The active grille shutter is located at the front bumper lower opening. This system controls the amount of airflow into the engine compartment via a flap which is operated by an actuator that receives signals from the ECM. While driving, the active grille shutter system closes the shutter to reduce air flow to the engine compartment for the purpose of reducing aerodynamic drag and as a result improves the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The ECM controls the active grille shutter system by detecting the vehicle driving status through respective modules and sensors. The active grille shutter actuator is equipped with a self-diagnosis function. If a malfunction is detected, a signal is transmitted to the ECM and the ECM records the active grille shutter malfunction. Use the C-III plus to check the active grille shutter if any operation malfunction conditions are detected.
Active Grille Shutter Operation
The active grille shutter is fully open when the vehicle stops or the ignition switch is turned OFF.
The ECM operates the shutter to the closed position in order to perform the shutter’s initial position learning whenever the ignition switch is turned OFF → ON and the engine is started. At the end of initial position learning, the ECM operates the shutter to the open position.
When driving after the initial position learning ends, the ECM operates the active grille shutter to the closed position when the operational conditions of the active grille shutter are met.
While driving, after the initial position learning ends, the ECM operates the active grille shutter to the closed position when the vehicle reaches a specified speed for the first time.
If the engine needs more air as it gets warm, the active grille shutter system can automatically reopen the grille, ensuring that the required airflow reaches the radiator to prevent the engine from overheating.
The ECM operates the shutter to the closed position when all the conditions of the active grille shutter are met:
- Vehicle speed – approximately 19-88 MPH (30 - 140 km/h)
- Engine coolant temperature – less than 203°F (95°C)
- Engine oil temperature – less than 284°F (140°C)
- CVT fluid temperature – approximately 275°F (135°C)
- Cooling fan ON and refrigerant pressure at 1.18 MPa or more
If the vehicle is driven at higher speed, the ECM operates the shutter to the open position when the vehicle reaches the specified speed of approximately 88 MPH in order to prevent the shutter from closing due to wind resistance.
When the vehicle speed is reduced below the specified speed of 88 MPH, the ECM calibrates the active grille shutter to the closed position and then to the open position when the vehicle speed is less than 14 MPH.
NOTE:
- When any one of the conditions for opening the active grille shutter is satisfied, the ECM performs active grille shutter initial position learning. This occurs even when the vehicle speed is less than 19 MPH (30 km/h).
- You can control the ECM to perform active grille shutter initial position learning when performing diagnosis with CONSULT.
