Nissan P059F Code: Active Grille Shutter System – Performance

Nissan vehicles are known for having a very common OBD2 code, P059F. You have an active grille shutter installed if you have this code.

The active grille shutter system lets air through the grille only when needed, reducing your vehicle’s drag coefficient at higher speeds. Nissan P059F is a sign that the active shutter system for grilles has stopped working properly.

If the active grille shutter system is stuck open, it’s not a breakdown risk. But, if it’s stuck closed, there’s a danger you can overheat the engine when driving the vehicle.

How the Active Grille Shutter System works

This active grille shutter system reduces drag and increases fuel efficiency. The shutter system prevents the grille from opening when it is moving at very high speeds. It will open if the coolant or oil temperatures pass a certain threshold (usually 203°F for the coolant).

Diagnosis for Start-Ups

Nissan vehicles are equipped with an active grille shutter system. Every Nissan car is run through a self-diagnostic in order to confirm that the vehicle can be opened and closed properly.

If the ignition switch is off, then the grille shutter will always open. It will close automatically the next time that the engine turns on. The self-diagnostic will then be complete.

If it fails this self-diagnostic test, P059F will be stored in your vehicle’s internal memory, and the check engine light will come on.

P059F Signs

What symptoms to expect from the active grille shutter will depend on whether it is open or closed.

• Overheating (shutter stuck closed)
• Reduced Fuel Economy (shutter remained open)
• Check engine light

At best, the fuel economy loss will be minimal.

Nissan P059F Diagnoses and Causes

Below is the diagnostic order of P059F. Also, you can see common causes.

Get rid of the junk

If you are using P059F, the first thing to do is clean out your grille. It is very common to pick something up on the road that’ll wedge in there that’ll keep the grille from opening or closing.

Winter snow can build up and cause ice on the grille. If you happen to be reading this when it hasn’t been above freezing out for a while, an iced grill is a real possibility.

You can bind shutters with snow, trash and even leaves.

Check out Technical Service Bulletins

OK, if there doesn’t appear to be anything binding the grille shutter, it’s time to start diagnosing the active grille shutter system.

There are many TSBs available for various model years with P059F.

These bulletins contain information from manufacturers that details common issues and possible solutions to vehicles.

Online, there are many sites that allow you to search for them. You can also call your dealer to have it checked for you.

Shutter Harness Wiring Issue

It is possible to open the or reduce the length of the wire harness connecting to active grille shutter actuator. Because it is situated at the top and bottom of vehicles, the wiring harness can be more damaged than the average one.

Check for damaged or burnt wiring. Verify that the connector pins have no corrosion.

Bad Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator

If the wiring harness checks out, and the grille is debris-free, it’s time to suspect the actuator. This actuator acts as the active grille shutter.

You can use a scan tool to command the device to open or close. It will likely need to be replaced if it does not open or close correctly.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the reasons P059F may occur. Always inspect the grille first. You are sure to have success!