trucks".


-To add insult to injury...for 12K, they installed the old water pump, belts, hoses, and similar.  You would think they would at least throw in a belt or hose.  


I am permanently done with Chevrolet.  There is a class action suit.  I hope they bankrupt GM.
Link Posted: 9/6/2024 12:07:01 PM EST
[#47]
My 2004 Sierra has a non-AFM 5.3L V8 with 180,000 miles. Working fine. Never had an issue with the engine. Did have to replace the water pump at 140k. The serpentine belt twice. The starter once. That's been it.
Link Posted: 9/6/2024 12:49:26 PM EST
[#48]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
My 2004 Sierra has a non-AFM 5.3L V8 with 180,000 miles. Working fine. Never had an issue with the engine. Did have to replace the water pump at 140k. The serpentine belt twice. The starter once. That's been it.
View Quote

2004 Silverado z71 Crew Cab 5.3. It's a great stout truck. I may Truck Norris Cam it.
Link Posted: 9/6/2024 12:56:19 PM EST
[#49]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

2004 Silverado z71 Crew Cab 5.3. It's a great stout truck. I may Truck Norris Cam it.
View Quote


Cam and a tune on any 5.3 really wakes them up. My 5.3 had 243 heads which are the ones they put on the Zo6 LS6 back in the day.

I have my '09 Suburban shifting 1-2 at 6200 rpm and 5800 rpm 2-3.
Link Posted: 9/6/2024 12:58:29 PM EST
[#50]
I bought a 2016 Tahoe a couple of months ago and the first thing I did was install the AFM disabler. It made it run 10x better and I only lost 1 mpg.
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