Grill shutter

[Thomz Fusion]

I know that the 2013+ Fusions have grill shutters that are designed to reduce drag at speed, and are also closed when the engine is cold to reduce the amount of time the engine needs to run simply to come up to operating temperature (and thus minimize emissions). However, I don't know exactly where they are located - or what they look like.

 

Does anyone have a picture of the mechanism?

 

Any experience with it? Can you notice it opening/closing (i.e., is there an audible noise when engaged/dis-engaged)?

[GrySql]

Get a flashlight and look a few inches behind the chrome front grille.

They are dark plastic with one set of grilles on either side of a center post that they pivot on and span the width of the chrome grille.

I believe there are six movable vanes per side.

 

When the car is off and has been parked for a while they should be in the open position.

If you have someone start the car while you're looking at them you will see them move.

 

Very little noise, all automatic operation, nothing for you to do.

Edited August 21, 2014 by GrySql

[billford]

They also keep the radiator and a/c condenser clean also. After 6 months of driving, I haven't seen any bugs trapped in any of the a/c condenser or radiator fins...

Edited August 21, 2014 by billford

[SteveB_TX]

They also keep the radiator and a/c condenser clean also. After 6 months of driving, I haven't seen any bugs trapped in any of the a/c condenser or radiator fins...

 

That's because you don't drive in Texas! :)

[GrySql]

 

That's because you don't drive in Texas! :)

Last May we stopped in beautiful Amarillo, TX for a bite to eat.

First thing we noticed upon exiting the car was that we were getting attacked by bugs, we made a run for it to the fine dining restaurant we'd chosen, Amarillo has some beauties.

(We almost went to the Big Texan Steak Ranch alongside Interstate 40 but I wasn't in the mood for the 'Eat the 72oz steak in one hour' contest.)

 

Anyway, at the small gourmet place we chose we had a window seat and could see our car by the golden arches.

The front of the FFH was plastered with those pesky Texas bugs - but the local birds had it figured it out and were enjoying a feast.

They were hanging on, or fluttering, and eating all the nice warm, squashed bugs on the front of the FFH.

A regular big bug buffet!

 

So those shutters are eco friendly for our avian friends, another little known 'green' aspect of our cars - Ford thinks of everything.

;)

Edited August 21, 2014 by GrySql

[hermans]

Love the Big Texan. Been there a few time, but never to partake in the giant steak. The first time I was there was when I was about12. The steak then was much small the price was price was lower. The last time I was there I watched a guy eat the entire thing. After a hot day the 32oz frosty beer is great.

[chajones]

Do all 2013 - 2015 FFH have the active grill shutters? I though they were an option on some years / trim groups.

[hybridbear]

Do all 2013 - 2015 FFH have the active grill shutters? I though they were an option on some years / trim groups.

All hybrids have grille shutters.

[unlockinc]

2013 FFH

Recently ran into large raccoon [possibly named Rocky]...hit RF, just in front of the lower RH active shutters...now shutters do not seem to move properly, as they should be fully open w/AC switched on....have already had to remove front fascia to replace headlamp bulbs...believe the active shutter assembly can be serviced at this point...is there a "R&R" instruction and/or video available to see exactly how the procedure is done? I'm not sure until I can investigate with the fascia removed what exactly is preventing the shutter assembly from operating properly.

Thanks for any help.