adjusting flaps behind front grill, when should they move?

[dr jotty]

behind the front grill on my 2011 tdci there are flaps that either block or open the vents in the front grill. they are controlled by a servo. I had assumed they block off until the engine is warm then open. they dont seem to move as when i start in zero degrees they remain open , yet if i manually force them shut they are open again when i check next.
what controls them?
II have got the temperature guage up on the titanium dash and see even after 6 miles of trafic jam london traffic the engine still has not come off blue cold.
I think this is why i am getting sub 30mpg town and sub 40 even on a run in my 6 sp auto

any ideas how to get the vents to close or should they do it automatically?


Dr Jotty

[dr jotty]

Active Grille Shutter is what it is called , also on mondeo, shuts at speed and for fast warm up, mine open themselves all the time, how can i check them or over ride/ activate them?

[dr jotty]

no one?

[Chrispb]

Just had a look on my MK3

Flaps open with engine off, started the engine flaps close, not sure how long they stay shut but will check next time I'm out.

[dr jotty]

ooh thanks for the reply, mine are open all the time? hmmmm

they do self return if i force them with my fingers.
wonder what controls them car still under warranty,
best ask a dealer but they didn't have a clue the first time i asked.

[Chrispb]

The weather is quite warm now and they start opening more or less straight away but the cooler it is the longer they take, will have to wait for the winter to see if they open at all.

[gregers]

ill have to take a looksie to see if i have them on my smax or is this just a mk3 thing?

[dr jotty]

mine is an 11 plate think this only started on the 10/11 plate galaxy? over winter mine stayed open all the time too