Ford Fiesta Quiz
Body and Paint

Active Grille Shutter. Diagnosis and Testing

In this manual: Body and Paint
Service Information — 27Suspension — 48Transmission — 9Brake System — 52Steering — 21Engine — 140Manual Transmission, Clutch, Transfer Case and Power Transfer Unit — 48Exhaust System — 6Fuel System — 21Climate Control System — 58Instrumentation and Warning Systems — 26Battery and Charging System — 20Infotainment Systems — 41Lighting — 29Power Distribution — 11Electronic Function Group — 30Body and Paint — 275Frame and Mounting — 3
~8min read

DTC Chart: Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

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).


DTC Chart: Powertrain Control Module (PCM)


Trouble Code Description Action
P059F Active Grille Shutter "A" Performance / Stuck Off GO to Pinpoint Test A
P05A1 Active Grille Shutter "A" Position Sensor Minimum/Maximum Stop GO to Pinpoint Test A
P05A2 Active Grille Shutter "A" Control Circuit / Open GO to Pinpoint Test A
P05A7 Active Grille Shutter "A" Module Power Supply Circuit Low Voltage GO to Pinpoint Test A
P05C0 Active Grille Shutter "A" Module Overtemperature INSTALL a new active grille shutter.
REFER TO: Active Grille Shutter (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
U0046 Vehicle Communication Bus C GO to Pinpoint Test A
U0284 Active Grille Shutter "A" Module Communication Lost GO to Pinpoint Test A
All Other Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) - For the procedure, refer to the appropriate Group 303 section.

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)

Active Grille Shutter Inoperative or Operating Incorrectly


For circuit and connector information, refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 33.

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms


Refer to: 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 Conditions
P059F Active Grille Shutter "A" Performance / Stuck Off When the grille shutter actuator detects that it cannot move the grille shutter, it sends a message to the PCM through LIN. The PCM sets this DTC when the fault is reported for a predetermined amount of time.
P05A1 Active Grille Shutter "A" Position Sensor Minimum/Maximum Stop When the grille shutter actuator detects that it cannot reach the fully open or fully closed grille shutter position, it sends a message to the PCM through LIN. The PCM then sets the DTC when the fault is reported for a predetermined amount of time.
P05A2 Active Grille Shutter "A" Control Circuit / Open This DTC is set when the grille shutter actuator H-Bridge control circuit is overtemperature, or a short to ground or open circuit is detected in the actuator control circuit. The PCM sets this DTC when the condition is present for a predetermined amount of time.
P05A7 Active Grille Shutter "A" Module Power Supply Circuit Low Voltage When the grille shutter actuator detects low voltage, it sends a message to the PCM through LIN. The PCM sets this DTC when the fault is reported for a predetermined amount of time.
U0046 Vehicle Communication Bus C This DTC is set when the PCM detects a short to voltage supply, a short to ground, or an open in the LIN.
U0284 Active Grille Shutter "A" Module Communication Lost When the PCM does not receive a message from the grille shutter actuator within a specified time, the PCM sets this DTC.

Possible Sources

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

Visual Inspection and Preliminary Diagnosis

  • Check that fuse BJB 27 (15A) is in good condition.
  • Check that there is no debris or other obstruction in the grille opening that prevents the grille shutter from operating.
  • Check that the grille shutter actuator electrical connector is not disconnected.

DIAGNOSTIC TEST A: ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTER INOPERATIVE OR OPERATING INCORRECTLY
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 DTC P05A7, U0046 or U0284 present?
Yes GO to A2
No If DTC P059F, P05A1 or P05A2, GO to A9.
For all other DTCs, PCM refer to the appropriate section in Group 303 for the procedure.
A2 CHECK THE POWER SUPPLY TO THE GRILLE SHUTTER ACTUATOR
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect: Grille Shutter Actuator C1651.
  • The ignition is on.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1651-3 Ground

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes GO to A3
No CHECK fuse BJB 27 (15A) is in good condition. 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 GROUND CIRCUIT TO THE GRILLE SHUTTER ACTUATOR FOR AN OPEN
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1651-1 Ground

Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes For DTC U0046 or U0284, GO to A4.
For DTC P05A7, GO to A11.
No REPAIR the circuit.
A4 CHECK THE LIN (LOCAL INTERCONNECT NETWORK) CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
  • Disconnect: Grille Shutter Actuator C1651.
  • Disconnect: PCM C1381B.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1651-2 C1381B-50

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
    C1651-2 Ground

Is there voltage present?
Yes GO to A6
No GO to A7
A6 CHECK THE LIN (LOCAL INTERCONNECT NETWORK) CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE WITH THE BATTERY MONITOR SENSOR DISCONNECTED
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect: Battery Monitor Sensor C1646.
  • The ignition is on.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1651-2 Ground

Is there voltage present?
Yes REPAIR the circuit.
No INSTALL a new battery monitor sensor.
Refer to: Battery Monitor Sensor (414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables, Removal and Installation).
A7 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
    C1651-2 Ground

Is the resistance greater than 10000 Ohms?
Yes GO to A12
No GO to A8
A8 CHECK THE LIN (LOCAL INTERCONNECT NETWORK) CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND WITH THE COOLANT PUMP DISCONNECTED
  • Disconnect: Battery Monitor Sensor C1646.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C1651-2 Ground

Is the resistance greater than 10000 Ohms?
Yes INSTALL a new battery monitor sensor.
Refer to: Battery Monitor Sensor (414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables, Removal and Installation).
No REPAIR the circuit.
A9 CHECK THE GRILLE SHUTTER OPERATION USING THE GRILLE SHUTTER A POSITION - COMMANDED (GRILL_A_CMD) PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION (PID)
  • Start the engine and allow it to idle for at least 30 seconds to complete the grille shutter calibration.
  • 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 active grille shutter from 100% (open) to 0% (closed) while observing the grille shutter operation from the front of the vehicle.

Does the grille shutter fully open and close on command from the diagnostic scan tool?
Yes The grille shutter system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by debris or an obstruction.
No GO to A10
A10 CHECK THE GRILLE SHUTTER FOR OBSTRUCTIONS AND/OR MECHANICAL BINDING
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Remove the grille shutter actuator.
  • Manually open and close the grille shutter, removing any obstructions that may interfere with grille shutter operation or linkage. The grille shutter must open and close easily without binding.

Does the grille shutter operate freely, without binding or obstruction?
Yes GO to A11
No REPAIR the binding/obstruction or, if necessary, INSTALL a new active grille shutter.
REFER TO: Active Grille Shutter (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
A11 CHECK THE GRILLE SHUTTER ACTUATOR FOR PROPER OPERATION
  • Disconnect: Grille Shutter Actuator C1651 (if not previously disconnected).
  • Inspect the 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 grille shutter actuator connector, jumper harness and all previously disconnected system connectors. Make sure they are seated and latched correctly.
  • Operate the system and determine if the concern is still present.

Is the concern still present?
Yes CHECK in OASIS for any applicable Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). If a TSB exists for this concern, STOP this test and FOLLOW the TSB instructions. If no TSB applies to this concern, INSTALL a new active grille shutter.
Refer to: Active Grille Shutter (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
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.
A12 CHECK THE GRILLE SHUTTER ACTUATOR FOR PROPER OPERATION
  • Inspect the grille shutter actuator and PCM electrical connectors.
  • 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 grille shutter actuator connector, jumper harness and all previously disconnected system connectors. Make sure they are seated and latched correctly.
  • Operate the system and determine if the concern is still present.

Is the concern still present?
Yes CHECK in OASIS for any applicable Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). If a TSB exists for this concern, STOP this test and FOLLOW the TSB instructions. If no TSB applies to this concern, INSTALL a new active grille shutter.
Refer to: Active Grille Shutter (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
CLEAR the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). REPEAT the self-test. If the concern persists,
Click here to access the guided routine (PCM).
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.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Fiesta quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.