Active Air Shutters Behind Grill

[LHoffmanjr22]

I am curious about the active air shutters that are behind the grill and what parameters they follow to open and close. I couldn't find anything on this specific question:

When traveling at highway speeds and towing something, will the active air shutters open if the engine reaches a certain temperature to help with cooling? I saw that they are closed at all times above a certain speed to help with aerodynamics and gas mileage, which is great. Just curious if they would open if the engine was getting too hot in order to help with getting more airflow though the engine compartment.

If anyone has any other good explanation videos about the system I'd be curious to see them. Mostly I just like to understand how the different parts of the truck operate.

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[powerboatr]

yes

there you go
the info i have read is close to your statement
shutter position is governed by engine temps, towing , air temps etc.
computer iirc tries to keep them closed at speed for mpg gains, but the computer will override this to keep all the temps in line
i read a while ago that in tow haul the shutters might be open all the time, but i have no proof of such actions

the lower shutter is also geared to keep intake air temps within a range for best power, or so i have been told. to cold of charge air is problematic like to high air temps leaving the charge air cooler.

it was so well regulated in my psd that they used a water to air cooler.

early eco boost had issue with charge air cooler and oil mist etc.

 

[Zyvin]

Lots of parameters are monitored for opening/closing. It can also be at any one of 16 different partially open/closed positions.

"The PCM communicates the desired position (open, closed or in between) of the active grille shutter
systems. The upper active grille shutter control is based on various PCM inputs (vehicle speed, coolant
temperature, ambient temperature, A/C system pressure, etc.). If equipped, the lower active grille shutter
control is dedicated to managing charge air temperature into the turbocharger, and is based on PCM
inputs such as vehicle speed, turbo charge pressure, ambient temperature, charge air temperature, etc..."

 

[Kanuck]

The shutters are no different than the ones on a semi, open and close to maintain correct engine temperatures.

 

[pavementends]

If equipped, the lower active grille shutter control is dedicated to managing charge air temperature into the turbocharger, and is based on PCM inputs such as vehicle speed, turbo charge pressure, ambient temperature, charge air temperature, etc..."

What does "charge air temperature into the turbocharger" mean? I thought the turbos are spun up by exhaust gases. Air through the lower shutters actually go into the turbo system somehow? Is there another air filter system for this? Sorry, first turboed vehicle...

 

[Zyvin]

What does "charge air temperature into the turbocharger" mean? I thought the turbos are spun up by exhaust gases. Air through the lower shutters actually go into the turbo system somehow? Is there another air filter system for this? Sorry, first turboed vehicle...

The charge Air flows from the turbo through the cooler and back into the intake.

 

[pavementends]

The charge Air flows from the turbo through the cooler and back into the intake.

Oh, right. Thanks. So does the compressor inlet air get filtered before it goes into the charge air cooler/intake manifold?

 

[powerboatr]

Oh, right. Thanks. So does the compressor inlet air get filtered before it goes into the charge air cooler/intake manifold?

yes
all intake air goes through the air filter box

air in the charge air cooler (intercooler) is filtered air that was drawn in the air box, to the inlet on turbochargers to the charge air cooler to the intake

 

[pavementends]

yes
all intake air goes through the air filter box

air in the charge air cooler (intercooler) is filtered air that was drawn in the air box, to the inlet on turbochargers to the charge air cooler to the intake

That's my point/question about the lower shutters... if all intake air goes through the air filter box and the intake for that is at the very top of the grill (right below the hood), then what air do the lower shutters control?

 

[LHoffmanjr22]

Thanks for all of the responses! That's what I figured, but wasn't sure. Now that I have a OBD2 reader that has all kinds of gauges available, I've been watching to see how things react. I didn't even think about the active air shutters and towing until I started paying attention to the gauges on my phone.

 

[Zyvin]

That's my point/question about the lower shutters... if all intake air goes through the air filter box and the intake for that is at the very top of the grill (right below the hood), then what air do the lower shutters control?

They control the air flow across the "charge air cooler". It's not a filter or inlet, it just cools the air that is already in the system just as your radiator cools coolant in a closed system.

 

[pavementends]

They control the air flow across the "charge air cooler". It's not a filter or inlet, it just cools the air that is already in the system just as your radiator cools coolant in a closed system.

Got it! So just like another radiator. Thanks guys!

I have never once seen the lower shutters open at all, winter or summer. Towing or not. They do work as they go through a startup routine every time.

 

[hotrodmex]

I have never once seen the lower shutters open at all, winter or summer. Towing or not. They do work as they go through a startup routine every time.

There's a video on youtube where a guy has a camera on them. They basically remain closed most of the time except for large throttle inputs. Part of the reason the intercooler heat soaks easily. Not the best for instant ultimate max power, but totally fine for just about everything else.

 

[Polo08816]

There's a video on youtube where a guy has a camera on them. They basically remain closed most of the time except for large throttle inputs. Part of the reason the intercooler heat soaks easily. Not the best for instant ultimate max power, but totally fine for just about everything else.

I have a 5.0... is the operation the same on those?

 

[JerseyGlock]

You'll want to keep open shutters for the IC, remove 2 shutters and not the one connect to the motor. Heat soak while in EV mode is a killer.

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