Unplug Active Air Dam

[wesb2013]

The Active Air Dam on my truck is broken and I don't want to pay the dealership $1,000 to repair it. That being said I also don't want to see the "active air dam fault" message every time i drive somewhere. For that reason I'm thinking about either unplugging the power to it or removing the AAD altogether. If I did remove the AAD would I still get the AAD Fault message? If not, is there a way to prevent the error message from happening?


I've read many other threads about removing them, but can't find an answer to this question.

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[FaaWrenchBndr]

Do not have the message you need to disable the system in ForScan. Your question is answered in the link below.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/removed-active-air-dam-from-my-f-150-diy-writeup.2246/

 

[wesb2013]

I'm not sure what you're trying to say. Also, I've already read that thread and couldn't find a clear answer.

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Remove it and there is a silent code when you unplug it. It won't show on your dash just with scanner.

I removed mine when I bought the truck couple years ago. Added empty matching connectors to protect the wiring but many just tape them up good.

Zero issues with the active air dam removed.

 

[roadPilot]

Zero issues with the active air dam removed.

Marginally lower MPGs, but nothing major.

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Marginally lower MPGs, but nothing major.

Not noticed anything, but I get 25 MPG in an aluminum brick so I don't think about it much.

 

[roadPilot]

Not noticed anything, but I get 25 MPG in an aluminum brick so I don't think about it much.

Yes. Hence, my use of the word 'marginal'
... ?

 

[Porpoise Hork]

You can buy replacement actuators online for about $150 each. or just unplug them and use Forscan to disable them.

Left side - https://www.youroempartsstore.com/o...tMTUwJnk9MjAyNCZ0PWxhcmlhdCZlPTMtNWwtdjYtZ2Fz

Right side - https://www.youroempartsstore.com/oem-parts/ford-actuator-ml3z17626t

 

[krg0709]

I removed my AAD and both motors when I first bought my ‘21, and I’ve had no codes or issues.

 

[F150Lariat22]

I have a 2022 Lariat 4x4. On country road I thought I could straddle the racoon that ran in front of me, nope the airdam ended up broke in multiple places and airdam error in dash. I just removed couple bolts to remove airdam from the actuators. No codes or messages now. I guess the actuators do their thing just without the airdam in place. All good

 

[kieefer]

Besides hitting a raccoon of related varmint, how do you know when it’s engaged?

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Besides hitting a raccoon of related varmint, how do you know when it’s engaged?

It deploys between 40-45 mph. There's no indication in the cab that is has done so.

 

[PowerBoostSoCal]

I have a 2022 Lariat 4x4. On country road I thought I could straddle the racoon that ran in front of me, nope the airdam ended up broke in multiple places and airdam error in dash. I just removed couple bolts to remove airdam from the actuators. No codes or messages now. I guess the actuators do their thing just without the airdam in place. All good

Same here ... minus the racoon. My problem is the air dam goes down and I drive 80 in a 40mph head wind and the damn (pun intended) thing opens up like a shark mouth and won't go back up properly. My '23 had it replaced FOUR times under warranty, my new '25 it just happened on my first road trip.

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