Codes U0284, U1040, U1044, U1051, U1000, Front grille shutter issue?

2018 NISSAN ROGUE

50,000 MILES

BEIGMATT

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My vehicle has code U0284 (on cheap code reader). I paid an independent shop for a diagnosis, they also said it has code U1040, U1044, U1051 and U1000 linked to the "...active grille shudder system..." (his words) and that the grille shutter assembly needs to be replaced.
Their repair price was $1,000.00. I denied the repair.

I discovered if I close the shutter flaps manually and clear codes. I can drive around and turn the car on/off. No code returns. Normally the code appears instantly. I was very excited.

When I park the car for a few minutes, immediately when I start it up the flaps fully open and the code returns. It seems manually closing the flaps delayed the code coming back.

This is confusing, because the motor does open the shutters. Maybe the code appears when it fails to close the flap when I start up the car? Does it even try to do that though?
If I unplug the shutter actuator, I still have the battery light on dashboard and U0284 code.

The other codes he mentioned are worrying. Mechanic stated no communication with assembly.

Has anybody delt with this before?

Thanks so much in advance for anybody's input and your time!

Have a great day!

Mar 5, 2023 at 2:20 PM

STRAILER

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53,854 POSTS

Hello Mat,

Code U0284 Faulty Active Grille Air Shutter 1 Motor Module. So, this is controlled by the ECM and gets power from the fuse# 34 in the IPDM (fuse panel under the hood) I have seen the IPDM go out so let's check the fuse for power by using this guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

If the fuse does not have power, then the IPDM is bad and needs to be replaced which could be why there are many codes in the system. If you do have power then the grille motor must be replaced, I have given you instructions on how to do both in the images below. Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Mar 6, 2023 at 9:07 AM

BEIGMATT

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you for your response!

I unplugged the actuator and cleared codes. I ended up getting the same codes as if the actuator were plugged in upon startup.

I also did check almost all the 10-30amp fuses, In all 3 fuse boxes under the hood. I didn't notice the third fuse box until I took the bumper off. To take a peek. Of the motor/actuator. Picture posted below.

What's interesting is that the motor for the shutter seems to open it just fine, but always triggers a code in the car if it opens. I can manually close the flap; clear codes and the code stays off.

I think I will buy a new shutter assembly and update the post with my results. Is that the best next step?

Nissan Part #21421-4BC0A. There seems to be a few ~$200 new Chinese aftermarkets available. A genuine OEM Nissan is about $400-450. Do people have good experience with aftermarket versions of grille shutter assemblies other Nissans?

Thanks again.

Image (Click to enlarge)

Mar 9, 2023 at 4:10 PM

STRAILER

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53,854 POSTS

Thanks for the image. I would get the OEM unit there seems to be many problems with this motor like it was designed too small for the job. It is easier to open the flaps than it is the close them, so it turns that part of the motor out. This causes the amperage to go up and damages the electrical. The cheaper unit will not last as long as the OEM unit. Check out the black wire from the actuator to make sure it is grounded.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.

Mar 10, 2023 at 3:05 PM