Shutter B is the second active grille shutter – at GM, Ford and Stellantis the lower one in the bumper. Shutters cut drag and speed warm-up when closed and open for cooling; CARB names them as an off-cycle CO2 technology and treats the actuator as an output component. Smart actuators report over LIN (loss of communication: U0285); a fault usually costs fuel and warm-up time, a closed shutter can make the engine run hot under load. P05AE compares commanded and reached position. GM checks in two stages with five clearing attempts, type B, two trips; Ford's 3.0 L diesel at over 6° deviation in operation or 20° when learning open; Stellantis uses it too. GM, Ford and Stellantis do not distinguish the direction. GM bulletins for 2019–21 Silverado and Sierra name stones or ice at the bottom of the lower shutter, often with U0285.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?If the car is running normally, drive in moderation to a repair shop. If it loses power or another warning appears, do not continue.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on (GM after two trips)
- Lower shutter not moving or incompletely, possibly U0285 or P059F
- Higher coolant temperature under load or slightly higher consumption
Most likely causes
- Debris, stones, ice or snow in the lower shutter
- Louvres unhooked or broken, rubbing on bracket or horn, impact damage
- Water or corrosion in connector or harness
- Actuator B faulty
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P05AE means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 5: Speed and idle
- AE: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P05AE?
If the car is running normally, drive in moderation to a repair shop. If it loses power or another warning appears, do not continue.
What causes code P05AE?
The most common causes are: debris, stones, ice or snow in the lower shutter; louvres unhooked or broken, rubbing on bracket or horn, impact damage; water or corrosion in connector or harness.
Related codes
- P059FActive Grille Air Shutter A Performance/Stuck Off
- P05AFActive Grille Air Shutter B Stuck On
- P05B0Active Grille Air Shutter B Position Sensor Minimum/Maximum Stop Performance
- P05B1Active Grille Air Shutter B Control Circuit/Open
- U0285Lost Communication With Active Grille Air Shutter Module B
- P05C1Active Grille Air Shutter Module B Over Temperature
Sources
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG03A Engine Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 16OBDG05 Engine Diagnostics
- fordservicecontent.com: obd summary diesel 2023
- gm-techlink.com
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.