Ford Explorer Quiz
Body and Paint

Diagnosis and Testing - Active Grille Shutter

In this manual: Body and Paint
General Information — 41Chassis — 173Powertrain — 250Electrical — 303Body and Paint — 331
~15min read

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Chart

The diagnosis in this manual assumes a certain level of skill and knowledge of Ford-approved diagnostic procedures.
REFER TO: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).


Diagnostic Trouble Code Chart


Module Trouble Code Description Action
PCM P059F:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "A" Performance / Stuck Off GO to Pinpoint Test A
PCM P05A1:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "A" Position Sensor Minimum/Maximum Stop Performance GO to Pinpoint Test A
PCM P05A2:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "A" Control Circuit/Open GO to Pinpoint Test A
PCM P05A7:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "A" Control Circuit Low GO to Pinpoint Test A
PCM P05AE:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "B" Performance / Stuck Off GO to Pinpoint Test A
PCM P05B0:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "B" Position Sensor Minimum/Maximum Stop Performance GO to Pinpoint Test A
PCM P05B1:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "B" Control Circuit/Open GO to Pinpoint Test A
PCM P05B6:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "B" Power Circuit Low GO to Pinpoint Test A
PCM P05C0:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "A" Module Overtemperature: Overtemperature GO to Pinpoint Test B
PCM P05C1:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "B" Module Overtemperature GO to Pinpoint Test A
PCM U0046:00 Vehicle Communication Bus C: No Sub Type Information GO to Pinpoint Test A
PCM U0284:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "A" Module Communication Lost GO to Pinpoint Test A
PCM U0285:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "B" Module Communication Lost GO to Pinpoint Test A

Symptom Chart

Symptom Chart: Active Grille Shutter

The diagnosis in this manual assumes a certain level of skill and knowledge of Ford-approved diagnostic procedures.
REFER TO: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).


Symptom Chart


Condition Possible Sources Action
Active Grille Shutter Inoperative or Operating Incorrectly
  • Refer to Pinpoint Test
 GO to Pinpoint Test A

Pinpoint Test(s)


PINPOINT TEST A: ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER INOPERATIVE OR OPERATING INCORRECTLY

For wiring diagrams and connector information, refer to Wiring Diagram Cell 33.

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

SEE: Active Grille Shutter - System Operation and Component Description (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Description and Operation).

DTC Fault Trigger Conditions

Trouble Code Description Fault Trigger Condition
DTC P05C1:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "B" Module Overtemperature This DTC sets when the lower active grille shutter actuator detects excessive internal heat.
DTC P05B1:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "B" Control Circuit/Open When the lower active grille shutter actuator detects an open circuit, it sends a message to the PCM over LIN. The PCM sets this DTC when the fault is reported for a specified period of time.
PCM P05A2:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "A" Control Circuit/Open When the upper active grille shutter actuator detects an open circuit, it sends a message to the PCM over LIN. The PCM sets this DTC when the fault is reported for a specified period of time.
PCM P059F:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "A" Performance / Stuck Off When the upper active grille shutter actuator determines that it cannot move the active grille shutter, it sends a message to the PCM over LIN. The PCM sets this DTC when the fault is reported for a specified period of time.
PCM P05A1:00 Active Grille Shutter "A" Position Sensor Minimum/Maximum Stop Effectiveness: No subtype information When the upper active grille shutter actuator determines that it cannot reach the fully open or fully closed active grille shutter position, it sends a message to the PCM over LIN. The PCM then sets this DTC when the fault is reported for a specified period of time.
PCM P05A7:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "A" Control Circuit Low When the upper active grille shutter actuator detects low voltage, it sends a message to the PCM over LIN. The PCM sets this DTC when the fault is reported for a specified period of time.
DTC P05AE:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "B" Performance / Stuck Off When the lower active grille shutter actuator determines that it cannot move the active grille shutter, it sends a message to the PCM over LIN. The PCM sets this DTC when the fault is reported for a specified period of time.
DTC P05B0:00 Active Grille Shutter "B" Position Sensor Minimum/Maximum Stop Effectiveness: No subtype information When the lower active grille shutter actuator determines that it cannot reach the fully open or fully closed active grille shutter position, it sends a message to the PCM over LIN. The PCM then sets this DTC when the fault is reported for a specified period of time.
DTC P05B6:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "B" Power Circuit Low When the lower active grille shutter actuator detects low voltage, it sends a message to the PCM over LIN. The PCM sets this DTC when the fault is reported for a specified period of time.
PCM U0046:00 Vehicle Communication Bus C: No Sub Type Information This DTC is set when the PCM detects a short to voltage supply, a short to ground, or an open in the LIN.
PCM U0284:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "A" Module Communication Lost When the PCM does not receive a message from the upper active grille shutter actuator within a specified period of time, the PCM sets this DTC.
DTC U0285:00 Active Grille Air Shutter "B" Module Communication Lost When the PCM does not receive a message from the lower active grille shutter actuator within a specified period of time, the PCM sets this DTC.

Possible Sources

  • Fuse
  • Wiring, Terminals or Connectors
  • Active Grille Shutter Actuator
  • Active Grille Shutters
  • PCM

Visual Inspection and Pre-checks

  • Check that fuse BJB 14 (15A) is OK.
  • Check that there is no debris or other obstructions in the grille opening that could prevent the active grille shutter from operating.
  • Check that the active grille shutter actuator electrical connector is not disconnected.
  • Verify operation: Key On > Key Off > Start Engine.
  • The AGS must perform a learn procedure from fully open, then to the specified position.
A1 RETRIEVE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) FROM THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE)
  • The ignition is on.
  • Using the diagnostic scan tool, perform a PCM self-test.

Is any diagnostic trouble code present?
Yes For P05A7, U0046 or U0284 GO to A2
For P05B6 or U0285 GO to A10
For P059F or P05A1 GO to A7
For P05AE or P05B0 GO to A15.
For P05A2 GO to A3
For P05B1, GO to A11
For P05C0 INSTALL a new upper active grille shutter actuator.
REFER TO: Active Grille Shutter Actuator (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation). For P05C1 INSTALL a new lower active grille shutter actuator.
REFER TO: Active Grille Shutter Actuator (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
No GO to A2
A2 CHECK THE POWER SUPPLY TO THE UPPER ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER ACTUATOR
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect: Upper Active Grille Shutter Actuator C1977.
  • The ignition is on.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1977-3 Ground

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes GO to A3
No CHECK fuse BJB 14 (15A) is OK. If OK, REPAIR the circuit. If not OK, REFER to the Wiring Diagrams Manual to determine the cause of the short circuit.
A3 CHECK THE UPPER ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER ACTUATOR GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1977-1 Ground

Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes For DTC U0046 or U0284 GO to A4
For DTC P05A7 GO to A9.
No REPAIR the circuit.
A4 CHECK THE LIN (LOCAL INTERCONNECT NETWORK) CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
  • Disconnect: Upper Active Grille Shutter Actuator C1977.
  • Disconnect: PCM C1381B (2.3 L EcoBoost) or C1551B (3 L EcoBoost) or C175B (3.3 L Duratec)
  • For vehicles with the 2.3 L EcoBoost engine, measure:
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1977-2 C1381B-47
  • For vehicles with the 3.0L EcoBoost engine, measure:
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1977-2 C1551B-11
  • For vehicles with the 3.3L Duratec engine, measure:
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1977-2 C175B-11

Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes GO to A5
No REPAIR the circuit.
A5 CHECK THE LIN (LOCAL INTERCONNECT NETWORK) CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
  • The ignition is on.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1977-2 Ground

Is there voltage present?
Yes REPAIR the circuit.
No GO to A6
A6 CHECK THE LIN (LOCAL INTERCONNECT NETWORK) CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1977-2 Ground

Is the resistance greater than 10000 Ohms?
Yes GO to A7
No REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). REPEAT the self-test.
A7 CHECK THE UPPER ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER OPERATION USING THE GRILLE SHUTTER POSITION A - COMMAND (GRILL_A_CMD) PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION (PID)
  • Start the engine and let it idle for at least 30 seconds to allow the active grille shutter calibration to complete.
  • Using a diagnostic scan tool, view the PCM Parameter Identifications (PIDs).
  • Using the diagnostic scan tool, select the PCM module. Monitor the GRILL_A_CMD Parameter Identification (PID) and command the upper active grille shutter from 100% (open) to 0% (closed) while observing the upper active grille shutter operation from the front of the vehicle.

Does the upper active grille shutter fully open and close on command from the diagnostic scan tool?
Yes The upper active grille shutter system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by debris or an obstruction.
No GO to A8
A8 CHECK THE UPPER ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER FOR OBSTRUCTIONS AND/OR MECHANICAL BINDING
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Remove the upper active grille shutter actuator.
    REFER TO: Active Grille Shutter Actuator (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
  • Manually open and close the upper active grille shutter, removing any obstructions that may prevent the upper active grille shutter or linkage from operating. The active grille shutter must open and close easily, without binding.

Does the upper active grille shutter operate freely, without binding or obstruction?
Yes GO to A9
No REPAIR the binding/obstruction or, if necessary, INSTALL a new upper active grille shutter.
REFER TO: Grille Opening Panel (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
A9 CHECK THE UPPER ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER ACTUATOR CIRCUITS FOR PROPER OPERATION
  • Disconnect: Upper Active Grille Shutter Actuator C1977 (if not previously disconnected).
  • Inspect the upper active grille shutter actuator electrical connector and jumper harness.
  • Repair:
    • corrosion (install new connector or terminals - clean module pins)
    • damaged or bent pins - if necessary, install new terminals/pins
    • pushed-out pins - install new pins as necessary
  • Connect the upper active grille shutter actuator connector, jumper harness and all previously disconnected system connectors. Make sure they are installed and fully seated.
  • Operate the system and determine if the concern is still present.

Is the concern still present?
Yes CHECK OASIS for any applicable Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). If a TSB exists for this concern, STOP this test and FOLLOW the TSB instructions. If the TSBs do not address this concern, INSTALL a new upper active grille shutter actuator.
REFER TO: Active Grille Shutter Actuator (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
CLEAR the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). RERUN the self-test. If the concern persists,
Click here to access the guided routine (PCM). Internet Explorer version 11 or later is required to perform this Pinpoint test.
No The system is currently operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by module connections. ADDRESS the root cause of any connector or terminal issues.
A10 CHECK THE POWER SUPPLY TO THE LOWER ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER ACTUATOR
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect: Lower Active Grille Shutter Actuator C1978.
  • The ignition is on.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1978-3 Ground

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes GO to A11
No CHECK fuse BJB 14 (15A) is OK. If OK, REPAIR the circuit. If not OK, REFER to the Wiring Diagrams Manual to determine the cause of the short circuit.
A11 CHECK THE LOWER ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER ACTUATOR GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1978-1 Ground

Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes For DTC U0285, GO to A12.
For DTC P05B6, GO to A17.
No REPAIR the circuit.
A12 CHECK THE LIN (LOCAL INTERCONNECT NETWORK) CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
  • Disconnect: Lower Active Grille Shutter Actuator C1978.
  • Disconnect: PCM C1381B (2.3 L EcoBoost) or C1551B (3 L EcoBoost) or C175B (3.3 L Duratec)
  • For vehicles with the 2.3 L EcoBoost engine, measure:
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1978-2 C1381B-47
  • For vehicles with the 3.0L EcoBoost engine, measure:
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1978-2 C1551B-11
  • For vehicles with the 3.3L Duratec engine, measure:
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1978-2 C175B-11

Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes GO to A13
No REPAIR the circuit.
A13 CHECK THE LIN (LOCAL INTERCONNECT NETWORK) CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
  • The ignition is on.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1978-2 Ground

Is there voltage present?
Yes REPAIR the circuit.
No GO to A14
A14 CHECK THE LIN (LOCAL INTERCONNECT NETWORK) CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1978-2 Ground

Is the resistance greater than 10000 Ohms?
Yes GO to A15
No REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). REPEAT the self-test.
A15 CHECK THE LOWER ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER OPERATION USING THE GRILL SHUTTER B POSITION - CONTROLLED (GRILL_B_CMD) PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION (PID)
  • Start the engine and let it idle for at least 30 seconds to allow the active grille shutter calibration to complete.
  • Using a diagnostic scan tool, view the PCM Parameter Identifications (PIDs).
  • Using the diagnostic scan tool, select the PCM module. Monitor the Parameter Identification (PID) GRILL_B_CMD and command the lower active grille shutter from 100% (open) to 0% (closed) while observing the lower active grille shutter from the front of the vehicle.

Does the lower active grille shutter fully open and close on the diagnostic scan tool command?
Yes The lower active grille shutter system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by debris or an obstruction.
No GO to A16
A16 CHECK THE LOWER ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER FOR OBSTRUCTIONS AND/OR MECHANICAL BINDING
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Remove the lower active grille shutter actuator.
    REFER TO: Active Grille Shutter Actuator (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
  • Manually open and close the lower active grille shutter, removing any obstructions that may prevent the active grille shutter or linkage from operating. The active grille shutter must open and close easily, without binding.

Does the lower active grille shutter operate freely, without binding or obstruction?
Yes GO to A17
No REPAIR the binding/obstruction or, if necessary, INSTALL a new lower active grille shutter.
REFER TO: Grille Opening Panel (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
A17 CHECK THE LOWER ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER ACTUATOR CIRCUITS FOR PROPER OPERATION
  • Disconnect: Lower Active Grille Shutter Actuator C1978 (if not previously disconnected).
  • Inspect the lower active grille shutter actuator electrical connector and jumper harness.
  • Repair:
    • corrosion (install new connector or terminals - clean module pins)
    • damaged or bent pins - if necessary, install new terminals/pins
    • pushed-out pins - install new pins as necessary
  • Connect the lower active grille shutter actuator connector, jumper harness and all previously disconnected system connectors. Make sure they are installed and fully seated.
  • Operate the system and determine if the concern is still present.

Is the concern still present?
Yes CHECK OASIS for any applicable Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). If a TSB exists for this concern, STOP this test and FOLLOW the TSB instructions. If the TSBs do not address this concern, INSTALL a new active grille shutter actuator.
REFER TO: Active Grille Shutter Actuator (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
CLEAR the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). RERUN the self-test. If the concern persists,
Click here to access the guided routine (PCM). Internet Explorer version 11 or later is required to perform this Pinpoint test.
.
No The system is currently operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by module connections. ADDRESS the root cause of any connector or terminal issues.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST B: P05C0

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

SEE: Active Grille Shutter - System Operation and Component Description (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Description and Operation).

DTC Fault Trigger Conditions

Trouble Code Description Fault Trigger Condition
PCM P05C0:00 Active Grille Air Shutter Module "A" Overtemperature: No Sub Type Information This DTC sets when the upper active grille shutter actuator detects excessive internal heat. When the grille shutter actuator detects excessive heat, it sends a message to the PCM over LIN. The PCM sets this DTC when the fault is reported for a specified amount of time.

Possible Sources

  • Active Grille Shutter.
B1 CHECK THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS)
  • The ignition is on.
  • Using the diagnostic scan tool, retrieve the PCM diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Is DTC P05C0 present in the PCM?
Yes INSTALL a new active grille shutter.
REFER TO: Grille Opening Panel (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
No The system is currently operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by an intermittent condition.

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