PJPower05

So the weather has begun to turn colder here in MD, and I have noticed that my truck seems to take longer to heat up than it did last year (I have had the truck for approx. 10 months now, purchased during winter of last year, when the weather was WAY colder than what it is now). I remember, when researching about the active grill, and going outside, starting my truck, the grill shutters would all go to full close, go to full open, then close if it was cold out. When I started it up the other day, the grill just stayed open, and the truck took longer to heat up (had it idle for around 5-10 minutes before driving, no heat what-so-ever, grills in the full open postion still, max heat turned on). Coolant level is fine, heater works once the engine gets to temp, but the shutters stay open the entire time. No objects or obstructions in the grill itself. Is there anyway of knowing if it is working or not? Would the check engine light come on? MPG's are staying the same on both city and highway.
Thanks for your time!
Perry
2018 2.7 EcoBoost

robbieg

RL1990

Not true. I always leave the A/C on year round and in the winter the grill shutters are closed or partially closed most of the time and the computer uses the fans to control temperature.

The OP should remote start the truck or have someone else start it and see if the shutters can do their self test. If the self test completes the shutters are fine. You can also use a scan tool to see if they're codes stored.

ThunderStruck007

robbieg

Harry Franklin

My 17 does it's self test just by turning the ignition on. I don't have to start it. I found this out while installing the Wagner intercooler which the shutters will hit if not installed exactly perfect.

metroplex

My 2018 Explorer has the active grille shutters as well, but I have the opposite problem - the shutters stay closed pretty much all the time. I can get heat from my vents within 10-30 seconds of driving away in the winter time. In the summer at 90F+ ambient with the A/C running, my shutters are shut when idling. I've looked at the condenser and its free of road salt and bugs, which I'm not complaining about. My 2014 SHO (same as Explorer sans the active grille shutters) had lots of road salt spray in the engine compartment).

I do see the shutters go through the initialization sequence, but I am curious as to when they are actually supposed to open. To the OP, it doesn't sound right if they stay open all the time.

MNgopher

You can see the commanded shutter opening in forscan. If it is commanding 100% opening, then you need to track down why.

Also note, the radiator shutter behavior in sub 35 degree f weather is that they stay just under 1/3rd cracked open (at least on my 2016). I assume this is to avoid problems with icing shut.