Dodge Ram 1500 - ISSUES with Active Grille Shutters and Lower temp thermostat
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- čas přidán 1. 01. 2018
- In this video I talk about the issues with installing a lower temperature thermostat in your Dodge RAM 1500 with the active grille shutters. They are computer controlled and if they see your engine temperature going too low they will close to try to bring the temps back up to 203*
Diablosport does not allow you to program the shutters. It would be nice if you could keep the shutters and program them to let the truck run cooler but they close if you try to run the truck at a cooler operating temperature.
If you remove the shutters you lose 1-2 MPG. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Clutch fan delete only gained 2 mpg left shutters and thermostat and factory e fan no issues testing it then v6 fan ..I took your advice on doing that then eventually putting v6 fan in to experience all aspects . Very awesome video it is the truth Thank you
the Hemi likes to see higher temps for proper air to fuel mix and fuel vaporization. The ECM is controlling the fan and shutters trying to let it get to 208 (factory ecm setting). The tuner will allow you to change fan engagement temps, but the ECM has ultimate control apparently. You are running cool with the Diablo tuner, but the ECM still has control to attain the heat it was programmed to see. Basically two different programs fighting each other over temps.
Active Grill Shutters (AGS) are designed for two things 1- assist fuel economy and 2- assist with engine warm up. The AGS closes in cold temperatures to assist the engine warm up to its operating temperature which is 204 degrees. The fan is set to pull air through the radiator when coolant temp reaches its operating temperature and maintain that factory set operating temperature. The OEM thermostat is set to to be fully open at 204 degrees, under load or full throttle. All thermostats will fully open before their set operating temperature under load or full throttle. I don't know at what speed the AGS closes to assist with fuel economy. I think you should mount a camera so you can see when the AGS opens/closes. If you delete the AGS, your e fan still won't kick in until the coolant temp reaches 204, then the temp will drop and fan will turn off until the temp reaches 204 again. And you won't have the MPG benefit anymore.
Russ Zufelt very true it's just that with the mechanical fan deleted and the grille shutters closed on the freeway I have no airflow through my radiator. With the stock setup and the mechanical clutch fan continuously spinning there is at least some airflow past the radiator but not so much in this case. Stop and go traffic and at a stop I agree the fan will need to come on to cool the engine.
Remove my AGS dont see any difference im mpg, just makes my engine run a little bit cooler,
I delete (AGS),and my transmission runs same 195,do you think i have a transmission problem or its normal the tranny temperature 190-195
@@shocker1986tj I live in Arizona and have a 168 degree thermostat. My coolant temp is constant 180 unless under heavy load or zooming down the highway. My temp may rise a bit (206) but eventually returns to around 180. I think your tranny temp is okay.
@@russzufelt1042 i never have a heavy load till 3 weeks ago and i was impressed because the tranny temperature was 175-178 with a heavy load..
Good info! I was considering doing this and never saw the fluctuating tempurates mentioned. I think you're right though, I bet it's the shutters opening and closing. How do you like the diablo btw? Are you running their tune or a custom tune? Keep up the vids!
Seeing your bit of an mpg guy(like me,i get my mind set from long haul trucken),what kind of mpg diff did you see with shutter in and out??
If you use royal purple - purple ice you will see about a 10 degree less in coolant temp consistantly.... i used to use it in my 73 mustang i highly recommend you teying it
I have a 2015 ram 1500 tradesman crew cab 4x4 with the 3.6l v6 that I bought used at 137k miles and currently at 141k miles at the time of this posting
My differential ratio is 3.21 so that sorta sucks but it can still haul my camper
I noticed even before I got my camper that the coolant and oil temperatures were absurdly (to me at least) high sitting at around 222 on both coolant and oil or above I had the coolant flush on the radiator and for some reason the transmission ran to hell of a lot cooler but my temperatures were still stupid high for the coolent and oil
when I got my camper I noticed that my temperature got almost to 245 on both coolant and oil while just going 55-60 mph on the highway I tried doing a little looking into it ended up just removing the active Grille shutter with a flathead screwdriver to the vents and now everything is sitting at 186 unless I'm hauling my camper which will go around 190 for all three of my temperature readings
This is the first Ram product I have ever owned and this truck simply confuses me
I noticed your trans temp runs in the 170s mine runs up to the lower 190s and up a little more in the hot summer here In Texas. Mine is all stock haven’t made any modes yet but About to with the V-6 electric fan set up. Have you noticed any weirdness in your transmission when you take your foot off the break and about to apply the gas to takeoff a clunk in the drive train? It would kind of feel like worn out universal joints on a drive shaft or a receiver hitch when you’re towing a trailer the slop in the Connection when you takeoff and break. Dodge replaced the original transmission in it 3 years ago because somebody finally recognized what I was talking about. It only does this during The warmer parts of the season say 75° and up but never during the colder parts of the season. Have you experienced this or know anybody that has experienced this, any information would be helpful, about to take it back to Dodge.
Wondering where you got the mpg diff of 1-2 mpg w/o shutters???
If you have the active schutters does it make a difference if you run the oem t stat or the 180 t stat ?
I figured out that my truck came with a 195 thermostat and supposed to have the 210. It is a ram 1500 v6 pentastar engine, but it is giving me the code p0128 and they replaced sensor water pump and fan. I think the code it is because of the lower temp thermostat. Is there a way to keep the engine light out? Thanks or maybe that’s not the issue? Help please almost trading this truck...
I have switched over to an all electric fan set up as well and have notice the same thing, but keep the 203 stat.at 203-204 the shutters open and the thermostat and the temp drops to about 190-193. if I'm just sitting in traffic the temp will go as high as 222 then the fan kicks in high and drops it down really quick.
Yeah I need to decide whether to either remove the shutters or put the factory thermostat back in cause they don't play nicely with eachother.
It sounds to me the reason the temp goes to 222 in traffic is the stock E fan is programed to come run on high only after the temp get high, something like 220. For AC only it will only run on low speed and will not be enough to keep it cool in traffic. The stock E fan setup was primary for AC and will come on at low speed when the AC is on, engine cooling was a secondary objective. Active shutters will be close to help with warmup and at highway speeds. If the temp is climbing to 222 in traffic, your setup is not working. You may need to add a fan control module to turn the fan on high using with a seperate relay when temp goes above say 205. Or you need to get a tuner and lower the E fan temp startup down to 205.
Question, after you made the E-fan mod, at what temp does the e-fans come on if the truck is running with no AC and sitting idle?
I don't believe the active shutters with have any impact at coolant temp at highway speeds if the E-fans come on at the right temp. I would agree , I would stay with the stock 203 and just start my e-fan on high at 205 or maybe a little higher so it doesn't run at highway speeds. There are adjustable fan controllers that work very well, I have used them in the past.
You have to set your fan temps on your tuner. I run a 160 tstat and stock efan is set to come on at 175. I never see temps over 185 and it holds steady all of the time.
Yeah I just don't want my fan to run 24/7. Fan shouldn't have to come on when on the highway!
Temp stay at 185 and shutters always seem to b open. Is that bad. Its in the 90's to 100 in the south.
i don't have active shutters on my 2016 sport, not sure why some vehicles have these and others don't, I like the concept i would think they help heat the truck up in the cold climates and like you said if it helps with MPG that is another benefit. Having these shutters is probably another reason why it makes sense to do the clutch fan delete. There is no point having that additional load on the motor from the clutch fan when the shutters are closed.
You sure your truck doesn't have them? I'm 99% sure it does! :D
I didn't know I had them until I took the grill off to do hid light install. They are hidden behind the grill. Im pretty sure it's standard on a sport.
You are correct i just double checked and i do have them. Funny when i did my HID conversion i didn't even notice they were there. Makes me want to do the clutch fan delete now.
You were right, they are there. Don't know how i missed them. TY!
My 2017 Sport warms up much quicker than my 2013 FX4 which is nice unfortunately the heated seats do not so I am always a little colder on my rear at first but get overall toasty sooner wish I could have the best of both worlds but really love my 2017 Sport!
Boosted.....is removal of AGS required to eliminate the fan cycling using a stock (203) thermostat and default PCM fan set point programming? I removed my mechanical and installed a V6 fan......debating if AGS removal and lower thermostat is sufficient without having to invest in a tuner to modify fan set point (California weather......don't mind letting the car have a few minutes to wake/warm-up). Thanks for these videos......very inspirational!
Hey David. The AGS does a very good job at blocking airflow and the configuration relies on the mechanical fan constantly spinning to keep the temps in check. When you remove the mechanical fan and KEEP the AGS there isn’t enough airflow to cool the engine even just driving down the road not under load. If you have converted to v6 fan I would definitely delete the AGS and a lower temp thermostat will help your truck run cooler when in motion and the fan will hardly ever kick on
Thanks! So I went ahead and removed 8 of 10 AGS shutters so as to avoid having removing the entire AGS unit/rigging the controller motor. As noted......in 84 degree weather with AC off.....the unit hovers around 203 while driving in city. When stopped at traffic lights the temp climbs before the V6 fan kicks in around 220 (Is this stock set point)
Other two questions I have (noobie enthusiast)....
a. What do you recommend given my current setup in terms of setting the Fan temp (190)?
b. After looking back on Hellram....I saw you post mortem video on Diablosport and HP.......are either viable to setting fans speeds and enable/disabling AGS. Diablo (as you noted) seems really fast/convenient to get something into folks hands whereas HP seems to be more practical (pay as you go) once the PCM (2015+) is unlocked. Is Diablo something altogether to avoid......or for more advanced programming did it have issues. For general tuning is it more practical/economical or do you strongly advise HP. I realize this may come down to preference but I really appreciate your insight given the journey you undertook on Hellram
Thanks again for all the guidance/content!
As a 2014 Ram 1500 owner with 65k. I have read my manual front to back. Where did you get accurate info on engine/fluid operating temperatures?
Right on! The stock thermostat has the temperature stamped on it so it doesnt fully open until around 203*. Unfortunately the active grille shutters are also programmed to work within this same temperature.
Hej, mam DD 2015 Hemi, przy wolnej jeździe 10-15km/h temp jest w okolicy 226 far. Podczas normalnej jazdy 203. Prawidłowo?
Mine 2016 ram sport 4x4 stays 198 to 204 and sometimes 219 . Why?? Can someone explain it?
These newer trucks are so weird who would have thought that there would have ever been such a thing like that
I was thinking to go with a 195 to see if that will work as it just a little cooler compared to the factory 203 stat
Yeah might not be a bad idea! With the combo I have of the mechanical fan delete and these shutters it kind of sends the cooling system on a bit of a rollercoaster ride. I think the shutters are programmed to expect a fan constantly spinning and pulling a bit of air through the front of the vehicle from that mechanical fan.
Did the 195 work?
What engine??? 198-188 is norm after I cut the shutter wires
Shutters keep u at or around the 210 stock
If I run a 180 stat with ags delete, should I be safe on the stock tune temporarily. I’m doing a tune up/coolant service so I wanted to change the stat over at the same time. The truck is getting a custom tune within a few months after. Btw its my daily and I live in Florida so it will be during the hot summer months. Seems like it would be good to go, just don’t want a CE light or possible overheat. Anyone input? Thanks
What does your trans usually run at? I got a 2014 ram 1500 and its always at 190-195 not towing anything
Im a 2017 ram and have the same transmission temperature 190-195 i just delete the AGS..and running for a long time on freeway going down to around 175 degrees.the problem its the ram transmissions have a heater on.
i see your engine oil temperature likes to be in the 215 f range as well. it scares me but seems normal in this truck. do you know of anything we could do to get the temp down? like a fluid or maybe an oil cooler?
Well stock thermostat in these trucks is 203* so it would be hard to get the oil temps down without first lowering the coolant temp 👍
I put the 180 thermostat and I am running the electric fan. I set my fan to go on at 170 and it never goes past 185.
Damn your fan must just always be on then?
ONE QUESTION, CAN THE FAN IGNITION BE SET UP AT THE DESIRED TEMPERATURE?
Just pull the fuse or unplug the shutters then test. Doesnt matter much at all. Its goona fluctuate between 180-205 Its not like its gonna get hot
Can someone tell me why mine never open i got ford explorer even when turn AC on.
Thermostat switch or relay may be defective. These are built to run at this temp.
I have a 2013 Ram with the 5.7 just curious have you noticed any MPG change, also mine idling today with no heat or AC on after moving a few trailers on the farm it was idling and got up to 215 but the electric fan never turned on just wondering if you think of clutch fan failing could cause that other than that it has never got above 210 that was in 100 degree Texas heat
No clutch on electric fan bubba..
@@MIXMASTERBJB1 truck had both, clutch and electric
@@josh-ww3en ohhh wasn't aware 5th gen v8 had mechanical fan.. in that case the electric fan should be dedicated to the AC system exclusively..
@@MIXMASTERBJB1 That truck has since dropped the valve and matured into a Ford lol
An easy way to fix the shutter problem is take all of them out except for the 2 bottom ones, I did this with no cel light on, and is really easy to do
Did you have to remove the whole assembly to do it? How were your temps after you removed most of them?
Boosted2k yes you have to remove the grill and assembly but it's really easy, temps were 200 to 210 with my stock thermostat
Mine wont open at all even when AC is on dunno why
is it worth it to do an electric fan? does it save gas mileage and put less strain on the engine?
Yeah it definitely picked up 1-2mpg and pulls harder with the mechanical fan deleted. I ended up putting the 24" hellcat wheels on my truck which hurt MPG so I can't really give you a "true" reading right now but maybe I'll throw my old stock wheels on and do a few tanks of gas to see where am at.
Check out the fan video here if you haven't already seen it!
czcams.com/video/Fn0whRnJqWU/video.html
Hey thanks man! I’ll definitely be putting an e fan in when I get my ram
BoostedMotorsports does the e fan keep everything at the normal temps and do it's job as the mechanic one does?
I bought a motorad thermostat 4 3.7 Dodge Ram put it in runs really hot
Its supposd to, especially if ypu have the 3.6L V6 A hot motor gets better MPG
I replaced my grill and don't have the shutters anymore and don't have a check engine light. Does explain why my MPG went down.
How do I get rid of the check engine light if I don’t have the shutters anymore?
How do I get rid of the check engine light if I don’t have the shutters anymore?
@@kaileb5088 replace your shutters😉
I'm more concerned about the tire warning lamp being on.
How is your trans temp so cool. Mine runs 195 at 80mph
Hey Tony these 8 speeds are actually designed to run warmer than most. 😎
Any update on this? What did you end up doing? Any ideas if the lower thermostat/removing the AGS will lower the temps on the transmission. Did you see lower temps on the transmission after the cooler thermostat? Drives me nuts to see my transmission temps sitting around 190.
Hey James these transmissions are actually designed to run that hot and have their own thermostat in them that keeps them at that temperature before sending oil to the trans cooler. I'll be doing a video soon on a kit a fellow RAM guy makes for us that allows you to remove the active grille shutters without throwing a code so that we can get our temps down. Keep an eye out for that video in the next few weeks 👍
Trans has a factory designed HEATER designed to keep it above 200...leave it alone
@@MIXMASTERBJB1 i was frustrated when i see for 1st time 192 degrees on my transmission,but i read dodge transmission have a own heater to keep 195-202 degrees.but honestly for the first 90k i never saw that temperature on my tranny..
@@MIXMASTERBJB1 i was frustrated when i see for 1st time 192 degrees on my transmission,but i read dodge transmission have a own heater to keep 195-202 degrees.but honestly for the first 90k i never saw that temperature on my tranny..
What would happen if u cut a bit of the fins don’t cut them all the way out just like use a file to trim a bit off that way there will be air going threw no matter what speed or whatever
You could do that or some people remove some of the fins and leave the 4 outside ones so that the motor still functions. I show in another video how to remove the complete unit without a check engine light too!
Yes I did watch that one as well I watch lots of ur vids very good work u do I must say. I don’t know how if my warranty would still apply if I start removing parts that’s why I was like what if I just file a bit off
I installed 180° thermostat in 2020 ram and it still hits 200°+ degrees 🤷 i also have Diablosport tuner idk how to fix issue
I have 2020 with 180 stat. Fans programmed to come on at 187. Coolant temp sits around 185.
It will rise to 190 or 192 tops and quickly drop back to 185
I have a 2018 and my check engine gose one and I changed the fuel cap and purge plug goes out for a few days n happens agen. What have you had that happen or know what it can be. Man bro love ur videos. Thanks
The AGS shuts when the MDS system kicks in. They basically let air bounce back out and move under the truck to increase MPG by 5%
I only kept the very top slat and very bottom, removed the middle. No temp issues and I don't toss the check engine light. My truck runs at 190-195 factory thermostat.
i'm 197-206. Strange. top and bottom slats only remain.
Have you installed any shocks on your truck? I'm looking at putting Bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks on so i can get the front leveled and can't find anyone who can give me a comparison to before and after ride quality or issues.
I had those exact same shocks on the front of my 2009 I had before. Hard to say on an exact comparison cause that truck had a 6" RCX lift and different springs so it was definitely stiffer than stock. I have heard that they do firm up the ride a little bit though on stock springs. Just be careful with lifting/leveling your 4WD truck cause your front axles will go out of alignment and cause a bad vibration. It is pretty common on these trucks.
I have them on my 2016. I've have issues with mine until now but I've have both, a Rough Country leveling kit and now the 5100 shocks. I love the 5100's. They ride much better then a coil spacer but a little more rough then stock.
What’s the normal temp with stock
Stock thermostat opens fully at 203*
What is the peak temperature a 2015 ram 1500 5.7 hemi is supposed to get on the coolant? I get from 204-213 regular driving but when I do open throttle I get 217 and when I shut the engine off and restart abut 7 minutes later I see the temperature gauge go all the way up to 224 but it falls rapidly.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE COOLER THERMOSTAT? I MEAN DOES 20 DEGEEES MAKE THAT BIG OF A DIFFERENCE?
It's only for performance really. Keeps the engine a bit cooler so it can make a bit more power. The stock thermostat is set this high for emissions mostly and sacrifices a bit of performance.
Oil at 219 should be your bigger concern.
That’s normal
That's what I was thinking, why is coolent temp changing but not oil? The coolent is to cool the engine oil. The 8 speed transmission is running hot too. The gauge is high. They like to be at like 160. It's got a lower running temp then people are used to. Something isn't working right. Damage is being done.
@@jeannettehelbert2541a zf 8 speed definitely doesn’t run at 160. The 5 speed does though.
I highly doubt the shutters save you 1 - 2 mpg. No way. Also, I don't see how you can close these shutters on the highway to increase efficiency yet still have sufficient cooling especially during the summer months. IMO, they are to keep the motor HOT and at temperature for emissions only. The 'to increase efficiency' is more for marketing to get everyone to buy into their use. It adds cost, weight and another item that can break. I'd pass......
just remove them and baaaammmmmm engine is cold
Haha yeah finally got around to doing that in the other video! 😎
Cold motor gets worse MPG, just sayin... IF you have a waranty, not good idea.
Is it a Dodge?
I accidentally killed my sisters cat
you shouldn't be messing around with your sisters kitty in the first place!
Gerald Wayne that's true....I shouldn't have been so rough with it
This is what the dealership said would happen if I ever modded my truck. Glad I listened...
PCM (truck's Brain) to open these at 203°, close em at 190°. Note your MPG once you removed em. Have a WARRANTY? Better leave these on. Just sayin. The V6 (3.6L) MUST run at 200° All V6's do-
I've personally ran several V6's at 170. All ran great.