6th Gen 4Runner Grille Shutter Malfunction

[Trail4R]

Check Engine, Grille Shutter Malfunction, and Drive Start Control Malfunction After Installing Front Bumper​

Just installed a new bumper and now I’m getting this Grille Shutter Malfunction error with is also throwing check engine light and another error “Drive Start Control Malfunction”. Checked all the plugs, everything appears to be connected properly, and the grille is not stuck in any way. I looked up the issues, and it’s common on Toyotas; something might be stuck in the grille shutter, preventing it from opening or closing and also the Tacoma is known for this issue. Tacoma is known to have a connector that is slightly out of tolerance, which allows moisture to get inside, causing the error code to come up. https://4gtaco.com/threads/2024-tacoma-grille-shutter-issue-update.304/

That said, my issue has nothing to do with moisture and/or the grille shutter being stuck. I’m going to take off the bumper again this week and dig a little deeper to see what’s causing the issue.

I was also able to pull one code, which doesn’t make any sense at all. P15AD… ENGINE MOUNT CONTROL UNIT CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION.

Something seems to be going on with reconnecting the harnesses, but again, everything looks good from the surface. I’ll keep the thread updated.

 

[Gydooya]

I’m have the same issue when I put a light bar in. All the codes cleared by themselves after 45 mins. However I took the truck up to the dealership and they say I now have this error code and to recalibrate the shutter control is $345.00 which I said I didn’t have that error and everytime I take my bumper off my truck I need you to recalibrate stuff?!

 

[Trail4R]

@Gydooya yeah dude this is pretty annoying for sure. After talking to a few guys on Instagram, it sounds like the results are all over the place. A couple of guys said that the Grille shutter malfunction will go away on its own if you give it time.

Then two other guys responded and said they had to take it to the dealer because the codes would not clear after manually deleting them from the OBD.

One guy said it only took Toyota an hour to fix a defective wire (maybe consistent with the 4th Gen Tacoma connector that is slightly out of tolerance) and recalibrate sensors, and another guy said a dealer charged him for three hours.

 

[Trail4R]

I just dropped it off at Folsom Lake Toyota, so we'll see what they say. I'll keep the thread updated.

 

[4RunnerNation]

The 5th Gen 4Runner would never let you down like this @Trail4R - hahaha

 

[Trail4R]

@4RunnerNation - facts.

 

[kophoto4x4]

Always disconnect the battery before doing anything with the grill. Clear the codes and you should be good to go after a little while if not keep clearing the codes a couple times and everything will eventually sync back but and if it doesn't then you'll need to recalibrate.

 

[Trail4R]

 

[Trail4R]

@kophoto4x4 - sounds like you're right. Before you disconnect any harness, disconnect the battery.

We need this disclaimer plastered everywhere.... lol

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED ON YOUR INSTALL THAT REQUIRES DISCONNECTING HARNESSES, DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY. FAILURE TO DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY BEFORE YOU UNCLIP HARNESSES WILL RESULT IN MANY LIGHTS ON THE DASH, AND YOU WILL HAVE TO TAKE YOUR 4RUNNER INTO TOYOTA FOR THEM TO CLEAR ALL THE CODES.

Just talked to the service advisor. The 4Runner will be in the shop for a couple of days, relearning everything.... Awesome.

 

[Archer80]

We need this disclaimer plastered everywhere.... lol

Wonder if there's anything different with a hybrid. Is there something other than the battery to disconnect?


.

 

[Gydooya]

@Gydooya yeah dude this is pretty annoying for sure. After talking to a few guys on Instagram, it sounds like the results are all over the place. A couple of guys said that the Grille shutter malfunction will go away on its own if you give it time.

Then two other guys responded and said they had to take it to the dealer because the codes would not clear after manually deleting them from the OBD.

One guy said it only took Toyota an hour to fix a defective wire (maybe consistent with the 4th Gen Tacoma connector that is slightly out of tolerance) and recalibrate sensors, and another guy said a dealer charged him for three hours.

$199.99 MotherF^&%#r's That's what Toyota charged me to do the recalibration. The best part was when the guy told me they never take off the front bumper

 

[Gydooya]

I am now looking for a Scan tool that can do the recalibration since I will never pay Toyota again for this!

 

[Trail4R]

@Gydooya let me know if you find a good scan tool for these gens. The service advisor told me the new gens have longer engine codes (8 Digits vs. the old 5 digit codes). He said that Snap-On wasn't even up to date yet with their scan tools. Not sure if that's true or not, but yeah... let me know if you find a good scan tool.

 

[Gydooya]

@Gydooya let me know if you find a good scan tool for these gens. The service advisor told me the new gens have longer engine codes (8 Digits vs. the old 5 digit codes). He said that Snap-On wasn't even up to date yet with their scan tools. Not sure if that's true or not, but yeah... let me know if you find a good scan tool.

I just got the Launch 431 super cheap and was recommended by a Toyota tech.

 

[Trail4R]

Turns out it was a bent pin on one of the passenger side connectors.

Here is the statement from Toyota:

Customer states that after front bumper removal, multiple warning lights came on. Vehicle has multiple aftermarket components installed, some of which are tapped into factory wiring. Inspected aftermarket components, wiring, and fuses. Vehicle had no communication with three modules in the CAN system. Rear camera was inoperative and the automatic camera system was also inoperative. No communication to the BSM sensor module and front camera module. Further inspection found that the front bumper main connector had a bent pin, causing improper contact and resulting in multiple system components not working properly. After pin repair, retested and verified that CAN communication was restored. Drove vehicle, reinspected with a health check, and verified proper vehicle operation with all warning lights cleared.

All in cost me $660 to have Toyota fix it. After you install your bumper, be very careful with the connectors not to bend any of the pins on the connectors. And try to troubleshoot straightening the pins if you're having the same issue before you take it to a dealer. Hopefully, this helps someone else.

 

[SC4Runner]

I had a replacement bumper and winch professionally installed. The same codes were being thrown, and he was able to clear it each time they came up, a total of three times before I got it back.