Tag Archives: check engine light

💡 Understanding GM’s Active Fuel Management (Cylinder Deactivation)

💡 Understanding GM’s Active Fuel Management (Cylinder Deactivation)

Active Fuel Management (AFM)—also known as Cylinder Deactivation—is GM’s variable-displacement engine technology. It's designed to improve fuel economy by allowing V6 and V8 engines to deactivate cylinders under light-load conditions, such as steady highway driving. When deactivated, these cylinders are closed off and filled with trapped air, effectively turning them into air springs. This reduces energy loss through pumping, helping the engine run more efficiently while maintaining a smooth driving experience. 👨‍🔧 How AFM Works 🔧 Hydraulic Lifter Control AFM uses a combination of solenoids and hydraulically-actuated lifters, located in the engine valley, to disable specific intake and exhaust valves. These lifters, supplied by Eaton and Delphi, temporarily prevent certain cylinders from firing, allowing the engine to operate in a leaner mode when full power isn't ... read more

​Major GM Recall: Nearly 600,000 Vehicles Affected by Engine Defect

​Major GM Recall: Nearly 600,000 Vehicles Affected by Engine Defect

​General Motors (GM) has announced a significant recall impacting nearly 600,000 vehicles in the United States due to potential engine defects that could lead to power loss or complete engine failure. This recall affects several popular models across GM's Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands. Affected Models The recall encompasses certain 2021–2024 models equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 engine, including:​ Cadillac: Escalade, Escalade ESV Chevrolet: Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe GMC: Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL​ The issue stems from manufacturing defects in the engine's ... read more

Decoding Diesel Car Dashboard Symbols: Understanding Common Warning Lights

Decoding Diesel Car Dashboard Symbols: Understanding Common Warning Lights

  Modern diesel cars come equipped with a variety of dashboard symbols and warning lights designed to alert drivers to potential issues with their vehicles. While these symbols can vary between car models, understanding their meanings is essential for maintaining the health and safety of your diesel vehicle. In this guide, we'll decode common diesel car dashboard symbols, drawing insights from reputable sources like MotorTrend.com, to help you navigate your vehicle's warning signals with confidence.   1. Glow Plug Indicator: Symbol: A coil or spiral shape with a lightning bolt Meaning: The glow plug indicator illuminates when the engine's glow plugs are warming up. Glow plugs are essential for diesel engines, especially during cold starts, as they help ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. Once the engine is sufficiently warmed up, the indicator should turn off.   2. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning: Symbol: A filter-shaped ico ... read more

The Check Engine Light Has Switched Itself On and I'm Worried That Further Driving Will Damage My Engine

The Check Engine Light Has Switched Itself On and I'm Worried That Further Driving Will Damage My Engine

The last thing you want is to damage your car while driving. But if you're in the middle of a highway and the check engine light comes on, what should you do? Will you damage the engine if you drive a few miles further to the next gas station? The answer to this question can be tricky. It's useful to know what kind of check engine light your car has. Is it just an orange light or is there a red one as well? Does the light flash when the situation is dire? Does the light stay constant when the issue does not require your immediate attention? Knowing how the check engine light functions in your car can help you understand what the car's diagnostic system communicates whenever it flashes or lights up. Check your car's manual to make sure you're familiar with its language. When the frightful check engine light does comes on, stay calm. Reduce your speed and inspect how your vehicle is performing. Use all your senses to reassess if there is something strange or dist ... read more

Why Does My Vehicle Need a Coolant Flush?

Why Does My Vehicle Need a Coolant Flush?

Too much heat presents a great challenge to motor vehicles. Thankfully, all vehicles have a measure to keep themselves cool. The car's engine has a cooling system aided by a coolant, a fluid that runs in the engine and transmits heat away from it. The coolant should remain clean for it to function effectively. Dirty coolant must be flushed out and replaced with a fresh one. But how do you know when your coolant needs flushing? To know this, be on the lookout for the following symptoms. Your Vehicle Overheats As stated above, the role of the coolant is to keep your engine temperatures low. If your temperature gauge is always on the higher side, it means the coolant is no longer performing its duty and needs flushing. An overheating engine can easily break down, resulting in costly repairs. A Maple Syrup Smell From Your Car (Engine) One sure sign that your coolant needs flushing is the smell of maple syrup, butterscotch, or pancakes coming from your engine. The ethylene glycol ... read more

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