What Is GMC’s Active Fuel Management & How Does it Work?

Feb 23, 2025

If you’re looking for a vehicle that combines power, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology, GMC’s Active Fuel Management (AFM) system is a game-changer. Designed to save you fuel without sacrificing performance, this innovative technology optimizes your engine’s efficiency by deactivating cylinders when full power isn’t needed—meaning you get the most out of every drive. Whether you’re cruising through the streets of Inwood or heading out for a weekend adventure in your GMC Yukon or Terrain, AFM ensures you’re saving fuel while enjoying top-notch performance. Curious about how it works? Keep reading to find out, and don’t forget to visit or contact us at Central Buick GMC to see how AFM-equipped models can enhance your driving experience!

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What Is Active Fuel Management?

GMC’s Active Fuel Management (AFM) is a smart technology that helps your vehicle perform efficiently while saving fuel. It works by deactivating certain engine cylinders when full power isn’t needed, allowing you to use less fuel without losing performance.
This system is designed for drivers who want to enjoy the power of a full-sized engine, like those found in the GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Acadia, and Terrain, but without the high fuel costs that come with always using all the engine’s cylinders.

Here’s how it works:

Engine Cylinder Deactivation: When you’re cruising on highways or driving at steady speeds, the AFM system shuts down half of the engine’s cylinders.
Fuel Efficiency: This reduces fuel consumption without sacrificing the power needed for acceleration or heavy loads.
Seamless Activation: The system automatically activates and deactivates the cylinders as needed. You won’t notice a thing.

By using GMC AFM technology, your vehicle uses less fuel during everyday driving, which saves you money over time. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a rugged Yukon or a versatile Terrain, this technology helps you get the most out of every trip.

So, what’s the benefit of GMC Active Fuel Management? It’s a smart way to balance performance and fuel efficiency, so you can enjoy your ride without worrying about excessive fuel consumption.

How Does Active Fuel Management Work?

Active Fuel Management (AFM) in GMC vehicles is designed to make your drive more efficient by adjusting how the engine operates. It works by deactivating certain engine cylinders when full power isn’t necessary. This allows your vehicle to use less fuel while still delivering the performance you need when it counts.

Here’s a breakdown of how AFM works:

Cruising Speeds: When you’re driving at steady speeds, like on highways, AFM deactivates half of the engine’s cylinders.
Cylinder Deactivation: In a V8 engine, four cylinders are turned off, and in a V6, three cylinders are deactivated.
Seamless Transition: As soon as you need more power—whether it’s for passing or climbing a hill—the system instantly reactivates the cylinders. This happens without you noticing any difference in performance.
Fuel Savings: By only using half of the engine’s cylinders during light driving, AFM reduces fuel consumption. It can improve fuel efficiency by up to 12%.

Whether you’re driving a GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Acadia, or Terrain, GMC’s AFM technology adapts to your driving conditions. It makes sure you’re using fuel only when you need it, which means more savings at the pump.

This intelligent system ensures your vehicle gives you the best of both worlds—power when needed and fuel efficiency when it’s not. Active Fuel Management helps you drive smarter, not harder.

Key Benefits of GMC’s Active Fuel Management Technology

GMC’s Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology offers many advantages, making your driving experience better and more cost-effective. Whether you’re driving a Yukon, Yukon XL, Acadia, or Terrain, here are some key benefits of AFM:

Improved Fuel Efficiency:

AFM helps your vehicle use less fuel by deactivating cylinders when not needed. This reduces fuel consumption, especially on long drives.
With AFM, you can save money at the pump without sacrificing performance.

Seamless Performance:

The transition between active and deactivated cylinders is smooth. You won’t even notice when it happens, ensuring a consistent, enjoyable driving experience
AFM ensures that you always have the power you need when accelerating or climbing hills.

Lower Emissions:

By reducing fuel consumption, AFM also helps reduce harmful emissions. This means a cleaner, more eco-friendly ride.

Enhanced Longevity:

AFM reduces engine load when full power isn’t needed, potentially extending the life of the engine by minimizing wear and tear.

Better Driving Experience:

With AFM, GMC vehicles maintain power when you need it, and conserve fuel when you don’t. This creates a smoother and more efficient driving experience.

From city streets to highways, GMC’s AFM technology adapts to your driving needs, offering a perfect blend of efficiency and performance. Whether you’re behind the wheel of an Acadia or Terrain, you can enjoy the full benefits of AFM for every journey.

Active Fuel Management vs. Dynamic Fuel Management

GMC uses advanced fuel-saving technologies, such as Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM). Both aim to improve fuel efficiency, but they work differently. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare:

Active Fuel Management (AFM)

Cylinder Deactivation: AFM works by deactivating some of the engine’s cylinders when they aren’t needed, such as during highway driving. This reduces fuel consumption without sacrificing performance.
Smooth Transitions: The shift between active and deactivated cylinders happens seamlessly. You won’t feel any difference while driving.
Fuel Economy Gains: AFM delivers solid fuel savings, particularly during steady, low-demand driving like cruising on highways.

Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM)

More Flexibility: DFM is more advanced. It can deactivate anywhere from one to all of the engine’s cylinders, depending on driving conditions. This allows for even better fuel savings, adjusting dynamically to how you’re driving.
Enhanced Efficiency: DFM maximizes fuel savings by adjusting the number of active cylinders more precisely, offering greater efficiency than AFM alone.
Better for Stop-and-Go Driving: With DFM, the system adapts to varying conditions, making it ideal for both city driving and highway trips.

Both AFM and DFM improve fuel efficiency, but DFM offers more flexibility and potential savings. Whether you’re driving a Yukon or Terrain, these technologies help you get the most from your engine, without sacrificing performance.

GMC Active Fuel Management in Action

When you’re driving a GMC with Active Fuel Management (AFM), you might not always notice the system working, but it’s actively improving your fuel efficiency. Here’s how it works in real-life driving scenarios:

Highway Driving:

When you’re cruising down the highway at a steady speed, AFM kicks in.
The engine deactivates some cylinders, reducing fuel consumption without sacrificing power.
This allows your vehicle, like a Yukon or Acadia, to maintain smooth performance while saving fuel.

City Driving:

During stop-and-go traffic, AFM adapts.
The system can activate and deactivate cylinders based on power demand.
For example, your Terrain may deactivate cylinders when the power demand is low, improving fuel efficiency.

Towing and Heavy Loads:

Even when you’re towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load, GMC’s AFM technology adjusts.
While towing, it keeps more cylinders activated for more power when you need it.
This ensures you have the performance needed while still benefiting from better fuel economy when possible.

Smooth Transitions:

One of the standout features of GMC’s AFM system is how seamlessly it works.
You won’t feel the switch between active and deactivated cylinders.
Whether you’re driving a Terrain or Yukon XL, AFM delivers improved fuel efficiency without any noticeable difference in performance.

Everyday Use:

AFM works quietly in the background.
It makes small adjustments to maximize fuel savings during your everyday driving.
If you’re commuting, running errands, or taking a long road trip, AFM ensures you’re using less fuel when the demand is low.

In short, GMC’s Active Fuel Management is always ready to enhance efficiency and performance. Whether you’re driving across the city or taking a road trip, this technology helps you get the most from your vehicle.

Is GMC Active Fuel Management Right for You?

GMC’s Active Fuel Management technology is designed to optimize your vehicle’s performance and efficiency. But is it the right choice for you? Here are some factors to consider:

Driving Habits:

Frequent Highway Driving: If you often drive on highways, you’ll see significant fuel savings. AFM reduces fuel consumption at steady speeds.
City Commuters: If your daily commute involves stop-and-go traffic, AFM will adjust to keep your fuel economy high during low-demand driving.

Towing and Heavy Loads:

Towing Needs: If you often tow trailers or carry heavy loads, GMC’s AFM will still give you the power you need while saving fuel when possible.
Off-Road Adventures: For vehicles like the Yukon XL, which may be used for off-roading, AFM adjusts performance for both fuel economy and power.

Vehicle Choice:

Larger Vehicles (Yukon, Yukon XL): These SUVs benefit from AFM, as it reduces fuel consumption without compromising towing or power needs.
Compact SUVs (Acadia, Terrain): AFM enhances fuel economy without affecting the driving experience, especially in urban areas.

Environmental Concerns:

Fuel Efficiency: If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, AFM helps you drive more efficiently, using less fuel during everyday trips.
Eco-Conscious Driving: AFM is perfect for drivers who want to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing vehicle performance.

Budget-Conscious Drivers:

Save on Gas: With AFM, you’ll get more miles out of every tank, which helps save on fuel costs in the long run.
Long-Term Savings: While fuel prices fluctuate, having a vehicle with AFM helps you make the most out of each fill-up.

Smooth and Quiet Operation:

Seamless Transitions: Active Fuel Management works quietly in the background, providing a smooth driving experience, so you won’t even notice it.
No Performance Sacrifice: AFM adapts to the driving conditions without affecting the vehicle’s power.

If you value efficiency, power, and seamless transitions, GMC’s Active Fuel Management may be a perfect fit for you. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a Yukon, Acadia, or Terrain, AFM can enhance your driving experience and save you money at the pump.

What exactly is GMC’s Active Fuel Management system, and how does it operate?
GMC’s Active Fuel Management (AFM) system is a fuel-saving technology that improves fuel efficiency by deactivating some of the engine’s cylinders under light load conditions. It automatically switches between running on all cylinders and running on fewer cylinders when driving at steady speeds, reducing fuel consumption without sacrificing performance.

Which GMC models are equipped with AFM technology?
AFM technology is available in several GMC models, including the Yukon, Yukon XL, Acadia, and Terrain, especially in certain engine configurations designed for efficiency.

Can AFM be disabled, and does it significantly improve fuel economy?
AFM can be disabled in some vehicles, though it’s typically not recommended for long-term use, as it negates the fuel-saving benefits. When active, AFM does improve fuel economy by optimizing fuel consumption based on driving conditions, offering significant savings over time, especially during highway driving.

Learn More About GMC’s Active Fuel Management with Central Buick GMC

If you’re ready to explore GMC’s innovative fuel-saving technology and how it can benefit your driving experience, Central Buick GMC is here to help. Whether you’re in Inwood, Auburndale, Eloise, Eagle Lake, or Wahneta, we invite you to visit us and discover our wide selection of vehicles, including the Yukon, Yukon XL, Acadia, and Terrain.

Want to know more about how these vehicles can help save you money at the pump? Check out our complete guide on vehicle fuel efficiency and get expert advice on making the most of your vehicle’s mileage.

We also invite you to explore other helpful resources, such as our guide to Buick’s trim options and the future of hands-free driving with GM’s Super Cruise technology. Take a closer look at our new inventory by visiting Central Buick GMC’s New Vehicle Search.

Our team is here to assist you with any questions you may have. Explore, learn, and drive smarter today!

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