Ram 1500 active grill shutter issues

[Sroberts1789]

Okay so I have a 2016 ram and my check engine light has been on for awhile throwing a code for an active grill shutter. Dealership said it’s not that big of an issue so I didn’t worry about it, then I went to trade my truck in and they were gonna knock $1200 off trade in for it. So I decided to just replace the shutters myself. Replaced it and still the same thing. But I noticed when the truck was off I could still hear the motor running. Then I unplugged the battery and plugged it back in, light went away. Killed the truck and started twice and still nothing. Next morning went out and the light was back. Really frustrated because the dealer is gonna charge another diagnostic charge and I’m trying to figure this out, if they’re is any solution or maybe a recall?

 

[RamCares]

Okay so I have a 2016 ram and my check engine light has been on for awhile throwing a code for an active grill shutter. Dealership said it’s not that big of an issue so I didn’t worry about it, then I went to trade my truck in and they were gonna knock $1200 off trade in for it. So I decided to just replace the shutters myself. Replaced it and still the same thing. But I noticed when the truck was off I could still hear the motor running. Then I unplugged the battery and plugged it back in, light went away. Killed the truck and started twice and still nothing. Next morning went out and the light was back. Really frustrated because the dealer is gonna charge another diagnostic charge and I’m trying to figure this out, if they’re is any solution or maybe a recall?

We certainly understand why this would be concerning. If you are not able to determine a solution based on suggestions from fellow forum members and you decide to address this with your Ram dealer, please be sure to follow up with us via private message. We would be more than willing to escalate your situation to a specialist who can work alongside you and your dealer while your truck is in service.

Mark
RamCares

 

[mikeru82]

Okay so I have a 2016 ram and my check engine light has been on for awhile throwing a code for an active grill shutter. Dealership said it’s not that big of an issue so I didn’t worry about it, then I went to trade my truck in and they were gonna knock $1200 off trade in for it. So I decided to just replace the shutters myself. Replaced it and still the same thing. But I noticed when the truck was off I could still hear the motor running. Then I unplugged the battery and plugged it back in, light went away. Killed the truck and started twice and still nothing. Next morning went out and the light was back. Really frustrated because the dealer is gonna charge another diagnostic charge and I’m trying to figure this out, if they’re is any solution or maybe a recall?

Since this is a 5th gen forum, I seriously doubt anyone here has messed with the active grille shutters on their trucks. Most people here still have the factory warranty. Lots of us have upgraded from 4th gens, so it's possible someone here might have a suggestion. But you might have more luck posting in 4th gen forums.

 

[Sroberts1789]

We certainly understand why this would be concerning. If you are not able to determine a solution based on suggestions from fellow forum members and you decide to address this with your Ram dealer, please be sure to follow up with us via private message. We would be more than willing to escalate your situation to a specialist who can work alongside you and your dealer while your truck is in service.

Mark
RamCares

Well I’m taking it in today at the local ram dealership. I told them everything that I tried to troubleshoot on my end, replaced the whole shudder twice, looked at the plug and checked for burnt spots in case of a short. But everything looked brand new. My truck only has 42500 miles on it, but my 3 yr warranty is up. They’re gonna check the computer and hopefully see the issue.

 

[RamCares]

Well I’m taking it in today at the local ram dealership. I told them everything that I tried to troubleshoot on my end, replaced the whole shudder twice, looked at the plug and checked for burnt spots in case of a short. But everything looked brand new. My truck only has 42500 miles on it, but my 3 yr warranty is up. They’re gonna check the computer and hopefully see the issue.

If you would be interested in having a case escalated to a customer care specialist for further support as you work with your dealer, please do not hesitate to send us a private message. We are more than willing to provide support!

Mark
RamCares

 

[Greg10yes]

Did the dealership fix the check engine light? I am having the same issues, truck has 55k on it, I have replaced the active grill shutter, both the new one and old one act the same way, checked the wires and connector.

 

[RamCares]

Did the dealership fix the check engine light? I am having the same issues, truck has 55k on it, I have replaced the active grill shutter, both the new one and old one act the same way, checked the wires and connector.

We are sorry to hear that you are experiencing these similar concerns with your RAM, Greg. Our team would appreciate the opportunity to assist you via private messages if you do decide to bring this to the attention of your dealer.

Kathryn
RamCares

 

[UnloosedChewtoy]

Well I’m taking it in today at the local ram dealership. I told them everything that I tried to troubleshoot on my end, replaced the whole shudder twice, looked at the plug and checked for burnt spots in case of a short. But everything looked brand new. My truck only has 42500 miles on it, but my 3 yr warranty is up. They’re gonna check the computer and hopefully see the issue.

Sorry to hear about your issue. As @mikeru82 stated, if you want good advice, I'd definitely post the question in the correct category.

4th Generation Rams

Discussion for 4th Generation Ram 1500s and HDs

5thgenrams.com

Hope you get it resolved quickly!

 

[kittyjo]

Had the check engine light come on which resulted in remote start disabled and active grill shutters problem.... took it in today and they are ordering new active grill. Only have 32k miles on truck.. I’ll know what parts exactly this week..

 

[Greg10yes]

I was having the same issue, replaced the active grill shutter for a mere $350, didn’t fix the problem, turned out it was the active air dam. Dealer charged me $800.

 

[RamCares]

Had the check engine light come on which resulted in remote start disabled and active grill shutters problem.... took it in today and they are ordering new active grill. Only have 32k miles on truck.. I’ll know what parts exactly this week..

We are deeply sorry for the trouble, @kittyjo. Please be sure to keep us posted on your dealer service. We would be more than willing to escalate a case on your behalf to a specialist for further support through that process. Please do not hesitate to follow up via private message with any questions.

Kathryn
Ram Cares

 

[mikeru82]

I was having the same issue, replaced the active grill shutter for a mere $350, didn’t fix the problem, turned out it was the active air dam. Dealer charged me $800.

Your active air dam was throwing a code? That's strange to me because I've removed the active air dam from both of our 5th gens, and neither of us has seen a code for this. We've been running for almost a year without them. Other members here have also removed the active air dams with no issues or trouble codes.

 

[Greg10yes]

That is what the dealer told me when they charged me $800. I had replaced the active grill shutters after getting a code I think it was U11E9 which from looking at the forum was the BCM not seeing the AGS. I checked the connector and finally broke down and replaced the AGS.

 

[kittyjo]

Here is warranty paperwork... dealer was very polite and professional .

 

[delc78]

So people that are struggling with the CEL light and the code for the AGS I figured out that the air dam must be tied in with the AGS system. I too was trying to track down a problem with the AGS after my truck threw the code for it. I tried a new AGS assembly and no dice. Today I got my daughter to follow me in my truck to see if the air dam deployed as it should and it did not. I was suspicious of this as it got stuck down not too long ago and a wiggle of the connector and it retracted itself. So for troubleshooting purposes I unplugged it and cleared the trouble code for the AGS and they started functioning again as they should and the CEL cleared and hasn't come back. It's now seeming to me that the air dam is definitely tied in with the AGS system and the U11E9 trouble code. Hope this helps others in their troubleshooting! Update... Curiosity got the better of me so I tore it apart and it definitely failed due to water problem.

 

[Kicknsnare]

I too have this U11E9 error code intermittently occurring on my 2019 with 65k miles on it. I have only the active grill shutter system, not the active air dam. So RAM had not insulated this connection sufficiently by design, from the factory. It seems like nonsense to replace the entire AGS for a faulty poorly designed connector. It also seems like a relatively common occurrence for these younger model trucks. Does anyone have a good repair for it? Do you have a STAR bulletin generated yet @RamCares ?

 

[compman72]

My dealer has been attempting to fix the AGS issues I’ve been having.
After replacing the shutter assembly twice, a pig tail repair, several PCM reflashes and discussion with engineers in Detroit.
it was narrowed down to a faulty wiring harness.
harness was replaced and the problem seems to be resolved.

 

[compman72]

My dealer has been attempting to fix the AGS issues I’ve been having.
After replacing the shutter assembly twice, a pig tail repair, several PCM reflashes and discussion with engineers in Detroit.
it was narrowed down to a faulty wiring harness.
harness was replaced and the problem seems to be resolved.

3 engine restarts later… CEL is back and same three codes.
After some digging around I ended up disconnecting the lower air dam below the bumper, cleared all three codes, shutters work and no CEL.

 

[Kicknsnare]

I know many have talked about how the active grille shutters and the active air dam systems are connected and both react at 35 mph. And that the U11E9 errors may be attributed to the active air dam. I tried unplugging the active air dam harness and have not experienced the error again. The seal of the motor looks to have perished and i think i see why the unit is causing electrical issues. It seems like a pretty heavy assembly as well- I'll probably remove it entirely when i get the time.

 

[mikeru82]

No, it's not a heavy assembly. I was surprised at how light it was when I removed the first one. Honestly from the pic you posted it looks more like dried cracked mud than a cracked seal. I'd be surprised if the seal went bad that quickly. But either way I'm glad your trouble code isn't coming back.