As a Ford driver, you may have noticed a sudden change in your car’s fuel efficiency or a slight drag in the car’s aerodynamics, and chances are that the Ford Active Grill Shutter may have problems. The active grill is dedicated to helping your vehicle with air conditioning, which helps in balancing the car and keeping the engine at the required temperature.
This article is dedicated to discovering the causes and possible fixes to Ford’s active grille shutter problems.
Contents
What Does a Grill Shutter Assembly Do on a Ford?
The grill shutter assembly is a component of Ford’s vent with two main functions. The grill shutter helps regulate engine temperature, and the second function is to provide aerodynamics that balances the car when on the road.
When the Ford reduces speed, the grill shutter slowly opens up, conserving cool air when the car speeds. The whole system also improves fuel consumption. The grill shutter prevents accidents from happening by keeping the car on the road and balancing it out through air currents from within the vehicle.
Active Grill Shutter Diagnosis
The grille shutter is on the lower right side at the number and is ignored when the car speeds down or is turned off. The ECM controls the Ford active grille shutter, which relies on multiple sensors in the vehicle.
When the ECM detects issues with the Ford active grill shutters, you will experience a shift with the standard car balance.
How Do You Test an Active Grill Shutter
The first step in testing the Ford active grill shutter is to turn your car on. Using CONSULT, you can control the whole active grill shutter with it. CONSULT allows the active grill shutter to close and open, regulating the air that enters the car engine.
What Causes Active Grill Shutter Malfunctions
Now that we have discussed what an active grill shutter is and why it is crucial in your car, we can look at some of the causes of shutter malfunctions.
Bumper Damage
As discussed earlier, Ford’s active grill shutter is located at the number; any forced pressure on it may lead to a malfunction. Your Ford may flash or indicate warning lights on the dashboard, clearly showing that something may be wrong with the car.
Any damage to the Ford blades will affect the closing and opening of the grille shutters.
Accidents with the bumper can ultimately damage the area, especially if the bumper comes off or loosens. It is best to consult your local repair shop or mechanic to assess the impact on Ford’s active grill shutters.
Water Damage
Water from rain or car wash can damage your Ford active grille shutter, and a fake or old grill shutter is permeable to any liquid. Although the damage is not instant, if the wear goes unchecked, it will eventually cause the shutter to close off completely.
Water damage is the number one cause of a worn-out active grill shutter. Constant exposure to water makes the grill weaker, and eventually, purchasing a new one becomes necessary.
Clogged Shutters
Since the shutters are located at the bumper and close to the road, many clogs and dirt can enter the car’s active shutter. In the long run, the accumulated dirt can completely block the shutter, causing a malfunction.
Snow Damage
Like water and dirt, snow damage can cause active shutters to clog up and weaken performance. Snow damage happens during winter periods, and clearing it out before winter is over will not help. Before cleaning the shutters, waiting for the snow to clear is best.
Blown A fuse
Blown fuses can lead to malfunctioning messages on your dashboard. A blown fuse will damage your car’s power, causing the active shutters to malfunction.
How To Fix Active Grill Shutter
A malfunction with an active grill shutter is expected; therefore, there are solutions to fixing a damaged one.
Most of the causes of damaged shutters happen when there is physical harm to the shutters. The most common fix is always to check that the active grill is not clogged. Keeping the vent clean and free from clogs that will eventually build up and weaken the shutters is always essential.
The second fix is to service cars; general car service will locate damages like blown fuses that have gone unnoticed.
Active Grill Shutter Repair Cost
The price of repairing an active grill shutter varies depending on several factors. For one, the degree of damage and your location will raise your cost or lower it. The general approximated price is between $100 to $350.
Most mechanics and repair shops formulate a quote with a detailed breakdown of the total. It is best to ask for a quote to understand what you are being charged for, whether it includes labor charges or not.
Can You Drive Without Active Grill Shutter
You can drive without active grill shutters. You will, however, get notified by warning lights on your dashboard. In the long run, the shutters reduce tug in your car. Without an active grill shutter, you will start feeling the pull and notice you use a lot of fuel.
How To Prevent Active Grille Shutter Malfunction
The best way to prevent active grille shutter malfunction is to keep them clean with regular service and clean-ups. You can also prevent malfunctions by repairing and renewing old shutters.
The most common causes of the malfunction are dirt or debris in the shutters that clog up over time, making it hard to open the vents for air circulation.
After going through the article, we have concluded that the grill shutter is a car part that serves essential functions. It may not be seen immediately, but shutters improve the car’s efficiency and general feel on the road in the long run.
Your pockets will also feel the impact once you calculate the amount used on fuel. The Ford active grill shutters are a vital part of the car.
