‘It’s catastrophic,’ warns car restoration expert of General Motors fuel-saving feature – ‘it can destroy your engine’

A CAR pro has shared that General Motors’ fuel management systems could kill a driver’s engine.

The auto expert who noted the alleged failures with the feature is experienced with early car restorations.

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Timothy Boyer included the element on a list of features he urges drivers to avoid.

He explained his opinion that the GM Active Fuel Management System is an engine killer.

He shared a list of cars with Active Fuel Management (AFM) systems that he believes can cause damage.

Though it can allegedly cause issues for drivers, the expert said the feature can be deleted to protect your vehicle.

On the list of cars that could be affected by the element he deems a problem, Boyer included a Land Rover Discovery I and II as he claimed they can be “prone to blown head gaskets.”

The car restoration pro also claimed that the first-generation Dodge Viper can have overheating issues and poor rear brakes caused by the AFM system.

The car expert stated that “any car with a CVT type transmission” can also have problems.

The final one he mentions on his list is a type 996 Porsche 911.

Boyer said it has a “notorious engine-destroying intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing issue.”

In a forum for drivers to discuss auto-related topics, numerous car owners chimed in when someone asked if GM has solved their “issues with Active Fuel Management.”

“I don’t care how much more or less they pollute but breakdowns and catastrophic failures are a step BACKWARDS,” someone said about the AFM issues.

“I don’t think anybody has a problem with variable displacement engines as long as the consumer forking out the dough isn’t the guinea pig,

“Infiniti’s testing of variable displacement looks interesting to me.”

Expert advice on prepping your car for summer

Dustin Piggot, the Service Manager at a Subaru Dealership with years of technincal experience, told The U.S. Sun in an exclusive interview which items drivers should have checked before temperatures rise:

1. Have a multi-point inspection performed. A paid inspection will prompt a technician to check vital systems like braking, power steering, and front and rear suspension for any leaks or malfunctions. They will also test the condition of the battery and check vital fluid levels and conditions.
2. Cooling system. Before things heat up, drivers must have their cooling system inspected for proper coolant levels and condition, have radiator hoses evaluated, and have the radiator checked.
3. Have your A/C system checked. If freon is low and needs charging or parts need to be replaced, it’s essential to address the issue before temperatures rise.
4. Make sure your tires are appropriate for warmer weather. If you live in a climate that necessitates a dedicated winter tire, swap them with all-season or summer tires if possible to extend the life of the winter tire. Winter tires are softer and will wear out much quicker in warmer weather.
5. Look at tread depth. Tires with low tread depth will make it more difficult to stop your car if you need to avoid an accident.
6. Give your car some TLC. Before it gets too hot, Piggott says it’s important to give your car a good cleaning to wash away winter grime and dirt and treat your paint to a nice coat of wax to protect it from harsh UV rays and high heat. Many dealerships like his offer detailing and washing services.

Read more here.

Owners of GM cars have even complained about problems prompted. by the AFM system.

The feature “prompt complaints of chirping and squeaking noises accompanied by a Check Engine light and stored misfire codes,” according to tire repair product company Mighty.

“The symptoms may occur intermittently or consistently. These noises normally increase off-idle and occur at camshaft speed, which is half of the crankshaft speed.”

Of course, the system is meant to benefit GM drivers’ vehicles as the AFM system is a GM feature that was developed to help improve the fuel economy from some of their engine applications.

It is something the carmaker started including in their cars in 2005.

GM did not immediately respond to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.