2016 Surburan LTZ

issues that I haven't been able to resolve:
1. engine changing from 4 to 8 cylinders - is there any fix or any way to turn this feature off? irritating!

2. Sunroof and cell phone console charger - 10A fuse blows - also iphone max is to large for charging pad trim work
Found the following: Removed the rear console cover (4 screws) discovered wiring harness broken within lid hinge. Fuse blows each time the lid is opened/closed - also causes Sunroof to not operate. Left fuse box (drivers side) #8 10A (SEO RAP) Note: this seems to be a problem going back a number of years.
The fix for the sun roof is to unplug the wireless charging pad connector.

Charging replacement kit & harness

2015-2020 GM Wireless Phone Charging Kit for GM SUV's (Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban)

3. rear back-up camera - rain coats the lens - any fix available? - like installing a extended lip over the camera? - any OEM CAMERAS compatible?

All input greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

 

There are accessory modules that plug into the OBD2 port to keep in V8 mode full time. The "brand name is Ranger", and we have been using a generic one purchased through Amazon.

Search AFM disabler

 

The OBD port is intended for diagnostic purposes only. You should not leave anything plugged into it permanently.
Especially not random gadgets from Amazon.

 

And AFM was a "not better idea", to produce a tiny bit better fuel mileage for EPA and the sticker, but typically will cost the owner thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the vehicle.....

Of course, GM now calls it dynamic fuel management (DFM).

 

You're absolutely right. Unfortunately those disablers don't help, and could make things worse.

 

Let's see:
GM's AFM

GM wouldn't cover windshield wiper recall on our 1994 Suburban because its VIN wasn't listed, even though other 1994 Suburbans and GM trucks with exact same problem were part of a national safety recall due to a bad solder joint from too much stress on the connector; GM wanted $100 to swap in a new wiper board, 5 minute fix. So I re-soldered the break.

GM was unable to figure out was wrong with the sunroof on our 2005 Yukon Denali (intermittently would not close, would ALWAYS open); after 4 return visits, service advisor told me "we have absolutely no idea what is wrong". Then I had to fight with the dealership to get a refund as I'd agreed upfront to pay for a fix, but not a guess.

Underdash/in-dash electric actuators for HVAC; had to replace mine in the 1994 and the 2005. Fortunately, gears were not stripped out on our 2014, was able to simply clean out the switch with a Q-tip.

2005 Yukon had electric windows in both 2nd doors malfunction, seems like a design flaw to me...

I'll take my chances with the AFM disabler....

 

so what's the point of the story?

My bro took his chances and engine grenaded at 60k. The problem is mechanical not electronic. Installing rando internet gadgets is just asking for trouble.

 

Point is that GM has good points as well as bad, like all manufacturers of anything. Engineers of a vehicle engine are entirely different than those designing transmissions or electric windows.

Mrs. Cusser loves the 6.2 engine in the Yukon Denali for pulling her horse trailer. Everything has a trade-off.....why is my daily driver a 1988 Mazda Cab Plus truck with 85hp when I also have a pristine 2004 Frontier with 1543hp and better AC? Just personal preference...

 

ok. I can't disagree with any of that. Pretty obvious stuff for the most part (except that lately it seems the bad outweighs the good).
But I'm not sure what it has to do with gadgets that are a waste of money, and stand a good chance of messing up your truck or at the very least causing unexpected behavior.