Focus Fanatics Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Active Grill Shutters

Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
R

ralck

· Registered
Joined
·
223 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hey All,

New question here... how do I make sure my grill shutters are working? I keep reading in other threads that they typically close when you park to trap engine heat and hopefully keep the engine hotter for the next time you have to drive.

I've never seen mine closed; they are always open. I definitely do have them- I can see them and it's listed on ETIS.

Any way I can "force" them to close/open in a diagnostics mode?
 
#2 ·
Doubtful. The shutters are operated based on engine parameters, I don't think there is a way for us to force them one way or another.

They work. When you aren't moving they will obviously be open in movement they will open/close based on all that.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#3 ·
When I was curious, I started my car and shut off the a/c. While it idled, I went and watched from the front. After a few seconds it began to slowly close until shut all the way.
You have to ensure that your a/c and defrost are off, though. When one is on the shutters will stay open.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#4 ·
According to the repair manual, on engine start the shutters perform a calibration sequence where the PCM drives the shutters to the 'full open' and 'full closed' positions before setting them to whichever of the sixteen possible positions is appropriate.

If you wish to see them operate, that would be the best time to do it.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#5 ·
ralck said:
Hey All,

New question here... how do I make sure my grill shutters are working? I keep reading in other threads that they typically close when you park to trap engine heat and hopefully keep the engine hotter for the next time you have to drive.
Click to expand...
That was just speculation rather than fact. The service manual says the opposite.

If there is a problem, the PCM will detect it and the MIL will illuminate.
 
#8 ·
Kabigon said:
That was just speculation rather than fact. The service manual says the opposite.

If there is a problem, the PCM will detect it and the MIL will illuminate.
Click to expand...
Correct.

The shutters open depending on engine temp. The hotter the engine to more they open to allow for cooling. The cooler the engine they more they close to reduce drag and provide better fuel economy.

So in stop and go traffic they are more likely to be wide open, but out on the highway and getting good flow of air to keep things cooler the more they would be closed.
 
#11 ·
When I first checked them out in person I had just got back to my house after driving around. When I checked they were closed I could see nothing but black. Then I cranked the car and came back and they were full open and I could see the silver of the radiator.
 
#14 ·
Hi guys. I was on Kelly Blue Book site and I came across something: http://www.kbb.com/ford/focus/2013-ford-focus/se-expert_car_reviews/?vehicleid=377715
"SUPER FUEL ECONOMY (SFE) PACKAGE
Available on the auto-shifted SE 4-door sedan, the SFE Package includes auto-articulated, aero-optimizing grille shutters – an unseen mileage-enhancing element also found on most other Focus models fitted with the PowerShift transmission – as well as low rolling-resistance tires, wind-cheating wheel covers and a tasteful rear spoiler that collectively bring the car's EPA highway figure up to 40 mpg."

I don't have the SFE package, but I do have the PowerShift transmission. How can I tell If I have active grill shutters or not - or if I should? (I'm pretty sure I don't, but not sure). And why does it say "also found on most other Focus models fitted with the PowerShift transmission " . That is so vague...
I wish I had done a bit more research about this car and maybe have gotten SFE or custom ordered from Ford.
In any case, is there a way to get aftermarket active grill shutters? If so, please elaborate on it (DIY or get it installed and the pricing).

Thanks!
 
#15 ·
mishka said:
Hi guys. I was on Kelly Blue Book site and I came across something: http://www.kbb.com/ford/focus/2013-ford-focus/se-expert_car_reviews/?vehicleid=377715
"SUPER FUEL ECONOMY (SFE) PACKAGE
Available on the auto-shifted SE 4-door sedan, the SFE Package includes auto-articulated, aero-optimizing grille shutters – an unseen mileage-enhancing element also found on most other Focus models fitted with the PowerShift transmission – as well as low rolling-resistance tires, wind-cheating wheel covers and a tasteful rear spoiler that collectively bring the car's EPA highway figure up to 40 mpg."

I don't have the SFE package, but I do have the PowerShift transmission. How can I tell If I have active grill shutters or not - or if I should? (I'm pretty sure I don't, but not sure). And why does it say "also found on most other Focus models fitted with the PowerShift transmission " . That is so vague...
I wish I had done a bit more research about this car and maybe have gotten SFE or custom ordered from Ford.
In any case, is there a way to get aftermarket active grill shutters? If so, please elaborate on it (DIY or get it installed and the pricing).

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Look through your front grille and infront of the radiator you will see black plastic shutters. They should be open when the car is off.

or

put your vin into

http://www.etis.ford.com/

and it will say if you have the shutters or not.

I think they are standard now across all models for the 2013 MY.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#17 ·
I went to ford.com and clicked technology and it shows that the 2013 focus comes with it. I went outside and looked carefully at mine while the car is off, and yes I can see through stuff at the bottom so i'm pretty sure those are the grill shutters in open position. Sweet :)))
 
#18 ·
mishka said:
I went to ford.com and clicked technology and it shows that the 2013 focus comes with it. I went outside and looked carefully at mine while the car is off, and yes I can see through stuff at the bottom so i'm pretty sure those are the grill shutters in open position. Sweet :)))
Click to expand...
Start your car when it is cold out and take a look at them, they should be closed.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#19 ·
ags repair

has anyone had the shutters come disconnected? i have had several overheats in town when above 90. once i'm moving all returns to normal but some of the shutters are not reacting with the others, they seem to have become disconnected. does anyone know how to access the linkage? from the top or the bottom? i purchased new, no accidents, maybe a bird or two. 46500 miles 2014 titanium hatchback.
 
#20 ·
there really isn't any rhyme or reason for how the grille shutters work.

i've often wondered if mine were working at all and so i've started the car and ran to the front and looked; occasionally i've looked after parking the car to see in what state they were in.

just because you are parked doesn't mean they should be open or should be closed. i've had the them both ways, even after sitting for more than a day, with temps near 100. sometimes they are open, sometimes they are closed. sometimes they open on startup, sometimes they close on startup.

80+ outside, car has been parked about an hour, shutters are closed.

Image
 
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
About this Discussion
20 Replies
15 Participants
Last post:
brianinyacolt@gmail
Focus Fanatics Forum
posts
5.8M
members
203K
Since
2003
A forum community dedicated to Ford Focus owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about SVT performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Technical Chat Ford Focus Builds & General Showroom MK3 Focus SVT Performance (2002-2004) MK1 Focus