What is the Cost to Repair Active Grill Shutters? Get the Details Here

The cost to repair active grill shutters will depend on the specific issue.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Active Grill Shutters

Active Grill Shutters are essential to car maintenance, providing essential cooling and fuel economy benefits. However, when they become damaged the repairs can be costly. How much does it cost to fix active grill shutters? Depending on the make and model of the car, service cost can vary dramatically. Repairs typically cost between $50 and $400+, as replacing damaged shutters may require more complicated work. If only one shutter is broken then the overall repair cost may be minimal due to just replacing the component. Otherwise, fixing major damage could require more extensive labor and parts replacement costs. Additionally, it may be necessary to replace multiple working shutters for better function and appearance. Ultimately, the cost of fixing active grill shutters depends on the complexity of the damage and which type of repair is needed.

What Are Active Grill Shutters?

Active grill shutters are a type of vehicle component that helps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce overall emissions. They are typically found on newer model cars and trucks, and they work by automatically opening and closing the grille at certain speeds to regulate the amount of air entering the engine bay. The shutters can be controlled manually or via an electronic control unit (ECU). When they are closed, less air enters the engine bay, resulting in improved fuel economy. When open, more air is able to flow through, which helps to reduce emissions.

What Causes Active Grill Shutters To Malfunction?

Active grill shutters can malfunction for a number of reasons. One common cause is debris buildup inside the shutter mechanism, causing it to become stuck in either the open or closed position. This can be caused by leaves, twigs and other debris that gets stuck in the mechanism as it operates. Another cause of malfunction can be due to electrical problems with either the ECU or wiring harness that controls the shutters. In some cases, it may also be due to a mechanical failure within the shutter itself such as a broken spring or linkage rod.

Symptoms Of A Malfunctioning Active Grill Shutter

When an active grill shutter malfunctions, there are several symptoms you may notice including reduced fuel economy, increased exhaust emissions and check engine lights being illuminated on your dashboard. You may also hear loud noises coming from your engine bay when accelerating or braking due to air entering through the grille even when it should be closed. Additionally, if you look under the hood you may notice that one side of your shutter is stuck open while the other side is closed or vice versa.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Active Grill Shutters?

The cost for fixing active grill shutters will vary depending on what needs to be done in order to repair them. Generally speaking though, if debris has caused one side of your shutter to become stuck open while the other side remains closed then it should only cost between $100-$200 USD depending on how much labor is involved in cleaning out debris from inside the mechanism itself and resetting it back into proper working order again. If there is an electrical issue with either your ECU or wiring harness then this could cost anywhere from $200-$500 USD depending on what needs replaced and whether any soldering work is required as well. Finally if there has been a mechanical failure within your shutter itself then this could cost upwards of $500 USD depending on what parts need replaced as well as any labor involved in replacing them correctly for proper operation once again.

Labor Costs

The labor cost to fix an active grill shutter depends largely on the year, make and model of the vehicle. Typically a mechanic charges around $75-$150 per hour for labor. However, it may be higher or lower depending on where you live and the type of repair shop you take your vehicle to.

For example, if you have a 2012 Ford Focus that needs its active grill shutters replaced, it will likely take 1-2 hours of labor. This means you can expect to pay anywhere from $75-$300 just for labor costs.

Parts Costs

In addition to paying for labor costs, you will also need to factor in parts costs when determining how much it will cost to fix active grill shutters. The parts needed depend on the type of car you have and what is wrong with the shutter itself.

For instance, if your Ford Focus has a broken shutter motor then you will likely need to purchase a replacement motor. Depending on where you purchase the motor from, these can range in price from $50-$150 or more. If the shutter itself is broken then you may need to purchase an entire new assembly which could cost anywhere from $200-$500 depending on where you get it from and which model car you have.

Additional Costs

In some cases there may be additional costs associated with fixing active grill shutters such as diagnostic fees or testing fees. If your mechanic needs to hook up your car to a computer in order to diagnose and identify the issue then they may charge an additional fee for this service which can range anywhere from $50-$100 or more. Additionally, some repair shops may charge extra for any tests they need to perform in order to pinpoint what is wrong with your cars active grill shutters so this should also be taken into consideration when calculating total cost of repairs.

Overall, how much it costs to fix active grill shutters can vary greatly depending on several factors such as year, make and model of vehicle as well as what type of repair shop is being used and what parts are needed for repairs. Generally speaking however, most people can expect to pay anywhere from around $300-$500 or more in total repair costs when all labor and parts are taken into consideration.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What are active grill shutters?
A: Active Grill Shutters are a type of system used to reduce aerodynamic drag on vehicles. They are typically installed behind the grille and close when the vehicle is traveling at higher speeds, reducing wind resistance and improving fuel efficiency.

Q: How much does it cost to fix active grill shutters?
A: The cost of fixing active grill shutters can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the extent of the damage. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 to repair or replace them.

Q: What type of damage can cause an active grille shutter to need repair?
A: Common causes for an active grille shutter needing repair include physical damage caused by debris or rocks hitting it, corrosion due to moisture, or a malfunctioning motor or actuator.

Q: Are there any signs that my active grille shutter needs repair?
A: Yes, some signs that your active grille shutter may need repair include an increased amount of engine noise while driving or a decrease in fuel economy due to increased drag. Additionally, you may notice that your vehicle has become harder to handle at higher speeds due to an increase in wind resistance.

Q: Is repairing my own active grille shutter a good idea?
A: It is not recommended that you attempt to repair your own active grille shutter unless you have experience with automotive repairs. Repairs should be done by a professional mechanic who has access to the proper tools and parts needed for the job.

In conclusion, the cost to repair active grill shutters varies depending on the type of vehicle and the extent of the damage. Generally, it will cost anywhere from $100 to $400 for parts and labor. It is important to remember that it is always best to have a qualified mechanic inspect any issues with active grill shutters in order to reduce any potential risks.