What is a shutter grille on a Honda?
A shutter grille is a unique design feature found on certain Honda vehicles. It is a functional and aesthetic component that plays a crucial role in the vehicle's aerodynamics and cooling system. This article will provide a detailed explanation of what a shutter grille is, how it works, and its benefits for Honda owners.
What is a Shutter Grille?
A shutter grille is a series of movable slats or louvers located behind the front grille of a Honda vehicle. These slats are designed to open and close automatically, controlling the airflow into the engine compartment. When the engine requires more cooling, the shutter grille opens to allow more air to flow through. When less cooling is needed, the shutter grille closes to reduce air resistance and improve aerodynamics.
How Does a Shutter Grille Work?
The shutter grille is connected to the vehicle's cooling system and is controlled by a series of sensors and actuators. These sensors monitor the engine temperature, air conditioning usage, and other factors that determine the cooling needs of the vehicle. When the engine requires more cooling, the sensors signal the actuators to open the shutter grille, allowing more air to flow into the engine compartment. Conversely, when the engine needs less cooling, the sensors signal the actuators to close the shutter grille, reducing air resistance and improving fuel efficiency.
Benefits of a Shutter Grille
- Improved Aerodynamics: By closing the shutter grille when less cooling is needed, the vehicle's aerodynamic profile is improved, reducing air resistance and improving fuel efficiency.
- Enhanced Cooling: The shutter grille's ability to open and close allows for optimal cooling of the engine, ensuring the vehicle operates at its peak performance.
- Reduced Noise: The closed shutter grille can also help reduce engine noise and wind noise, providing a quieter and more comfortable driving experience.
- Increased Fuel Efficiency: The improved aerodynamics and reduced air resistance resulting from the shutter grille's operation can lead to increased fuel efficiency, saving drivers money at the pump.
In conclusion, the shutter grille is a unique and innovative feature found on many Honda vehicles. By automatically controlling airflow into the engine compartment, the shutter grille helps improve aerodynamics, enhance cooling, reduce noise, and increase fuel efficiency, making it a valuable asset for Honda owners.
What does a grille shutter do?
Active Grille Shutters are key components for the aerodynamics in the front part of the vehicle, designed to improve fuel efficiency by reducing air drag. At high speeds, the shutters automatically close, redirecting air away from the engine compartment and thus enhancing the vehicle's aerodynamic performance.
What does the shutter grille problem mean?
The most common issue involves the active grille shutters becoming stuck – either open or closed. This may be due to a failed motor or the mechanical linkage between the motor and shutters has failed. Or, the electrical signal at the motor may be faulty.
Can an active grill shutter cause a check engine light?
Yes, malfunctioning active grill shutters can activate the check engine light on any vehicle.
How to fix grille shutter malfunction?
Clear Blockages: Remove any debris or dirt around the grill shutters that might obstruct them; this should often resolve minor issues. Reset the Code: Once the shutters have been cleaned or inspected, use an OBD-II scanner such as Foxwell GT60 to clear and reset any error codes and the check engine light.
How to tell if active grill shutters are working?
Use an OBD-II Scanner: Plugging an OBD2 scanner into your vehicle's diagnostic port can allow you to retrieve error codes. Look for specific codes, such as P05A0 or P059F, indicating active grill shutter issues. Foxwell GT60 OBD-II Diagnostic Tool is an ideal choice for this task.
Can I drive with a broken grille?
Driving a car with a cracked grille is very likely to result in further damage to your car. It may also be unsafe and potentially illegal.
Can I drive with an active grille shutter malfunction?
Yes, you can drive with the shutters open. It is a failsafe design so that they won't block airflow through the radiator and cause the engine to overheat.
Where is the grill shutter located?
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.
What is the Honda Active shutter grille?
Active grille shutters open to allow more air to hit the radiator, otherwise they stay closed to help warm the engine up quicker and allow for better aerodynamics when driving at speed. I also learned when they malfunction it triggers a check engine light because it's considered an emissions-related item.
