How to Delete Active Grill Shutters F-150

Active Grill Shutters (AGS) is a factory feature on many modern Ford F-150 trucks designed to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency by closing off portions of the grille at highway speeds. While the system works well for most owners, a growing number of F-150 enthusiasts choose to permanently delete or remove the AGS assembly for several practical reasons: better engine bay cooling during heavy towing or off-road use, elimination of rattling or sticking actuators, easier access for aftermarket intercoolers and bumpers, and a cleaner front-end appearance.

This comprehensive guide covers every step required to safely and completely delete Active Grill Shutters on 2015–present Ford F-150 models (EcoBoost and 5.0L V8), including the popular 2015-2020, 2021-2023, and 2024+ generations.

Why Owners Choose to Remove Active Grill Shutters

The most common motivations include:

• Chronic actuator motor failure that triggers P1A0C/P1A0D trouble codes and check engine light

• Reduced airflow causing higher charge air temperatures when towing or running a tune

• Desire for a traditional open-grille look with aftermarket grille inserts

• Prevention of snow/ice buildup in cold climates

• Simplified maintenance when installing larger radiators or oil coolers

Removing the system does not affect emissions compliance or warranty on non-emissions components, but it will require either reprogramming or a simple wiring bypass to prevent CEL.

Tools and Parts Required for AGS Delete

Before starting, gather these items:

• 7mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 13mm sockets + ratchet

• T20, T25, and T30 Torx bits

• Trim removal tools or flathead screwdriver wrapped in tape

• Zip ties and electrical tape

• 10mm wrench for battery terminal

• Optional: Forscan software + OBDLink EX or MX+ adapter (recommended for cleanest results)

• AGS delete wiring plug or simple jumper wire (14-16 gauge)

• Replacement lower air deflector (if keeping factory appearance)

Step 1: Preparation and Safety

Park the truck on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and let the engine cool completely. Disconnect the negative battery terminal with a 10mm wrench and wait at least 10 minutes to discharge capacitors in the AGS module.

Step 2: Remove the Front Bumper (2021+ Models) or Radiator Cover (2015-2020 Models)

For 2015-2020 F-150:

• Pop the hood and remove the eight plastic push pins across the radiator cover

• Remove six 8mm bolts along the top edge

• Gently lift the entire plastic shroud upward

For 2021-2024 F-150 (including Lightning and PowerBoost):

• A full bumper removal is required

• Remove wheel well liners (six 7mm screws + plastic clips each side)

• Remove eight 10mm bolts under the bumper

• Disconnect fog light and ambient sensor connectors

• Pull bumper forward carefully

Step 3: Unbolt and Remove the Active Grill Shutter Assembly

The AGS assembly is a single unit mounted directly behind the grille:

• Locate the four 10mm bolts (two top, two bottom) holding the shutter housing

• Remove two 8mm bolts securing the actuator motor on the passenger side

• Disconnect the single electrical connector at the motor (press tab and pull)

• Carefully lower the entire shutter assembly out the bottom. On some models it helps to slightly flex the lower air dam

The assembly weighs approximately 12–15 lbs and contains delicate plastic vanes — handle with care if you plan to sell it.

Step 4: Handle the Wiring and Prevent Check Engine Light

You have three options:

Option A — Forscan (Cleanest, Recommended)

• Reconnect battery temporarily

• Using Forscan, navigate to BdyCM (Body Control Module)

• Change “Active Grille Shutter” from “With to “Without

• Clear all DTCs

• This completely disables the circuit and no further action needed

Option B — Simple Jumper Harness

• Purchase or build a small resistor plug (typically 100–120 ohm 1/2 watt resistor between pins 1 and 2 of the motor connector)

• Plug into the factory harness — the module thinks shutters are present and functional

Option C — Quick and Free Bypass

• Cut the factory connector, strip the two larger wires (usually brown and gray)

• Solder or crimp them together and heat-shrink

• This tricks the system into seeing a closed circuit

Step 5: Modify or Replace the Lower Air Deflector

The factory lower air deflector has a large cutout specifically for the shutter actuator. After removal you have two choices:

Clean look: Purchase a non-AGS lower air deflector (Ford part ML3Z-8310-A for 2021-2023 or similar). These bolt right in place with no gaps.

Budget route: Trim the protruding actuator section with aviation shears or a Dremel and reattach the original deflector using factory clips. Many owners simply zip-tie the modified piece.

Step 6: Reinstall Components and Test

• Reinstall bumper or radiator cover in reverse order

• Torque all bolts to factory specs (typically 9–11 ft-lbs for plastic fasteners)

• Reconnect battery

• Start engine and verify no check engine light

• Drive normally — you should notice slightly better engine bay airflow and a small drop in IAT2 temperatures under load

Common Issues After AGS Delete and Fixes

• Persistent U0284 code — double-check Forscan setting or resistor value

• Rattles from loose lower deflector — add extra zip ties or foam tape

• Slightly higher highway fuel consumption (0.3–0.7 mpg) — expected trade-off for better cooling

Optional Upgrades While You’re In There

Many owners combine the delete with:

• Mishimoto or Wagner intercooler upgrade

• Aftermarket cold air intake requiring grille removal

• LED grille lighting or Raptor-style marker lights

• Full front-end protection plates

Performing the Active Grill Shutter delete is considered a moderate-difficulty job that most DIY owners complete in 2–4 hours once the bumper or cover is off. The result is a cleaner, better-breathing F-150 with zero recurring actuator failures.