AutoCodes – Generic – P151E

P151E Code - Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator 1 Signal Message Counter Incorrect

Quick Answer

The active grille air shutter system closes shutters in the front grille to enhance vehicle aerodynamics in driving situations where cooling and A/C loads are relatively low and high levels of front-end airflow are not required. Common causes include Faulty Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator, Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator harness is open or shorted, Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P151E indicates Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator 1 Signal Message Counter Incorrect.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator, Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator harness is open or shorted, Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 13,046

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 14, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P151E Description

The active grille air shutter system closes shutters in the front grille to enhance vehicle aerodynamics in driving situations where cooling and A/C loads are relatively low and high levels of front-end airflow are not required. If high levels of airflow are required, the active grille air shutter system will open one or both shutters. The control signal from the Engine Control Module (ECM), ignition, and ground circuits enable the active grille air shutter actuators to operate. If the conditions for opening the shutters are reached the ECM commands the active grille air shutter actuators to open one or both shutters.
The dual active grille air shutter system consists of two aero shutter mechanisms located in the front grille for controlling the amount of air flowing through the grille. It includes three wires; ground, power, and a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) Bus serial data circuit from the ECM to the shutter actuator. The ECM determines shutter state based on various vehicle conditions such as vehicle speed, coolant temperature, fan state, refrigerant system pressure, A/C compressor state, and ambient temperature. The ECM has the ability to command each shutter individually to the open or closed positions through communications on the LIN Bus.
The actuators are powered by an ignition circuit that is active when the key is in the RUN position. The vehicle may have to be driven for up to 13 minutes at speeds greater than 41 km/h (25 mph) before a shutter begins to move. If low ambient temperature is detected, the shutters will remain in the closed position.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set if there a LIN Bus Communication Malfunction

OBDII Code P151E - Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator 1 Signal Message Counter Incorrect - AutoCodes.com — P151E Code - Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator 1 Signal Message Counter Incorrect

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P151E?

Faulty Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator
Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator harness is open or shorted
Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P151E?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P151E code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P151E code?

Need more information on how to fix the P151E code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P151E code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

P151E Buick — Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator 1 Signal Message Counter Incorrect
P151E Cadillac — Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator 1 Signal Message Counter Incorrect
P151E Chevrolet — Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator 1 Signal Message Counter Incorrect
P151E GMC — Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator 1 Signal Message Counter Incorrect

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P151E Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P151E?

- Common symptoms include poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and the Check Engine light illuminating on the dashboard.

2. What can cause the OBDII code P151E to trigger?

- The code P151E is typically triggered by a fault in the Active Grille Air Shutter Actuator 1 Signal Message Counter, which may be caused by wiring issues, a faulty actuator, or a communication error.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P151E?

- Diagnosis involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, inspecting the wiring and connections related to the active grille air shutter actuator, and testing the actuator itself for proper operation.

4. Can I continue driving with the OBDII code P151E present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with the P151E code present, as it can lead to further damage or poor engine performance. It is advisable to address the issue promptly.

5. How can I repair the OBDII code P151E?

- Repair options may include fixing wiring connections, replacing the active grille air shutter actuator, clearing the code with an OBDII scanner, and performing a test drive to ensure the issue is resolved.

6. Is it possible to reset the OBDII code P151E without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the code temporarily with an OBDII scanner, it is important to address the root cause of the problem to prevent the code from reoccurring.

7. Are there any DIY tips for troubleshooting the OBDII code P151E?

- DIY tips may include visually inspecting the wiring for any visible damage, checking for loose connections, and ensuring the actuator is functioning properly by manually testing it.

8. How long does it typically take to repair the OBDII code P151E?

- The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue and the availability of replacement parts. In general, the repair process may take a few hours to complete.

9. Can extreme weather conditions affect the activation of the OBDII code P151E?

- Yes, extreme weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold can potentially impact the operation of the active grille air shutter actuator, leading to the triggering of the P151E code.

10. Is it necessary to visit a mechanic for the repair of the OBDII code P151E?

- While some DIY enthusiasts may attempt to diagnose and repair the issue themselves, it is recommended to consult a qualified mechanic or technician for a proper diagnosis and repair of the P151E code to ensure the issue is resolved correctly.