The other day, I read that newer Subarus on global platform has active air shuttle in the lower grill. It is suppose to reduce air drag and help car warm up faster during winter. I like that idea.
I was getting my wife’s 18 crosstrek premium ready to install Perrin pitch stop and I decided to take a look if our xv has the air shutter. Guess what, nope, it is not installed. I can see the mounting holes and location where shuttle should be mounted. See first picture1
Here is my 20 forester sport. It is closed when parked and engine not running.
now I am disappointed to know Subaru cheap out in our vx.
Can anyone w 18+ xv check and see if they have the air shutter? I looked it up and there is part # and available to purchase. I am seriously considering install the air shutter in our 18 xv.
Thanks in advance.
Btw, it is available for 2015 xv too!
it is active shutter. It will be controlled by the ecu. Will be open or shut when engine is cold or when it is on highway. So, it will be activated by computer, not by me.
I understand what you are trying to do but just because the global cars have this option doesn't mean that it will work here. Wiring harnesses are not even the same so chances of it working are not that good.
Interesting. Never even bothered to check it. If you were to install it, you HAVE to wire it to a massive switch with "ludicrous speed" label above it...
Interesting feature but curious if you get a warning when the shutter fails to open during hot weather driving.... I'm not sure I want to rely on more electronics just to shave off a few minutes of engine warm up time.
I'd forgo the shutter for a real temp gauge in the cluster.
Actually, it only block lower 1/3 portion of my forester radiator. Would imagine same for the xv. It should be fine w top grill open only. I wish our xv has this feature a couple years ago when we had a couple days temp was -20F. Cvt would not shift past 5th gear equivalent ratio. If it has the shutter, the cvt temp would prob get over 90F and shift.
It’s for aero purposes. Closes at highway speeds to improve gas mileage. They are not prone to breaking because it’s just an electric motor and they are very reliable
Need to ask you a small favor. Since you are in Canada, can you check if it is on your crosstrek?
also, it is on all 19+ forester premium and higher and all 20+ legacy and outback. Some members from impreza forum saying it is on the 17+ limited.
Thank you for the suggestion. I will check for the harness when I do the oil change on our xv in September. Good news is the active grill shutter is available in US to order around $130-$140.
One would have to check whether the car is pre-wired for it, and whether the harness provides the signal. There are instructions online for the removal of the AGS on a Legacy, I would presume the design for the Impreza is similar. The diagram also points out to a temperature sensor. Subaru Legacy Service Manual - Removal - Active grille shutter (sulegacy.com)
Even if the wiring is there it will have to be activated in the ECU. It likely is not turned on for cars that do not have it or you would get an error code for the missing shudders.
Thank you for your advice. Like your said, just because it is there, it does not mean it is ready to use. Otherwise, it would be like the fog light, it would be an option for dealer install.
However, I have been lucky with several non-option add-ons. with our old old Honda and prior Subarus. So, if the harness/plug is there, I am going to give it a try. I really hate the cvt not shifting to higher ratio in winter issue. If it does not work, I will get a acrylic board and block off the lower intake during the winter.
First that I heard about this so I went and had a look at our's and guess what...woo hoo....it has it - so on the UK model (which come direct from Japan). Having said all that I struggle to see the benefit on such a car
Sorry, not meaning to question you but you have an actual shutter across the front vents blocking it at times, not just the sensor as in the pic? The OPs pics are a little hard to follow because they are both upside down.
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Not yet. Mrs. crosstrek is another 2 months before oil change. Not lifting her car and go under to look for the harness. I promise I will update once I have chance to look for it.