2017 Chrysler Pacifica Active Grille Shutter Problems (Troubleshooting Guide)

Is your 2017 Chrysler Pacifica not living up to its promise of fuel savings and effortless cruising? The Active Grille Shutter (AGS) system, designed to optimize airflow and boost performance, might be the source of your frustration.

Many Pacifica owners face unexpected engine warnings, diminished performance, and hefty repair bills due to AGS issues.

But there’s a way to tackle these problems head-on. Discover the typical AGS issues and learn how to keep your Pacifica running smoothly and efficiently.

1. Check Engine Light Due to AGS Problems

A frequent concern for 2017 Pacifica drivers is the Check Engine Light flashing because of AGS issues. You might be cruising without apparent problems when the warning light suddenly appears.

A diagnostic scan usually shows codes like P1D73 (Active Grille Air Shutter Performance) or P059F (Active Grille Shutter “A” Control Circuit Low), indicating the AGS system is at fault.

This can be annoying because your car seems fine otherwise, but if ignored, the warning light can fail emissions tests and hide other engine issues.

The main culprit is often the actuator motor that moves the grille shutters. The AGS system can’t function properly if this motor stops working due to electrical faults, wear, or manufacturing defects.

Another cause might be damaged or corroded wiring harnesses. These wires connect the AGS system to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

When compromised, fault codes can appear even if the actuator motor is still working. Sometimes, the PCM needs a software update to correctly interpret signals from the AGS system, especially if glitches cause miscommunication.

Owners typically notice this problem between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. Some find that replacing the actuator motor doesn’t fix the issue, pointing to possible wiring or PCM problems.

Interestingly, this issue is more common in colder climates, suggesting extreme temperatures may affect the actuator motor’s reliability.

If you face this problem, a thorough diagnostic is essential. Check the actuator motor, inspect the wiring for damage or corrosion, and ensure the PCM has the latest software updates. Handling these issues quickly can clear the warning light and keep your Pacifica running smoothly.

2. Shutters Stuck Open or Closed

Another common AGS issue in the 2017 Pacifica is the shutters stuck open or closed. The failure can cause various performance problems depending on their position when it occurs.

When shutters remain closed, the engine might overheat because not enough air reaches the radiator, especially during hot weather or heavy loads like towing.

On the other hand, if shutters stay open, the car loses some of its aerodynamic benefits, leading to lower fuel efficiency, particularly on highways where the system is meant to reduce drag.

Several factors can cause this issue. Debris, like rocks, leaves, or ice, can block the shutter mechanism, preventing movement.

In winter, ice and snow can freeze the shutters in place, worsening the problem. Physical damage from minor bumps or road debris can also misalign or disable the shutters.

Sometimes, the actuator linkage that connects the motor to the shutters breaks or disconnects, stopping the motor from controlling the shutters even if it’s still working.

Owners often hear rattling noises from the front grille before noticing the shutters are stuck. In colder areas, ice buildup frequently causes shutters to freeze shut, though the problem usually disappears in warmer conditions.

Clearing debris from the grille can sometimes fix the shutters, but persistent issues often need professional repairs.

Handling this early is essential to prevent engine overheating or reduced fuel efficiency. Solutions range from removing obstructions to replacing damaged parts in the shutter assembly.

3. Reduced Fuel Efficiency

A subtle yet significant problem with the 2017 Pacifica’s AGS system is decreased fuel efficiency when the shutters don’t work correctly.

The AGS system helps maintain optimal aerodynamics by managing airflow to the engine, especially during highway driving, where reducing drag can improve miles per gallon (MPG). When shutters get stuck open, airflow control falters, increasing drag and causing a noticeable drop in fuel economy.

This becomes apparent on long trips at higher speeds, where the Pacifica should typically achieve its best MPG. Owners have noticed a 1-2 MPG decline, increasing fuel costs over time.

The root causes often involve mechanical or electrical failures within the AGS system. When a fault is detected or the actuator malfunctions, the system defaults to keeping the shutters open to prevent engine overheating, sacrificing aerodynamics.

Some drivers initially think the MPG drop is due to normal wear or external factors, only to discover AGS-related fault codes during diagnostics when the Check Engine Light (CEL) eventually illuminates.

Fixing the system—whether through recalibration, removing mechanical blockages, or replacing faulty parts—usually restores average fuel efficiency.

Regular AGS system maintenance and inspections can help prevent these MPG drops and keep your Pacifica running efficiently.

4. Engine Overheating

Another serious issue with the 2017 Pacifica’s AGS system is engine overheating. The AGS manages engine temperatures by controlling airflow to the engine compartment. If the shutters get stuck closed, insufficient air reaches the radiator, hindering the engine’s cooling ability.

Owners have reported their cars showing engine overheating warnings, especially in warm weather or under heavy loads, such as towing or driving uphill.

In these cases, the AGS shutters fail to open for more airflow, causing the engine temperature to rise quickly. Prolonged overheating can cause severe engine damage, including warped parts or blown head gaskets.

Typically, mechanical failures cause this issue, such as shutters getting stuck closed due to debris or ice or actuator failure where the motor doesn’t respond to Powertrain Control Module (PCM) commands. Extreme climates exacerbate these problems, with some owners noting that ice buildup in winter can freeze the shutters.

Drivers have sometimes managed temporary fixes by manually opening the shutters or removing debris, but these are not long-term solutions.

Diagnosing and repairing actuator malfunctions or replacing damaged shutters are usually necessary to prevent recurring overheating.

Regular inspections and keeping the grille area clean can help avoid this problem before it leads to more serious engine damage.

5. Electrical and Wiring Problems Affecting AGS

Electrical and wiring issues are another major problem reported by 2017 Pacifica owners affecting the AGS system. These issues can disrupt the AGS and other parts of the vehicle’s electrical system.

A common sign of wiring-related AGS problems is the Check Engine Light (CEL) appearing alongside other electrical glitches, such as flickering dashboard lights or malfunctioning vehicle accessories.

These symptoms are often due to corroded connectors or damaged wiring harnesses that hinder communication between the AGS system and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

Exposure to moisture, road salts, and debris, especially in harsh winters, leads to corrosion over time, weakening the AGS system’s functionality.

Also, rodents may chew on the wiring harness, causing intermittent faults or complete AGS failure. Diagnosing these electrical issues can be challenging, often requiring a detailed inspection of wiring connections and sometimes necessitating the replacement of damaged wiring and connectors.

Technicians frequently find corroded pins in connectors that need replacement or cleaning to restore proper electrical function. Wiring harness repairs are essential in severe cases to prevent further AGS malfunctions.

Regularly inspecting the wiring and connectors, particularly in vehicles in challenging climates, can help spot potential problems before they escalate into costly repairs.

Electrical problems in the AGS system can also trigger issues in other vehicle systems, reducing overall reliability. Therefore, owners need to watch for early warning signs like intermittent electrical faults or the CEL and deal with these issues instantly to maintain the AGS system and the vehicle’s overall performance.

6. Software Updates and Calibration Challenges

AGS problems in the 2017 Pacifica sometimes stem from software and calibration issues rather than mechanical faults.

Although the AGS is mainly a mechanical system, it’s controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which processes signals and manages shutter operations. The AGS may malfunction if the PCM software is outdated or improperly calibrated.

Many owners have reported that a dealership software update resolved their AGS issues. Chrysler periodically releases updates to optimize the PCM’s communication with the AGS system, ensuring shutters operate correctly under various driving conditions.

Without these updates, the AGS might misinterpret signals, causing shutters to stay open or closed at the wrong times. This can affect fuel efficiency and lead to engine overheating.

Improper calibration is another common issue, especially after replacing AGS components. If the actuator or shutters are swapped, the system may need recalibration to sync the new parts with the PCM.

The system might not respond correctly to commands without recalibration, leading to ongoing problems despite replacing faulty parts. Dealerships or repair shops often use specialized tools to recalibrate the system, ensuring everything works together seamlessly.

Software and calibration issues can mimic mechanical failures, causing some owners to replace parts unnecessarily.

Ensuring the latest software updates are installed and that the system is appropriately calibrated can often fix AGS problems without expensive mechanical repairs. Regular dealership visits for software updates are recommended to prevent these issues from recurring.

Conclusion

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica’s Active Grille Shutter system was designed to enhance fuel efficiency and engine performance. Still, it can sometimes cause issues like warning lights, reduced fuel economy, or engine overheating.

These problems can arise from mechanical failures, electrical issues, or software glitches. Regular maintenance, timely software updates, and thorough inspections can help prevent or resolve many of these issues, ensuring the AGS system works as intended and avoiding costly repairs.