Front bumper motorized shutters function?

[Pullsmyboat]

Was looking to cut a cardboard template to transfer over onto a mesh grill, to make a cover for that space in the front bumper. To my surprise I saw shutters and they feel like motorized shutters at that. Behind them what looks like a radiator. How do the shutters function? Do they open/close on their own depending on how much cooling whatever it is needs? They moved fairly easily, making a motorized sound. I hope I didn't move them out of position causing a problem.

Sponsored

 

[RickLightning]

Yes, they open and close as needed.

No, a grill is not needed, or Ford would have put one there.

 

[proprepper]

Was looking to cut a cardboard template to transfer over onto a mesh grill, to make a cover for that space in the front bumper. To my surprise I saw shutters and they feel like motorized shutters at that. Behind them what looks like a radiator. How do the shutters function? Do they open/close on their own depending on how much cooling whatever it is needs? They moved fairly easily, making a motorized sound. I hope I didn't move them out of position causing a problem.

They are there for entertainment, when mine is plugged into 120v charger, they open and close 3 times every hour or so. Kinda nuts. When I'm out relaxing in a chair sitting outside, they just do their own thing.

 

[Firn]

No, a grill is not needed, or Ford would have put one there.

Do you think Ford is going to spend one dollar when instead a dollar can be saved?

Plenty of reports on here of piles of leaves and road debris getting built up at the top rear of the slanted radiator.

 

[Henry Ford]

Do you think Ford is going to spend one dollar when instead a dollar can be saved?

Plenty of reports on here of piles of leaves and road debris getting built up at the top rear of the slanted radiator.

Has anyone reported negative effects of debris in there? Mine seems to be self clearing.

 

[bc1]

Every ICE vehicle I've owned, I always cut a piece of window screen and run it down in front of the radiator to keep the bugs out. Easier to change a piece of screen than clean a radiator. Guess I'll have to look at cutting a piece for this one for whatever radiator or heat pump coil may be up there.

 

[Lytning]

Check out this thread in the forum:
https://www.f150lightningforum.com/...driving-through-this.27569/page-2#post-518632

I installed this grille and am very satisfied with it keeping the radiator free of debris and rock impact.
https://www.radiatorgrillstore.com/product-page/2022-2024-ford-lightning-ev-radiator-grilles

 

[Firn]

Has anyone reported negative effects of debris in there? Mine seems to be self clearing.

Such as reduced cooling, not that i have seen.

 

[chl]

I suppose it depends of your area, is it very buggy? Are there a lot of small pin oak type leaves?
Is road salt prevalent in winter? Is there a lot of dust? Do you drive on gravel roads?

If any of the above, you could certainly add a piece of grill material as the linked threads suggest to help avoid a repair possibility. If road salt or dust and dirt are an issue, I'd say rinsing it with clean water now and then would be a good idea.

I bought a piece on Amazon for under $16 to install if it looks like debris is getting up in there.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PBM1C2F?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

[F150Flash]

Check out this thread in the forum:
https://www.f150lightningforum.com/...driving-through-this.27569/page-2#post-518632

I installed this grille and am very satisfied with it keeping the radiator free of debris and rock impact.
https://www.radiatorgrillstore.com/product-page/2022-2024-ford-lightning-ev-radiator-grilles

I installed this grille as well and am very happy with it. Looks better, easy install and does provide some protection against rocks and bugs and leaves.

 

[GoodSam]

I bought a piece on Amazon for under $16 to install if it looks like debris is getting up in there.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PBM1C2F?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

I think a cut of 8" x 20" fits nicely with 4 tiny black tie wraps holding it in place.

Might be smart to use a finer window screen, in front of this aluminum mesh, to keep the really little bugs out since the radiator is hard to wash or vacuum out. I would think the amount of cooling needed normally would not be greatly restricted unless totally coated.

 

[hturnerfamily]

Automatic Front Valance SHUTTERS, operation:

...quite the opposite operation of that of the typical GAS/Radiator vehicle

- the front lower valance shutters are for cooling assistance during Charging, Especially DCFastCharging, where the battery pack and related cooling equipment need air flow during the potential high heat generated during charging.

: the shutters are only OPEN during charging events, when parked - they will open/close automatically, as needed

: the shutters automatically CLOSE when the vehicle is in movement, for best AERO during travel - no air flow is needed when the vehicle is moving.

: yes, there is a radiator, of sorts, although used to help cool the battery pack, not an engine, and only when parked and Charging, not while driving. There are also either one, or two, cooling units that operate as CHILLERS for the cab air conditioning, and battery cooling loop, or separately for both, if your Lightning has the Max Towing optional feature.


see this crude video for a sampling of how the shutters operate, as the truck moves, or is parked, etc.

 

[chl]

Automatic Front Valance SHUTTERS, operation:

...quite the opposite operation of that of the typical GAS/Radiator vehicle

- the front lower valance shutters are for cooling assistance during Charging, Especially DCFastCharging, where the battery pack and related cooling equipment need air flow during the potential high heat generated during charging.

: the shutters are only OPEN during charging events, when parked - they will open/close automatically, as needed

: the shutters automatically CLOSE when the vehicle is in movement, for best AERO during travel - no air flow is needed when the vehicle is moving.

: yes, there is a radiator, of sorts, although used to help cool the battery pack, not an engine, and only when parked and Charging, not while driving. There are also either one, or two, cooling units that operate as CHILLERS for the cab air conditioning, and battery cooling loop, or separately for both, if your Lightning has the Max Towing optional feature.


see this crude video for a sampling of how the shutters operate, as the truck moves, or is parked, etc.

Hmmm...well plenty of folks find leaves and other debris in there on top as @Firn mentioned...despite what AI says, debris gets in there while driving somehow...by magic?

My AI result says this which if accurate would explain haw the debris observed by owners gets in there:

They close at high speeds to reduce drag and open at low speeds, during heavy charging, or when cooling is needed.

As always, do not trust the AI alone for the answer!

Sponsored