Does Chevy still have Active Fuel Management?
Chevy no longer markets or relies on Active Fuel Management (AFM) as its primary cylinder-deactivation technology. The brand now standardizes Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), a more flexible successor that covers a wider range of engines and driving conditions.
Understanding AFM and Dynamic Fuel Management
Active Fuel Management (AFM) was General Motors’ early approach to cylinder deactivation, shutting off half of the engine’s cylinders to save fuel during light-load operation. Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) is the evolved system that can deactivate different numbers of cylinders and adjust patterns in real time to optimize efficiency and performance. GM now brands this technology as Dynamic Fuel Management in its newer engines, while AFM terminology has largely fallen out of official use.
Timeline: From AFM to DFM
Below is a concise timeline of how Chevrolet’s cylinder-deactivation technology has evolved in recent years.
- 2007: GM introduces AFM on various V8 engines to improve highway fuel economy without compromising power.
- 2014–2018: AFM is widely used across several GM trucks and SUVs with EcoTec3 V8 engines, including the 5.3L and 6.2L families.
- 2019: GM shifts marketing and engineering emphasis to Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), applying the newer system to many engines and expanding its deactivation patterns.
- 2020–2024: DFM becomes standard in most new Chevy trucks and SUVs, including gas and diesel offerings, with refinements in control software and hardware integration.
- 2025: The industry-wide transition to DFM continues, and newer models no longer feature AFM as a marketed option.
In short, the industry’s move from AFM to DFM began in the late 2010s and is now standard in Chevrolet’s contemporary lineup.
Which Chevy engines currently use Dynamic Fuel Management?
Chevy’s current production engines largely employ Dynamic Fuel Management. Notable examples include the following engines, which are used across various full-size trucks and SUVs:
- 5.3L EcoTec3 V8
- 6.2L EcoTec3 V8
- 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel I6
- 2.7L Turbo EcoTec3 I4 (where offered in light-truck configurations)
Note: Older Chevys built before the AFM-to-DFM transition may still be referenced in consumer materials or owner forums as using AFM. For new-model buyers and recent used-vehicle purchases, you should expect Dynamic Fuel Management to be in operation.
Practical implications for buyers and owners
Driving experience and efficiency
Dynamic Fuel Management is designed to be transparent to the driver, deactivating cylinders in patterns that balance efficiency and power. Most owners notice smoother operation rather than abrupt changes, especially at steady highway speeds or during light-load cruising.
Maintenance considerations
Despite the cosmetic branding differences, the underlying maintenance approach remains standard for modern GM engines: regular oil changes, coolant checks, and scheduled service. If you’re buying a used Chevy, it’s prudent to review service history for any notes on the engine’s Cylinder Deactivation system or related TSBs, particularly for models from the AFM era that may have been updated to DFM in later service campaigns.
Summary
Chevy’s current approach to cylinder deactivation is Dynamic Fuel Management, not the older Active Fuel Management. The AFM labeling is largely historical, with GM focusing on DFM across newer engines to provide broader and smarter fuel-saving capabilities. For shoppers and owners, this means modern Chevys typically feature Dynamic Fuel Management and should not require concern over AFM-specific maintenance, though checking the exact engine configuration in a used vehicle remains wise.
