What is AGS removal? Causes and methods for AGS Removal
What is AGS (Active Grill Shutter) Removal?
Active Grill Shutter (AGS) systems (also known as Radiator Shutter Assemblies) are designed to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency by controlling airflow, but they can limit cooling and performance in high-power builds. In this article, we’ll explain why AGS removal is beneficial for performance tuning and guide you through the process of disabling it using ECU remapping. Whether you're a car owner or tuner, you’ll learn how to bypass AGS without physical modifications for better reliability and airflow.
What is AGS?
Active grill shutters are a mechatronic system that is built to optimize the engine temperature and aerodynamics. They are panels in the front grille of the vehicle that open and close to manage airflow. They are controlled by a motor that gets signals from the ECU. In cold weather the shutters close in order to warm up the engine faster. At idle and low RPMs, the panels are open to maximize the airflow, cooling the radiator. At high speeds the panels close, redirecting air around the vehicle. AGS enhance vehicle efficiency and thermal performance by reducing drag coefficient, leading to better fuel economy and lower emissions. They help the engine warm up faster in cold conditions and regulate cooling to prevent overheating. This smart airflow management boosts performance and supports eco-friendly driving.
What Cars Have AGS Installed on Them?
AGS is most common in fuel-efficient SUVs and trucks, helping manufacturers to pass the strict emission and economy standards. Here is a list of vehicles and their ECUs that have AGS installed:
Bentley:
Bentley Bentayga: Bosch MD1CP014
Bentley Continental GT: Bosch MG1CS163
BMW:
BMW X5 G05: Bosch EDC17C41
BMW 3 Series G20: Bosch EDC17C50
Dodge:
Dodge Ram 1500: Bosch EDC17C79
Dodge Durango: Continental GPEC2A
Ford:
Ford F-150: Bosch EDC17C10
Ford Escape: Bosch MG1CS005
Volkswagen Group (VW/ Audi/ Skoda/ Seat/ Cupra):
VW Golf Mk8: Bosch MG1CS002
Audi Q5: Bosch MD1CP004
Why is AGS Removed?
This system reduces emissions and improves fuel efficiency, so why remove it? AGS delete can help reduce manufacturing costs, particularly if the feature is not essential for the vehicle's performance or seldom used in everyday driving. Additionally, AGS systems may experience reliability issues, especially with malfunctions in the motor or sensors.
When tuning a car for stage 2 or stage 3, improving airflow and cooling is key. The AGS system, which restricts airflow for better aerodynamics at lower speeds, can limit engine cooling and performance. Removing it ensures consistent airflow, reduces intake temperatures, and supports weight reduction. Additionally, unrestricted airflow helps prevent overheating as power increases, while removing the AGS improves reliability by eliminating potential malfunctions. It can also make room for other aerodynamic upgrades and provide a race-inspired look.
Pros & Cons of AGS Delete:
AGS delete Pros:
- Improved Airflow
Enhances engine and intercooler cooling for better performance. - Increased cooling
Prevents overheating by allowing unrestricted airflow. - Reliability
Eliminates moving parts that could fail, improving durability. - Aesthetic appeal
Provides a more aggressive, race-inspired front-end look.
AGS delete Cons:
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency
Open grilles may lower fuel efficiency at slower speeds. - Manufacturer Warranty Issues
Could void the manufacturer’s warranty. - Environmental Impact
Slight increase in fuel consumption and emissions. - Complexity in Modifications
May require ECU adjustments or extra tuning.
How is AGS Removal Done?
You would need to remove the grille or bumper to expose the AGS assembly. After disconnecting the electrical wiring and removing the shutters and motor, you may face an issue with the check engine light turning on. This happens because the vehicle's ECU expects input from the AGS system, and without it, a fault code (DTC) is triggered.
Instead of dealing with the hassle of physically removing the AGS and dealing with potential complications, you can opt for ECU remapping to keep the AGS always open. By remapping the ECU, you can bypass the need for physical removal and prevent the engine light from activating. At NinjaRemap, we offer AGS removal for all vehicles in the market. Simply send us your original ECU file (stock file) through our ECU Remapping Service, and we will handle the remapping process to make your AGS always close, providing a simpler solution without the need for physical modifications.
How to Delete AGS Using ECU Remapping?
First of all, you need a ECU programmer to read the original ECU file from the car. You should choose to use a ECU tuning tools that supports your ECU and car model and can calculate checksums for the dump file. We have a full article about “ECU Tuning tools compatibility list” that can guide you through the best tools for your work.
After, the file is opened inside the WinOLS software and values related to AGS are changed so that the shutters stay open all the time. So how are these values found inside WinOLS? You need to have a lot of experience working with the software and have knowledge about ECU Remapping in order to modify ECU files. Our experts at NinjaRemap have over a decade of experience tuning ECUs, we use original Damos and A2L files in order to change values related to any kinds of systems such as AGS, DPF, EGR, Adblue etc.
If you are a car owner who dislikes AGS or a tuner who wants to disable it in higher stages of tuning, NinjaRemap offers you AGS delete with the lowest price in the market. You only need to upload your original ECU file to our ECU Remapping Service, our experts will contact you in a short time with the tuned file.
In conclusion, while Active Grill Shutters (AGS) are valuable for improving fuel efficiency and aerodynamics, they can limit performance in high-power or tuned vehicles. AGS removal enhances airflow, cooling, and reliability, making it a popular choice for car owners and tuners looking to push their vehicles to the next level. By opting for ECU remapping instead of physical removal, you can avoid complications like check engine lights and retain the benefits of unrestricted airflow. At NinjaRemap, we simplify AGS removal through expert ECU tuning, ensuring your vehicle performs at its best without unnecessary mechanical modifications. Upload your ECU flash file today, and let our professionals handle the rest.
The best way to contact us and get answers to your questions is via WhatsApp +44 781 8419 058 and email info@ninjaremap.com
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FAQs:
Do electric vehicles also use the Active Grille Shutters AGS system?
Yes. Electric vehicles (like the Tesla Model Y) also use Active Grille Shutters. However, the reason for their use in electric vehicles is different from that in internal combustion engines.
Why is the Active Grille Shutter (AGS) system removed?
The removal of the Active Grille Shutter system is due to the reduction of drag coefficient at lower RPMs, common failures of the system's actuators, and also to create more space for upgrading the intercooler (for stage tuning).
