Debris, ice, or snow jammed in the shutter mechanism preventing movement; Failed shutter actuator motor or binding linkage; Damaged or disconnected electrical connector at the shutter assembly; Broken or shorted wiring in the shutter control circuit; Faulty shutter position sensor integrated into the actuator; Failed active grille shutter control module or body control module; Software calibration issue requiring module reprogramming

DTC codes / P2Cxx · Hybrid propulsion / P2C73

P2C73Active Grille Air Shutter C Stuck On

Q: What does code P2C73 mean?

Active Grille Air Shutter C Stuck On. P2C73 indicates that the active grille air shutter circuit for shutter 'C' is stuck in the commanded position, meaning the control module cannot move the shutter to the desired state. The computer detects this by monitoring the shutter motor's position feedback or electrical current and finding that the shutter does not respond to commands, remaining stuck on or off.

P2C73 indicates that the active grille air shutter circuit for shutter 'C' is stuck in the commanded position, meaning the control module cannot move the shutter to the desired state. The computer detects this by monitoring the shutter motor's position feedback or electrical current and finding that the shutter does not respond to commands, remaining stuck on or off.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaHybrid propulsion

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light or service engine soon light
Often no symptoms besides the warning light
Possible reduction in fuel economy due to improper aerodynamics
Overheating tendency in hot weather or during heavy loads if the shutter remains closed
Visible shutter stuck in one position when inspected
Possible additional codes related to engine temperature or cooling fan operation

Common causes, most likely first

Debris, ice, or snow jammed in the shutter mechanism preventing movement
Failed shutter actuator motor or binding linkage
Damaged or disconnected electrical connector at the shutter assembly
Broken or shorted wiring in the shutter control circuit
Faulty shutter position sensor integrated into the actuator
Failed active grille shutter control module or body control module
Software calibration issue requiring module reprogramming

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the active grille shutter for physical obstructions such as leaves, ice, or road debris and clear them
Check the electrical connector at the shutter actuator for corrosion, looseness, or damage and repair as needed
Test the shutter actuator motor with a scan tool bidirectional control to command movement and observe response
Measure resistance and voltage on the shutter control circuit to rule out open or shorted wiring
Verify the shutter position sensor signal with a scan tool while manually moving the shutter to confirm feedback accuracy
If the actuator fails to respond, replace the active grille shutter assembly or actuator motor
Reprogram or replace the control module if all mechanical and electrical checks pass but the code persists

What most technicians overlook with P2C73

A stuck shutter can be caused by a failed actuator that still receives power but cannot move due to internal gear stripping, which is often missed if only electrical tests are performed.
The code may set intermittently due to a poor ground connection at the shutter assembly, so checking ground integrity is as important as checking power and signal wires.
Some vehicles require a relearn or calibration procedure after clearing the code or replacing components, and skipping this step will cause the code to return immediately.
The active grille shutter may be commanded closed for fuel economy at highway speeds, so a stuck-closed condition might not trigger overheating until the vehicle is under load in hot ambient temperatures.
A failing battery or low charging system voltage can cause the shutter module to log this code falsely, so always verify battery condition before condemning the shutter.

Can I keep driving with P2C73?

You can generally drive with this code, but avoid heavy loads or sustained high-speed driving in hot weather if the shutter is stuck closed, as this may lead to overheating. Monitor the engine temperature gauge and address the issue promptly to prevent potential cooling system stress.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.