Radiator Shutter: Description and Operation

Active Grille Air Shutter Description and Operation

The active grille air shutter actuator closes louvers at the front bumper to enhance vehicle aerodynamics in driving situations where cooling and A/C loads are relatively low and high levels of front end airflow are not required. If high levels of airflow are required the active grille air shutter actuator opens the louvers. The control signal from the fuel pump control module, ignition and ground circuits enable the active grille air shutter actuator to operate. If the conditions for opening the louvers are reached the fuel pump control module commands the active grille air shutter actuator to open the louvers.

The single active grille air shutter system consists of an individual motor operated mechanism hinged behind the vehicle front grille for controlling the amount of air entering the engine compartment. It includes three wires, ground, power and pulse width modulated signal to the actuator. The fuel pump control module determines shutter state based on various vehicle conditions such as vehicle speed, coolant temperature, fan state, refrigerant system pressure, A/C compressor state and ambient temperature. The pulsed signal controlling the shutter mechanism will be able to control the shutter to close/open positions.

The actuator is powered by an ignition circuit that is active when the key is in the RUN position. The vehicle may have to be driven for up to 13 minutes at speeds greater than 41 kph (25 mph) before the shutter begins to move. If low ambient temperature is detected, the shutter will remain in the closed position.