Does the 2007 Avalanche have Active Fuel Management?

In short: Yes—if your truck is equipped with the 5.3-liter V8. The 6.0-liter V8 option does not use Active Fuel Management (AFM) in the 2007 model year. This article explains how AFM applies to the 2007 Avalanche and how to verify it on a specific vehicle.

AFM and the 2007 Avalanche: a quick overview

Active Fuel Management (AFM), GM’s cylinder deactivation system, shuts off half of the cylinders during light-load cruising to improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing overall performance. On the 2007 Avalanche, AFM was associated mainly with the 5.3L V8 option. The 6.0L V8 was not equipped with AFM for that model year. Because equipment can vary by build, always confirm AFM status on a given vehicle via the window sticker or VIN documentation.

Engine options in the 2007 Avalanche

The 2007 Avalanche offered two V8 engines, with AFM tied to the 5.3L option. The 6.0L engine was available for higher torque but did not typically include AFM in that year.

• 5.3L Vortec 5300 V8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM/Displacement on Demand) in most 2007 Avalanche configurations.


• 6.0L Vortec 6000 V8, an optional engine for stronger towing/torque, generally without AFM in the 2007 model year.

As with any used vehicle, AFM presence depends on the exact build. Check the VIN or window sticker to confirm whether a specific 2007 Avalanche has AFM.

How to verify AFM on a specific 2007 Avalanche

To confirm AFM on a particular vehicle, use these checks before or after purchase:

• Inspect the engine bay for AFM labeling or a “Displacement on Demand” designation on the engine cover or intake manifold.


• Review the window sticker or Monroney label for AFM or DOD references tied to the 5.3L V8 engine.


• In the cabin, check the Driver Information Center (DIC) readout while driving for an AFM Active or cylinder-deactivation status when conditions trigger AFM.


• If possible, use the VIN to pull the exact RPO codes from GM’s documentation or request confirmation from a GM dealer.

Accurate verification helps ensure you know whether the vehicle uses AFM and under what driving conditions it engages.

Summary

The 2007 Avalanche typically used AFM with the 5.3L V8, providing cylinder deactivation to boost highway fuel economy, while the 6.0L V8 did not carry AFM in that year. To be certain about a specific truck, check the window sticker or VIN/RPO details and look for AFM labeling in the engine bay or DIC readouts. Verifying AFM is useful for understanding potential maintenance considerations and fuel efficiency behavior on that vintage GM pickup/SUV hybrid.

Does a 2007 Avalanche have an AFM?

Yes, the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche had Active Fuel Management (AFM) on its 5.3L V8 engine and the more powerful optional 6.0L V8 engine. This system deactivates cylinders during low-load conditions to improve fuel efficiency. 

• 5.3L V8 Engine: The base 5.3-liter V8 engine comes with AFM. This is standard on 4WD models and optional on 2WD models.
• 6.0L V8 Engine: The optional 6.0-liter engine, available on LT3 and LTZ models, also includes AFM.

Does a 2007 5.3 Vortec have AFM?

Active Fuel Management (AFM) is not standard on all 2007 5.3L engines; some have it, others don't. AFM improves fuel economy by deactivating cylinders but can cause lifter noise or rough idle if faulty. To troubleshoot, identify if your engine has AFM by checking the camshaft or valve covers for AFM markings.

How do I tell if my truck has Active Fuel Management?

To find out if your truck has AFM, check for a sticker on the engine's air filter box or the owner's manual, look for the engine code in your VIN, or inspect the engine for specific visual indicators like "AFM" labels or unique valve covers. You can also determine if your truck has the newer Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system by using your VIN to check for engine codes like L84 (DFM) versus L82 (AFM). 
This video explains how to identify if your truck has Active Fuel Management: 58sDonating HorsepowerYouTube · Oct 17, 2024
Ways to check for AFM

• Check the engine cover: Look for a sticker or label that says "Active Fuel Management" or "AFM". 
• Inspect the engine: Check for specific solenoids and wiring on the engine's top or look for a distinct valve cover design that may indicate AFM is installed. 
• Look at your VIN: Decode your Vehicle Identification Number to find the engine code. For example, the L82 engine code indicates AFM, while the L84 code indicates DFM. 
• Consult the owner's manual or window sticker: These documents will have information about the truck's original equipment, including any fuel management systems. 
• Check the RPO codes: The vehicle's RPO (Regular Production Option) codes, found on a sticker in the glove box, can be used to confirm the presence of AFM or DFM. 

This video demonstrates how to identify the engine size and features of a 5.3L engine, which may help you determine if your truck has AFM: 49s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Jul 11, 2024
How AFM works

• AFM is a technology used by General Motors in V6 or V8 engines that improves fuel efficiency by shutting down cylinders when they are not needed. 
• Under light-load conditions, the system can shut off four cylinders to operate as a four-cylinder engine, reducing fuel consumption. 
• The newer DFM system can shut off more cylinders than the traditional AFM system. 

What year did Chevy start AFM?

Chevy, under General Motors, began using Active Fuel Management (AFM) with the 2005 model year. The technology was initially introduced on certain V8 and V6 engines in models like the Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, and Chevrolet Impala SS. 

• 2005 Model Year: The first year for AFM in some vehicles, such as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, and Chevrolet Impala SS. 
• Technology: AFM is a system that deactivates some of the engine's cylinders during light load conditions to improve fuel efficiency. 
• Engine Availability: It was first implemented on engines like the optional 5.3L Vortec 5300 V8 and the LZ8 V6 engine. 
• Later Years: The technology was expanded to more GM vehicles, including the 2010 Camaro SS with the L99 engine. The system later evolved into Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) in 2019 and later models, which could deactivate a more dynamic number of cylinders.