Active Air Dam defeated by tire carcass...

[brewski]

Cruising down the highway, In my fine machine...
A semi-truck tire tread carcass was unavoidable.

I actually thought I'd clear it just fine...but for the active air dam.
I drove another 15 minutes not knowing there was even an issue.

At my destination I noticed from afar there was something hanging under my car truck.
I hoped it was some of that carcass, but no.

The active air dam had been fully detached (in a bad way) from the left side and was just hanging on the right side.
My Leatherman and 3 bolts late it was fully detached.

I'm sure it won't be a cheap fix...but I'm actually surprised I got no damn message about the active air dam.

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[carys98]

I'm sure it won't be a cheap fix...but I'm actually surprised I got no damn message about the active air dam.

If you check with an OBD reader there’s probably a code. Ford finally turned off the message because almost every truck has the fault.

 

[Heliian]

I wouldn't worry too much, it's a very simple setup and is easily repaired and it's relatively cheap. Some people have even removed theirs.

I am very curious as to what the efficiency gains are with it. It allegedly only deploys past 70km/h but I haven't seen any recent tests.

 

[brewski]

I wouldn't worry too much, it's a very simple setup and is easily repaired and it's relatively cheap. Some people have even removed theirs.

I am very curious as to what the efficiency gains are with it. It allegedly only deploys past 70km/h but I haven't seen any recent tests.

Welp, mine is now completely removed. I too am curious on the efficiency difference. I'll get an idea tomorrow.

 

[GoodSam]

I'm sure it won't be a cheap fix.

Hope your Comprehensive Coverage deductible is not too high!

 

[rockhead]

Welp, mine is now completely removed. I too am curious on the efficiency difference. I'll get an idea tomorrow.

I am REAAAAALLLLLLLY curious as I have been pondering extending mine to compensate for perceived range loss when I lifted my truck

 

[On the Road with Ralph]

Mine was destroyed by an impact with a coyote. There was also other damage as well; the total repair bill was $4K+ and was mostly paid by my comprehensive insurance.

 

[Crullbri]

I keep getting an air dam in operable message. I do see a recall or message to take to dealer. It acts as it is supposed to close when cold out. Mine is stuck open. Not sure i even want to waste the time to take to the dealer.

 

[Henry Ford]

I keep getting an air dam in operable message. I do see a recall or message to take to dealer. It acts as it is supposed to close when cold out. Mine is stuck open. Not sure i even want to waste the time to take to the dealer.

This happened to my truck as well. Both motors were replaced under warranty. If it's stuck down it will eventually be ripped off.

My air dam was also removed by a truck tire. I don't recall what the repair bill was.

 

[hturnerfamily]

here's your answer:

LIFT your truck 6"


never a problem again : )

 

[Henry Ford]

here's your answer:

LIFT your truck 6"


never a problem again : )

Until you try to enter a parking garage.

 

[Mcfly]

If you were local I would give you mine. I removed the motors and air dam when I did the raptor skid plate mod.

 

[Jalpert]

My truck is at Ford now, hope to get it back tomorrow. One day at work someone asked me if I realized something was hanging down from the front of my truck, I hadn't. I hit nothing, nothing hit me. NO idea how it happened, but $2,300 to fix.

These things break WAY too easy.

 

[GoodSam]

Dam has to be stiff enough to handle 90mph air speed, but able to swing up if hitting object...is that possible?

 

[WaterboyNorCal]

I keep getting an air dam in operable message. I do see a recall or message to take to dealer. It acts as it is supposed to close when cold out. Mine is stuck open. Not sure i even want to waste the time to take to the dealer.

The active air dam has nothing to do with temperature; It’s the piece of plastic trim that lowers towards the ground below the front bumper when driving above ~45mph. I think you are talking about the “shutters” that open and close to let more or less airflow to the cooling system. When it’s cold out, and you need to WARM the battery, those “shutters” close to minimize the effect of the cold ambient air temperatures.

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