Vehicles nowadays are getting more and more complex. That’s why having an OBD2 scanner will always come in handy, doesn’t matter if you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional mechanic.
However, oftentimes the codes that these OBD2 scanners show are generic and not easy to understand.
The U11E9 is one of the most common diagnostic trouble codes, and it’s most likely that you will experience it at some point or another.
But what does it mean? What Causes it? How To Fix It?
These are all questions that I am going to answer in this article.
So make sure to stay through the end.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Understanding The Code U11E9
Let’s first start by understanding what this code means and which system is affected by it.
After all, you can’t treat a problem without knowing the root cause of it, right?
What the U11E9 Code Means
Let’s first mention that this code is specific to Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles and it’s not the generic code P059F which you will see in most vehicles.
To be exact, the U11E9 error code refers that the vehicle has Lost Communication With Active Grill Shutter. This means that the communication between the ECM (Engine Control Module) and the active grill air shutter system has been lost.
In one of my previous articles about the SRS light, I explained that the ECM serves the purpose of monitoring every single system in your vehicle and when anything happens with one of these systems the control module will quickly throw a diagnostic trouble code and probably illuminate warning lights on your dashboard like CEL, wrench light and etc.
Role of the Active Grille Shutter (AGS)
Modern vehicles are marvels of engineering, constantly evolving to be more efficient and environmentally friendly. And the active grill air shutter system is part of this evolution.
The main purpose of this system is to decrease the aerodynamic drag, improve your fuel efficiency and cool your engine in certain situations.
Typically, these shutters are positioned on the front bumper and their main goal is to open or close to regulate the airflow that comes within your engine bay depending on the situation.
Most of the time the shutters will remain open at lower speed to keep your engine cooled and they will be closed at higher speeds to decrease aerodynamic drag.
Let’s give an example.
Let’s say that you are driving in the city and you’re in stop-and-go traffic. In this situation, the engine will increase its operating temperature, because you are constantly stopping and going. The powertrain control module monitors that the engine temperature is rising and opens the shutters to allow more airflow to your engine, which therefore decreases its operating temperature.
On the other hand, if you are driving on the highway, the engine doesn’t need that amount of cooling and the shutters will remain closed to improve your fuel efficiency by reducing the aerodynamic drag.
Note – PCM = ECM
Common Symptoms Of This Code
There are a lot of symptoms that can help you identify an issue with the active grill air shutter system.
Let’s mention a few common ones that can help you diagnose the U11E9.
Warning Lights
The first sign that you will notice is an illuminated check engine light (CEL). But there are a lot of reasons for the CEL to appear. That’s why it is good to do a quick scan a with professional bidirectional scanner to make sure the code is present.
Bad Fuel Economy
As I told you above, the AGS plays a crucial role in managing fuel efficiency. If this system malfunctions, you may notice sudden spikes in your overall MPG, which will lead to frequent gas station visits and therefore more costs for fuel.
Bad Performance
If the U11E9 is present along with the CEL you will also experience performance issues with your vehicle. If the ECM has lost communication with the active grill system this will cause your vehicle to run in limp mode. This means that the ECM “limits” the engine from its full performance in order to prevent bigger issues.
Psychical Damage
The active shutters are made of plastic and it’s common for them to break during high speeds, road accidents, and extreme weather conditions. For example, if one of them gets frozen during the cold winter days this will stop them from operating correctly and therefore cause this code.
Temperature Rising
You already know that the active grill system plays a role in cooling the engine. If it malfunctions, you may experience higher operating temperatures which are bad for your engine’s health and can lead to much bigger problems.
U11E9 In Different Car Models
From the above information, you know that U11E9 is a specific code for Dodge and Jeep vehicles and some other models too.
Let’s mention a few of them.
RAM Trucks
The Dodge Ram 1500 is a big vehicle that strongly relies on proper cooling and efficient airflow. When the U11E9 code is triggered in a RAM, it often leads to noticeable performance dips, especially during tasks that demand more power, like towing.
The active grill system here is designed specifically to handle more stressful situations and a malfunction can lead to big engine problems.
Chrysler 200
In the Chrysler 200 malfunction of the active grill system most of the time leads to an immediate and noticeable drop in fuel economy.
The AGS in this vehicle is built less rugged than the Dodge RAM and it’s more designed for efficiency.
That’s why the Chrysler 200 is known for its performance and economy issues when the U11E9 occurs.
Jeep Cherokee
The Cherokee is one of the icons in the off-road world and relies a lot on the active shutter system to navigate through challenging terrains.
But it’s also known that this system often fails especially in the newer models.
The AGS here plays a big role to cool the engine when traveling across tough terrains. The engine heat drastically increases and if this system malfunctions it can cause overheating which leads to major engine damage.
You should also check out my post on the best OBD scanners for Jeeps.
What Can Cause This Code
Depending on the make and model you drive there may be a lot of possible causes that can trigger this code and I certainly can’t mention them all.
However, let’s discuss a few of the most frequent ones that can cause this fault code.
- Faulty Active Grill Shutter Assembly – The assembly of this system might be malfunctioning or it may be damaged. And this is one of the most frequent causes for this code to appear.
- Faulty Control Module (PCM) – It’s a rare case, but certainly possible. This means that the PCM cannot communicate properly with the AGS system and throws the error code U11E9. If communication is lost the check engine light comes and your vehicle goes into limp mode.
- Corroded Or Dirty Connectors – If you live in a rainy area oftentimes you can get corrosion into the connectors. This leads to a poor electrical connection and triggers this code.
- Damaged Actuator(Motor) – The shutters of this system are controlled by a motor that opens or closes them. If there’s a malfunction of this motor the shutters cannot operate properly and will remain open or closed which will cause the U11E9.
- Problem With The Wiring – The wiring and connectors that link the AGS to the vehicle’s control module are critical for communication. Any damage, disconnection, or even loose connections in this harness can result in the U11E9 code. Corrosion, wear, and tear, or physical damage can compromise the integrity of these wires.
Note – As I told you above there can be a lot of reasons that can trigger U11E9 and it’s important to do your own research based on the vehicle you drive to diagnose the problem effectively.
Additionally, you can also check my previous article on the P059F code, which will further expand your knowledge and will help you to fix the U11E9 code.
Step-By-Step Guide To Repair This Error Code
Now that you know the possible symptoms and what can cause the U11E9 trouble code, let’s guide you through the process of repairing.
Make sure to follow the steps below and treat the problem with attention by trying to not damage any important parts.
- Step 1: Thorough Diagnostic With An OBD2 Scanner – Before starting to repair any problem with your vehicle, it’s important to do a deep diagnostic with a scan tool. This will not only save you time but also ensures that you are addressing the right problem.
- Step 2: Visual Inspection – When doing repairs always start with the easiest thing. Start by visually inspecting all the connections that lead to the AGS system. Look for any signs of damage, tear, or obstruction that may block the system from operating correctly. Sometimes the issue can simple as just a leaf blocking the shutters.
- Step 3: Check The Connections – Look for any signs of corrosion, fraying, or disconnection. A loose or damaged wire can disrupt communication, triggering the U11E9 code.
- Step 4: Test The AGS Assembly – You will need a professional diagnostic scanner with a live data function and special functions that can test the whole system and see if it’s operating correctly.
- Step 5: Check The Wiring – If you didn’t manage to find any visual damage to the wires you can use a multimeter to test the connection that comes from the ECM and goes the active shutter system. You can refer to your owner’s manual to check the appropriate voltage that you need to have on the connector that operates the system.
- Step 6: Replace Or Repair – If you found the problem and there’s a way to DIY it, do that. Otherwise, you will need to replace the part that’s malfunctioning.
- Step 7: Clear The Code – After the necessary repairs it’s important to clear the code to reset the whole system. Then you can do a test drive and see if the problem comes back.
If you didn’t manage to find the problem and you still need help with the U11E9 it is best to turn to a professional mechanic who can take care of the issue.
