[pcguy760]

Hello everyone, wow it's been a looooong time since I got on here! Well, my 09 is starting to show its age and I have gotten to like this newer model style after the 09, so I found a 2016 ESV with mostly highway miles (87000 miles) and was wondering if there is anything I should worry about? Let me know if it's a good "upgrade" or should just pass and keep trucking with my 2009 hehe.

For the record, the 2016 I looked at is very quiet and drives just fine. No noises or anything wierd as far as I could tell.

I do all my own work btw

 

[nstar]

Look at service records if available there are sometimes problems with transmission shutter but there is a TSB out on that and if service records don't show that being done, I would do that with the suggested fluid installed. Then they are susceptible to lifter problem but if you turn wrenches, you can get rid of them when problem ever happens to your vehicle.
Here is link to the TSB
18-NA-355 1..17 (nhtsa.gov)

 

[SpyShops NY]

Get 2018-2020 with the bulletproof ford/GM transmission. The 2015-2016 had the flaky 8 speed and most members had to change it around 95k. The control arms were corrected in 2017-2020 with the software to go with it. The made it steel instead of aluminum. The 2015 & 2016 had boom problems driving from 40-80 mph. You might get lucky and not experience this but your odds is slim. I guess if you get the records you can see if the sell the corrected some issues. I would change the lifters on the passenger side and vlom once I bought it so I don’t ruin the engine from lifter failure.

 

[kgoetz97]

8 speed is not a smooth transmission, even after the TSB and multiple dealer flushes. It is reliable though. If you're price conscious, I'd consider going for the 6 speed in the 15's. We also never had the flutter/booming issue. Magneride shocks go out every 30-60K miles I've put 160K miles on our 15i. The lifter failure thing is real, even if you turn off the 4 cylinder mode. Thankfully we haven't had the issue...at least not yet!

 

[nstar]

8 speed is not a smooth transmission, even after the TSB and multiple dealer flushes. It is reliable though. If you're price conscious, I'd consider going for the 6 speed in the 15's. We also never had the flutter/booming issue. Magneride shocks go out every 30-60K miles I've put 160K miles on our 15i. The lifter failure thing is real, even if you turn off the 4 cylinder mode. Thankfully we haven't had the issue...at least not yet!

If you're having problem with shift issues with your trans, you might read this article in link and look into having procedure done to your vehicle.
Gears Magazine - What is Causing that? A Look at the GM 8L90's Most Common Concerns

 

[kgoetz97]

If you're having problem with shift issues with your trans, you might read this article in link and look into having procedure done to your vehicle.
Gears Magazine - What is Causing that? A Look at the GM 8L90's Most Common Concerns

Thanks for sharing! Getting ready to sell our Escalade as we just picked up a BMW X7 to replace it.

 

[pcguy760]

Thanks for all the input guys! One of the guys at the Cadillac dealership told me that all the LT engines with the AFM / DOD are plagued with this lifter issue and its a hit or miss. He also said it can be caused by using poor quality motor oil or not keeping up with the oil changes... He did mention they went to a 10 speed trans in the 2018 up and the 8 Speed in the 2016 is not that bad and once again as long as you keep up with it...

Honestly, all the 2018's up I looked at are out of my range unless they have like 180,000 miles lol. Just being honest here.

 

[nstar]

Thanks for all the input guys! One of the guys at the Cadillac dealership told me that all the LT engines with the AFM / DOD are plagued with this lifter issue and its a hit or miss. He also said it can be caused by using poor quality motor oil or not keeping up with the oil changes... He did mention they went to a 10 speed trans in the 2018 up and the 8 Speed in the 2016 is not that bad and once again as long as you keep up with it...

Honestly, all the 2018's up I looked at are out of my range unless they have like 180,000 miles lol. Just being honest here.

Here is a couple of links to read on AFM.In TSB thats is on repair they replace Valve Oil Manifold for a new part number when repairing lifter problem, I'm wondering if that manifold has something to do with problem.
TSB for repair. 15-06-01-002H 1..3 (nhtsa.gov)
Reads How to Prevent AFM Lifter Failure - Ultimate Solution ! (mechanicinsider.com)
Bent Pushrod, Is GM engineering to blame? - YouTube

 

[SpyShops NY]

Here is a couple of links to read on AFM.In TSB thats is on repair they replace Valve Oil Manifold for a new part number when repairing lifter problem, I'm wondering if that manifold has something to do with problem.
TSB for repair. 15-06-01-002H 1..3 (nhtsa.gov)
Reads How to Prevent AFM Lifter Failure - Ultimate Solution ! (mechanicinsider.com)
Bent Pushrod, Is GM engineering to blame? - YouTube

it makes sense about the vlom being the isssue. It is not hard or expensive to change.

 

[pcguy760]

Well here's a wild solution I was just thinking of, so tell me what you guys think...

I already have a Diablosport i3 model 8245 - so I can use this to disable the AFM/DOD and also perhaps run a really good oil like Amsoil? Will this help ALOT to prevent the lifter failure?

 

[nstar]

As far as I know and what you're saying would be no different than using a Range device and as far as oil as long as 0W20 synthetic is what is called for in owner's manual.

 

[SpecX]

Well here's a wild solution I was just thinking of, so tell me what you guys think...

I already have a Diablosport i3 model 8245 - so I can use this to disable the AFM/DOD and also perhaps run a really good oil like Amsoil? Will this help ALOT to prevent the lifter failure?

Members on here have tried running the AFM disabled and still have had the lifter failure. I think the only solution is to cross your fingers and hope it doesn't hit you or remove the system all together. I assumed GM would have a class action lawsuit against them for this system, but I guess the numbers haven't hit high enough and soon enough for it to reach that point.

Just know the AFM lifter issue, magnaride low mile replacement, and 8 speed shudder are the most common and brought up issues with this gen.

 

[kgoetz97]

Members on here have tried running the AFM disabled and still have had the lifter failure. I think the only solution is to cross your fingers and hope it doesn't hit you or remove the system all together. I assumed GM would have a class action lawsuit against them for this system, but I guess the numbers haven't hit high enough and soon enough for it to reach that point.

Just know the AFM lifter issue, magnaride low mile replacement, and 8 speed shudder are the most common and brought up issues with this gen.

Well said.

 

[pcguy760]

Will the trans shudder be worse than when I had a firm shift tune on my 2009??

 

[nstar]

Will the trans shudder be worse than when I had a firm shift tune on my 2009??

The shutter in mine sounded like the grooves that they grind in pavement on the berm and center in no pass zones, you will hear same noise in cabin. Yes, it will be worse than a nice crisp shift!

 

[pcguy760]

So how do I tell if the DOD/AFM is disabled? Does that blue "V8" light in the cluster stay blue? Yesterday I test drove one from a guy local to me and he did not know anything about it but that V8 light stayed blue the whole time no matter how much I got into it or not...

 

[nstar]

So how do I tell if the DOD/AFM is disabled? Does that blue "V8" light in the cluster stay blue? Yesterday I test drove one from a guy local to me and he did not know anything about it but that V8 light stayed blue the whole time no matter how much I got into it or not...

My understanding that at idle stays in V8 and only goes in V4 when cruising at speed and no load on engine ,coasting etc.
If you never did see V4 id says its disabled.

 

[kgoetz97]

My understanding that at idle stays in V8 and only goes in V4 when cruising at speed and no load on engine ,coasting etc.
If you never did see V4 id says its disabled.

This is correct. Get on a good highway stretch of road and get up to the top gear. Back off the throttle and see if the V8 changes over to V4.

 

[pcguy760]

We took it on the highway for about 40 mins... got to coast several times - it stayed in V8 mode (Blue V8 light on). Not once did I see a V4 light or anything out of the ordinary and it even got up to an average of 24 MPG!! Wow!

 

[nstar]

We took it on the highway for about 40 mins... got to coast several times - it stayed in V8 mode (Blue V8 light on). Not once did I see a V4 light or anything out of the ordinary and it even got up to an average of 24 MPG!! Wow!

Does this vehicle have any service records, just checking did you check to see if range device is plugged into diagnosis port.
Sounds like you found vehicle that will serve you well.
Link to range site
AFM/DFM Disabler - Range Technology