Active Grille Shutters stuck closed

[GTPETE]

Hello folks - I have a 2016 Ford Explorer XLT and while at the dealer for a recall, they found a code that says that there is a diagnostic fault with the active grille shutters /louvers off the track. Couldn't tell me exactly what was wrong except that it needs to be replaced at a whopping $1341 + tax. I am inclined to rip them out and be done with it but I'd like to know if any of you have had some experience with this problem and what you have done.

 

[peterk9]

There are several threads on issues with the grille shutters but none mention "off the track" as a problem. I'm not familiar with the exact operating system but usually if something is off track, you simply put it back on track.
Here is one of the threads I found using the handy 'Search' feature. Active Grille Shutter Assembly Repair/Replacement 2016 Explorer
Please keep us informed. Thanks.

Peter

 

[padjoe]

I have this issue. I checked the codes, reset and still showed. so I went looking to see if there was any breaks. I was unable to see anything. seems like the actuator has a plastic cog that turns the shutters open or closed this apparently wears down easily and quickly.
these parts do not seem to be available separate so a full shutter assembly has to be purchased.
I'm not doing that for a system that has minimal changes to fuel econ, I decided that the shutters will stay open permanently so I cut some wood to fit perfectly between the shutter and bumper. its tight so it doesn't move.
this is not a great solution but it works. this is an at your own risk type of set up.
I've heard others cut out the shutters.

 

[peterk9]

Don't forget that they also help in warming up the engine quicker in the wintertime when they are closed,

Peter

 

[2017 explorer xlt owner]

I have this issue. I checked the codes, reset and still showed. so I went looking to see if there was any breaks. I was unable to see anything. seems like the actuator has a plastic cog that turns the shutters open or closed this apparently wears down easily and quickly.
these parts do not seem to be available separate so a full shutter assembly has to be purchased.
I'm not doing that for a system that has minimal changes to fuel econ, I decided that the shutters will stay open permanently so I cut some wood to fit perfectly between the shutter and bumper. its tight so it doesn't move.
this is not a great solution but it works. this is an at your own risk type of set up.
I've heard others cut out the shutters.

Hi there, did you have a check engine light on after this fix? I want to disable the shutter but do not want a CEL, if I leave the shutter actuator in place and plugged in with the vehicle know if the plastic shutters are opening or closing?

 

[peterk9]

Hi there, did you have a check engine light on after this fix? I want to disable the shutter but do not want a CEL, if I leave the shutter actuator in place and plugged in with the vehicle know if the plastic shutters are opening or closing?

Welcome to the Forum.

The member you quoted likely isn't following any longer. He was last seen here on December 18, 2022.
Perhaps some one else can assist.

Peter

 

[Cclary]

My shutters also stick shut and make my explorer run hot. When going uphill or just on hot days coolant sensor will shoot to the top like it is over heating. Once we start going down hill or pull over the temp drops back down to normal operating temp. I feel like this feature being stuck has caused my oil to thin out and has damaged my engine. Mine also started out only overheating when AC was on. I found out my shutters were stuck shut when it said it was overheating one time and I got out to check if my radiator vans were blowing. They were blowing full force but the shutters were closed not allowing the air to pass thru the radiator. I zip tied them open and haven't had any more problems with overheating and my AC is colder then ever. But my vehicle is not driving smooth it has no get up anymore and feels like it is not shifting properly either. So, I also feel like this should be a recall because this issue I am sure has caused damage to my vehicle. I will update once I get my vehicle to the dealership.

 

[peterk9]

^^ Welcome to the Forum.
Recalls are issued for 'safety' related issues.
This issue does not appear to be a widespread problem given the low number of reports here. If it was more prevalent, a TSB might be a better way to go but I guess Ford hasn't received sufficient complaints to warrant one.

Peter

 

[mountaineer2004]

Just open the shutters to the open position and keep them there.

Another silly feature to ensure corporate fuel mandates that end up hurting the individual consumer.

 

[peterk9]

That "silly feature" ensures quicker engine warm-ups in cold weather.

Peter

 

[FordFlintrock]

Engine overheating is an issue that is better served addressing sooner rather than later. It seems quite some time had passed driving with the problem present.

 

[mountaineer2004]

That "silly feature" ensures quicker engine warm-ups in cold weather.

Peter

What it does is cause a lot of un-necessary problems with no real benefit.

 

[peterk9]

What it does is cause a lot of un-necessary problems with no real benefit.

It isn't a widespread issue and the benefit is a quicker engine warmup in cold weather. Several other things are more problematic.

Peter

 

[mountaineer2004]

It isn't a widespread issue and the benefit is a quicker engine warmup in cold weather. Several other things are more problematic.

Peter

Things are getting way too complicated. Quicker warmup, by how much? People can't be cold for another minute or two, are we that coddled now?
So we go from engine fans that are always on, to clutch fans, to electric fans that only activate when needed, and now we need closed shutters?
When the customer simply wants to drive the vehicle without all these niggling concerns, but can't, because of silly features, it's too much.
Live simply to simply live, or in this case, simply drive without overheating the engine.

 

[FordFlintrock]

Things are getting way too complicated. Quicker warmup, by how much? People can't be cold for another minute or two, are we that coddled now?

Quicker warm up time is more for reducing emissions than anything else.

 

[mountaineer2004]

Quicker warm up time is more for reducing emissions than anything else.

Now that I can understand!

 

[nt72]

Mine are stuck closed and now I have to replace them as it was causing the car to overheat, plus A/C and defrost stopped working. Same car 2016 Explorer XLT

 

[peterk9]

Mine are stuck closed and now I have to replace them as it was causing the car to overheat, plus A/C and defrost stopped working. Same car 2016 Explorer XLT

Welcome to the Forum.

Peter

 

[lsufordguy]

Mine was like that from the dealership but didn't find out until it was out of warranty. I kept thinking it was an AC issue and the dealership looked at it 4 different times. I also had the extended warranty but they said it was considered trim so they wouldn't cover it. I argued it affected the engine and the warranty tech said fine I'm denying it because its plastic and not metal, and the $1,600 quote was ridiculous for a problem I brought in 4 different times under warranty. So you might laugh but I bought large Velcro straps and put two, one on each side, wrapping around one of the shutters and the front grill to keep it open. You cannot see the straps unless you really look for it, and so far its been running like this for 4 years.