Volkswagen Jetta VI Active Grill/Shutter Motor Replacement - 2015 to 2018 (Error Code P05A0)

[@dannysaenz7948]

Just did this job using your video. Was much easier then it looked. Thanks for taking the time to make such videos. For those tackling this job, there are three torx bolts that hold the bumper to the radiator support (you'll see them when you remove the grill) undo those (after your remove all the other t-20's) and no need to jerk the bumper off the clips. Other than that this video is 100% spot on.

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the kind words Danny, appreciate the feedback. We must have overlooked those (3) torx bolts since we didn't see a way to easily take the grill off. Thanks again for hanging out and providing the tips. Cheers!

[@nicholasfrezzia4540]

Do you remember where exactly those bolts are located?

[@dannysaenz7948]

If i remember correctly, they are located on the far right, far left and center radiator support. Infact he points right at them in the video. Hope this helps. GL​@nicholasfrezzia4540

[@cadetgamester]

Thank you so much. I've been looking for a video exactly like this for like 2 years now. Thought I needed to replace the whole assembly and the price is expensive. Hopefully it's just that the motor is the old outdated one. I appreciate the step by step instructions!

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the comments, glad you enjoyed the video. The motor failing is a common issue so that should take care of your issue. Good luck on your VW project, let us know how it goes. Cheers!

[@cadetgamester]

@ 1 thing that concerned me was getting the motor adapted to the ecu. Is it possible to do that on my own without paying for anything or do I need to go to a shop to do that? Much appreciated. Thanks!

[@jernejfunkl8300]

This is a very good feature. It would be welcome on my car in the winter to temporarily close the radiator. The car is too open at the front and it takes quite a while to warm up to working temperature. I don't even notice it in the summer :)

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the comments, it can definitely help in colder climates for sure. Although the manufacturers created it for emission reasons and not really cold weather concerns. Cheers!

[@jernejfunkl8300]

@@BradleysGarage I've already thought about designing something similar myself, because I'm a very good and accurate modeler... But as long as the car is under warranty, I don't dare to interfere in these matters :) Cheers to you too :)

[@jimmyvalfridsson884]

Thank you! I will change this part on my Skoda octavis III this weekend.

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the comments Jimmy, glad you enjoyed the video. Good luck on your Skoda project, let us know how it goes. Cheers!

[@cool5485]

Thank you for this. Very detailed.

[@BradleysGarage]

Appreciate the feedback, glad you enjoyed the video. Good luck on your VW project. Cheers!

[@mgeee163]

Code still active after replacing actuator, shutter assembly is ok too. Does it need a lengthy test drive for the computers to calibrate?

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the question. After replacing the Actuator you will need VCDS to perform the Adaptation as shown in the video. The error code will never clear on its own regardless of the drive cycle performed. Good luck on your VW project. Cheers!

[@AlfredZiemba]

I have a 2015 Jetta TDI and it also has this shutter system. My concern is that for some reason the diesel's have intercooler icing problems in the winter. I was wondering and hoping VW put this on the car to eliminate that problem as well. Any thoughts on this?

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the comments Alfred, it seems as though those issues affected the earlier TDI's. Not sure it is a common occurrence on 2015+ models with the EA288 engines. Pretty sure the shutter is there for faster warm up times and to reduce overall emissions. Cheers!

[@JenBrumley-p9g]

My check engine light came on as well with the P05A0 error code. From looking at my grill it appears one of the grill slats is broken so it doesn't open and close properly, do you know if that could be what is causing the error? If so, can you point me in the direction of what part to get and how to possible fix it myself? I have a 2015 Jetta and don't want to take it to a shop if it's something I can do myself. Thanks!

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the question Jen, it sounds like your grill motor is not functioning properly and therefore throwing the error code. If the grill slat is actually broken then replacing the motor as we did in the video will not solve your issue. Unfortunately you will need to replace the entire grill assembly. The good news is that is actually easier than replacing the motor. You will just follow the removal of the grill and installation of the grill. The downside is the cost of the grill assembly is quite a bit more than the motor itself. Here is the part number for a 2015 1.8T - Shutter Assembly - Volkswagen (5C6-122-321-C) vw.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/volkswagen-shutter-assembly-5c6122321c If you want a lifetime warranty you will need to purchase it from FCPEuro - www.fcpeuro.com/products/vw-grille-genuine-vw-5c6122321c Good luck on your VW project, let us know how things go. Cheers!

[@JenBrumley-p9g]

@@BradleysGarage Thank you for the insight! Really appreciate the help, it's not easy being a woman and trying to learn to fix her own car so this has been great.

[@BradleysGarage]

@@JenBrumley-p9g No worries, let us know how things go. Happy to help out whenever we can. Cheers!

[@mtnfreestyle1899]

Great video. Can't believe something like this needs to be on a car. Completely unnecessary lol

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the comments, it's just more unnecessary technology to "reduce emissions". What it ends up being is more plastic and electronic gizmos to fail and cost hundreds of dollars to fix. Thanks again for hanging out, Cheers!

[@mtnfreestyle1899]

@@BradleysGarage btw did the job earlier. Job done in like an hour. You supported this businessman today

[@BradleysGarage]

@@mtnfreestyle1899 Glad to hear things went smooth with the repair. To think the dealer wants over $1000 to fix this is crazy. Thanks again for sharing your success. Cheers!

[@danielpena6403]

My 2014 jetta has the same engine and liquefies oil through the spark plugs. Do you have any vids about the change of the silicone on the engine cover?

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the question Daniel, we haven't had any issues with our Cam Cover leaking. Apologies we have not made that video but here is video that show the basic overview. It's not the best step by step but it gives you an idea of what it entails. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6arloyIqq2Lj68si=ATGOm46kbaH-D-o9 Here are the basic parts you will need for the job -www.fcpeuro.com/products/vw-valve-cover-gasket-kit-genuine-vw-kit-00635 If you want to reuse the bolts you can opt for this less expensive Audi/VW sealant - www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi-vw-oil-pan-sealing-compound-50ml-d176501a1 We have used this on many oil pans and cam covers with great success. The sealant above is just too expensive for us. It's also a good idea to replace the PCV Valve seal - www.fcpeuro.com/products/vw-gasket-genuine-vw-06k103484b Along with the Timing Cover Gasket - www.fcpeuro.com/products/vw-engine-timing-cover-gasket-beetle-jetta-vag-06l103483a And the Camshaft Adjuster Magnet Gasket - www.fcpeuro.com/products/vw-camshaft-adjuster-magnet-gasket-genuine-vw-06l103583c You can go with aftermarket seals/gaskets if you are trying to keep the coasts down. Good luck on your VW project, Cheers!

[@ahi5436]

فديو جميل وخاصة عند تلبيس الصدام ❤

[@BradleysGarage]

شكرا على التعليقات، سعيد لأنك استمتعت بالفيديو. هتافات!

[@urimarecampos4346]

Hello guys great video, thanks for the explanation! I have a question, I changed the headlights and the taillights recently and the computer is showing me the burned lights code on my dashboard and I was wondering if you guys know with the VCDS scanner that you show on the description I could fix and errase that code? Thanks have a great day!

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the questions, glad you enjoyed the video. VCDS will be able to help code out the issues you are having. If you are not using factory OEM lights, i.e. LED or something similar, they will need to be coded in order to work. Some of the newer aftermarket lights are coming with the proper diode as to not trigger the warning lights. Depending on where you got the lights will depend on if they have that feature or not. Here is the link to the "Enthusiast Options - store.ross-tech.com/shop/cat/vcds/ic/ Good luck on your VW project, let us know how it goes. Cheers!

[@tristianjared853]

Does this fit 2015 Jetta SE 1.8? Website to link says it doesn’t fit.

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the question Tristan, apologies for the confusion. Since VW doesn't list the motor individually for the 2015 Jetta, they just show it's not compatible via the online description. You can clearly see in the TSB, the part number that the 2015-2016 VW Jetta came with. The 95B965501AA is the latest revision for the part and will work on your car. static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/MC-10107642-9340.pdf ECS still has the best price on the motor, not sure why FCP is almost 3x as much. www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-volkswagen-audi-parts/motor/95b965501aa~oev/ Good luck on your VW project, let us know how it goes. Cheers!

[@stevenrmrz9037]

Great and detailed video! Thank you! I was able to swap the grille motor with no issues but am I able to reprogram the new motor with vcds lite or do I need the full version to reprogram it?

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the kind words Steven, glad you enjoyed the video. We do not have any experience with VCDS Lite so we're not sure on that one. Just look to see if you have access to that dropdown menu or are able to select the Active Grill. Good luck on your VW project, Cheers!

[@GeorgeArthurJr]

What are the odds that I have this issue with the Jetta I bought and somehow searched and found your video? How thankful I am for you once again dude! I don't really want to do all of this if I don't have to. Is there any real bad issue with just using VCDS and just disable it so that it doesn't flag a CEL? Mine just seems to be glitchy. I saw one guy said he sprayed some WD-40 on the sides and seemed to help him. I checked mine later and it was closed, so maybe it was just a glitch? Either way, I don't really see much of a problem if I just use VCDS and disable it.

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the questions George, you can definitely use VCDS to disable it if you'd like. We just wanted to show the cheaper fix so you don't have to pay the Dealer over $1,000 to get it working again. We would advise leaving it in the open position if possible, we haven't played around with VCDS for disabling it so we're not sure of that process. Good luck on your VW project, Cheers!

[@1223superman]

I’m using OBD 11 and in basic settings I have no options for radiator shutter adaptation. Is it possible the new motor I got is bad ? It’s the same exact motor except new one ends in AA instead of D. The car has code P05A300 which is for control circuit performance or range.

[@BradleysGarage]

Sorry to hear you are having trouble with your Jetta. We don't have any firsthand knowledge of OBD11 or how it works. I would make sure you have their latest version and you have cleared any existing codes present before trying to perform the adaptations. The last letter digits of the part number are just the revision numbers. You have the correct part and should be able to code once you locate the proper area within OBD11. Good luck on your VW project, let us know how it goes. Cheers!

[@natashadavis6337]

​@BradleysGarage where are you all located at. Bc my engine light coming on for the same thing.

[@mikevaldezcode]

Is this a must replace now issue? Mine just came on and curious on the significance.. mine is stuck open

[@BradleysGarage]

Hey Mike, thanks for the question. It will not be an issue driving around with it in the stuck open position. Like we said in the video, it is designed to help warm up the engine faster on cold days to help reduce emissions etc. The good news is that it's stuck in the open position so you won't have to worry about lack of airflow. You will just have that annoying MIL on until you are able to get it swapped out. Good luck on your VW project, Cheers!

[@eduardopachichi6581]

@@BradleysGaragewell mines been messed up with for a while now. It messes up my mpg bad. It’ll go down from full tank 360 miles to 230 half tank in a day. Took it to two mechanics and they say they couldn’t do it. One thinks it’s the sensor. I’m broke and don’t know what to do, I spend too much on filling the tank too

[@BradleysGarage]

@@eduardopachichi6581 Sorry to hear that Eduardo. Hopefully the video will help motivate you to tackle the project yourself. Cheers!

[@AdrianGarcia-gq3so]

Appreciate your video for installation!! Just sucks you need vcds scanner for adaptation😢

[@AdrianGarcia-gq3so]

Found a cheap mechanic that only works on German cars in my area. Used his vcds scanner for adaptation $60

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the kind words Adrian, glad you enjoyed the video. Congrats on getting this done for around $110, that should make you feel real good. $60 for the coding is very fair. You can always invest in the VAGCOM cable for $199 if you perform a lot of work on the car yourself. store.ross-tech.com/shop/vchv2_ent/ The dealer wants over $1000 to fix this issue. Mainly because they won't just replace the motor itself and want to change the entire assembly. Thanks again for hanging out, Cheers!

[@AdrianGarcia-gq3so]

@BradleysGarage wow!! Feel even better I saved $900 can't thank you enough!!! Hope you keep making videos!!

[@BradleysGarage]

@@AdrianGarcia-gq3so Glad we could help you out with your VW. Most of the projects we work on are Euro cars so there will be lots of VW, Audi, BMW & Mercedes content on our Channel. Congrats again on getting it done yourself, that's what we are here for. Thanks again for hanging out, Cheers!

[@erikahannon6556]

How long did it take to remove and replace that part?

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the question Erika, it will really depend on your current mechanical knowledge. If it's your first time removing the front bumper cover off a VW, we would set aside at least 4 hours for this project. As you saw in the video, sometimes it can be stuck firmly around the grill. Taking apart the shutter assembly is just a little time consuming since you are trying to line up everything. The good news is it doesn't require too many tools to complete the job but the most important thing is having access to a scan tool (like VCDS) that can read the module and code the new motor to it. Otherwise the new motor will not work and you will still be getting the check engine light. Good luck on your VW project, let us know how things go. Cheers!

[@manuelrojas24]

just had the code. P05A0 activate grille air shutter on. My car is a 2017 Audi Q7. I just installed the engine, when I start the car the grill does not open. I reset the code with a small Autel scanner, but the code is still fixed. Do I need the Audi program to restore this?

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the question, sorry to hear you are having trouble with your Audi. If you had the motor out recently and all the front end parts were removed, I would double check that everything is plugged back in securely. If you are getting the error immediately upon startup, then it means that it is not detecting the motor at all. If after checking all the connectors and you are still getting the error message then that would mean the motor itself is bad. We updated the link for the part since the price through FCP Euro went crazy and doesn't make sense to purchase from them anymore. ECS also offers a lifetime replacement on this part as well. You will need an VW/Audi specific scan tool that can perform the adaptation in Basic Settings after the motor replacement. Let us know how things go on your Audi project. Cheers!

[@manuelrojas24]

@@BradleysGarage Today I restarted again and I have 2 fixed codes, the engine is new and the windows are not stuck, the engine serial number would not be the problem

[@BradleysGarage]

@@manuelrojas24 Not sure what codes you are getting now but if you had the entire front clip off the car (bumper, grill, lights, etc) then you may have an issue with the ACC (adaptive cruise control) sensors if equipped. Also, when you say engine serial number do you mean the flap motor part number? Let us know what the codes are and we can try to point you in the right direction. Cheers!

[@manuelrojas24]

@@BradleysGarage I am referring to the grill motor parts number, I took it to Audi and they told me that the engine is correct. only now instead of having the code (P05A0) the code that appears is (P05A3)

[@BradleysGarage]

@@manuelrojas24 If the motor is new and the current version (Part # 95B965501AA) then I would suggest making sure the Adaptation procedure was successful. The grill has to be in the closed position after the installation of the new motor. If not, the Adaptation process would not be successful. The second code you listed is more of a generic electrical fault where it's not communicating properly. 99% of the time the motor is the issue and if programed correctly will solve the problem. Just unhook the battery, manually close the active grill shutters, hook up the battery then perform the VCDS Adaptation procedure again to confirm it was successful. forums.ross-tech.com/index.php?threads/36679/ Let us know how it goes, Cheers!

[@SergioMartinez-xx4iu]

What does the dealer charge for something like this? I was quoted $1400 Labor and Parts. New york State.

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the question, that seems about right for a dealer cost. They want to replace the entire grill and not just the motor. With the cost of the entire grill and the labor to remove all those parts, it adds up real quick. Cheers!

[@luisenriquesoldevillagonza6564]

Hi. I have 1 questions. This issue cause another fail code? Like epc p164b00?

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the question Luis. That error code is not related to the radiator shutter problem. This is common issue with some oil filter brands, although it could also be the oil pressure switch itself. Apparently some aftermarket oil filters are known to trigger this, and some aren't. Might have had one installed that triggered this. Have you recently had an oil change done? What year/model/engine do you currently have? Let us know. Cheers!

[@John3_3]

WOW 😮 Such a terrible design and idea on active grills, just to save a fractional bit on fuel economy. Give you alot of credit for your patience!

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the kind words John, appreciate the feedback. Not sure how much effect it has on things but can agree the design is not ideal. The only good news is the bumper covers on VW/Audi models are relatively straightforward to remove. Cheers!

[@yurikane9443]

Maybe I missed this… where is all the VCDS info?

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the question Yuri, we posted the VCDS instructions towards the end of the video. VCDS - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKeqin53eLFkgc0si=bTKFgJ_BbPGJB_9J&t=1257 Good luck on your VW project. Cheers!

[@yurikane9443]

@@BradleysGarage thank you! great video, got the job done!

[@BradleysGarage]

@@yurikane9443 Congrats, glad to hear you got it done. You have saved yourself a ton of cash by doing it yourself. Cheers!

[@TrialByError_mostlyError]

Hello Bradley. Do you have an email where I can send you some questions? Thank you. Steve

[@BradleysGarage]

Hey Steve, feel free to reach out to us over on our Instagram. We can discuss any questions you have there. Cheers! instagram.com/BradleyGarage/

[@willcervenka2164]

Just curious how much is a VCDS system can you buy it or use for free and get the code to come off? My wife’s came on and your video blew my mind that you only have to change the motor everywhere else I looked you have to replace the whole thing which is over 200 and 500 at the dealership. I also found your part on Amazon as well. Before I get it wanted to know if I can replace it and get that software ot get the software for free lite version to sync the new motor? Also another question she as the same 2016 VW jetta tsi and sometimes it rattles on colder starts do you know what that could be? Sorry for all the questions just amazed at your fix to this problem. Awesome video and seems pretty easy to replace love the step by steps you showed. Any help is much appreciated in advanced and subscribed to your channel for future video help. Thanks again and have a blessed weekend.

[@BradleysGarage]

Hey Will, thanks for the questions. You can purchase the VCDS cable directly from Ross-Tech. store.ross-tech.com/shop/vchv2_ent/ If you like to work on your car or have one or more VW/Audi cars then it's a no brainer. We don't have any experience with the Lite version out there, we have only used the real cables. Also, just make sure you are purchasing the genuine OEM motor as well. The aftermarket ones may be cheaper but you don't want to be doing this repair again in a year when the cheap one fails. Here is some info regarding your rattle issue - static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10149892-9999.pdf Good luck on your VW repair, let us know how things go. Cheers!

[@Htxr1j88]

Hey brad just replaced the motor niw i get a P05A3 inplace of P05A0(before replacing motor) does it have to be reset via VCDS through dealership or is there another way

[@BradleysGarage]

Hey Josh, thanks for the question. Unfortunately you will need a VW scan tool that can perform the Adaptation for the new motor. Without that you will continue to get the error code. You can check with local Facebook groups or on VWVortex.com forums for someone in your area that has VCDS and could run it for you. Not sure which part of the country you are in? You can take it to the Dealer but they will be charging you a pretty penny for 5 minutes work. Good luck on your VW project, let us know how it goes. Cheers!

[@Htxr1j88]

I'm in houston texas, the search is on lol... I hate going to the dealership 😂... I really appreciate your videos and fast response.

[@manuelrojas24]

@@Htxr1j88 The same thing happens to me as you, but my car is a 2017 Audi Q7, did you manage to solve the problem?

[@Htxr1j88]

Yes sir, after finding someone with the scan tool to do the adaptation for the radiator shutter, the shutters started opening and closing as they should, and the light hasn't returned since

[@Htxr1j88]

Damn dealership wanted 179.99 😅

[@brandenmatias2480]

When I looked up the motor, the website said it wasn’t compatible with my car (2015 vw jetta 1.8L). I just want to make sure it’s compatible before purchasing it

[@BradleysGarage]

Hey Branden, thanks for the question. We are not sure why the various websites don't show compatibility with the Jetta. If you look at the TSB (link in description), you can see the part number is identical. The last digit(s) is the revision number of the part, so everything else is the same. This part was used on many more vehicles than what's shown in the compatibility list. It seems like they don't want you to just buy the motor and try to force you to buy the entire shutter assembly. We see confident this motor will work on your 2015 Jetta. Good luck on your VW project, keep us posted on how things go. Cheers!

[@fernandodavila8227]

I don't need the shutter grill I can deactivate it from the ecu with the VCDS so that I don't have the check engine light

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the comments Fernando, that is definitely an option to just disable and bypass it. We just wanted to show how to perform the repair if you'd like to keep it functioning as designed. Cheers!

[@GeorgeArthurJr]

That's what I'm thinking to do with VCDS when mine arrives in a few days.

[@BradleysGarage]

@@GeorgeArthurJr Let us know the process with VCDS George so that we may add it to the description of our video. That way if someone just wants to disable it and not go through with taking things apart, they will have the step by step. Cheers!

[@GeorgeArthurJr]

@@BradleysGarage I for sure will bud!

[@FBMallbla3k]

@@GeorgeArthurJrupdate?

[@OC3707]

VW electrical connectors are the worst.

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the comments, appreciate the feedback. Cheers!

[@luisenriquesoldevillagonza6564]

Hi. I have 1 questions. This issue cause another fail code? Like epc p164b00?

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the question Luis. That error code is not related to the radiator shutter problem. This is common issue with some oil filter brands, although it could also be the oil pressure switch itself. Apparently some aftermarket oil filters are known to trigger this, and some aren't. Might have had one installed that triggered this. Have you recently had an oil change done? What year/model/engine do you currently have? Let us know. Cheers!