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    Re: Ford Fiesta '52' 1.4- Not charging Archived Message

    Posted by paul whatmough on June 28, 2008, 9:39 pm, in reply to "Re: Ford Fiesta '52' 1.4- Not charging"

    When I Googled 'Ford Focus Smart Charging' it linked me to UKAT members website.

    http://www.petercoopercarrepairs.co.uk/ford_focus_alternator_smart_charging.htm

    Peters site is worth a visit. The information that follows is courtesy of Peter with my waveforms added..

    Ford Focus alternator smart charging

    First things first, check the battery, not just condition, but correct type. A lead acid battery will not work properly with smart charge, it must be Silver Calcium! Easy to over look.

    Next, put a meter across the battery. Remember when you remove the smart charge 3 pin plug from the back of the alternator, it reverts to a conventional alternator! If you do not have about 13.8 volts, carry out basic charging system checks and suspect the alternator, its not a smart charge fault !

    Correct charge voltage from the alternator, then its time to start on the smart charge system, and you will need a scope. First the system.

    Pin 1 = Alternator Feedback

    Pin 2 = Alternator Load Request

    Pin 3 = Reference Voltage

    Now, pin3, must MATCH battery voltage ! Its fed from a fuse in the CJB, and a high resistance on the fuse contacts causes a volt drop, and the smart charge drops out !

    Next pin 1 & 2 need checking back to the PCM for resistance, isolation from ground and each other. If ok, its out with the scope.

    Pin 2 is the request from the PCM to the alternator. This will be a square wave pattern that will change with load request. So lights, screens etc on and monitor for a change in the pattern. (Obviously back probing with the plug connected)

    No change in the pattern means no request from the PCM, you should now suspect a PCM fault. Correct pattern and move on.

    Pin 1 is the feedback from the alternator and MUST remain a constant square wave pattern. If this pattern mirrors the one on pin 2, the smart charge part of the alternator is faulty, and a new unit is required.

    With these simple checks, you should always be able to diagnose a smart charge fault.

    Another point to add is, never, ever, jump start a Smart Charge vehicle with a flat battery.

    The system can produce up to 18 volts, which can fry major modules.

    The theory behind smart charge, is a battery will take a charges at its most efficient when it’s cold. Following start up, the PCM checks the Engine coolant temp, and intake air temp, and calculates a cold engine. It will then boost the battery charge, pulling it back as it calculates the under bonnet temp coming up. Its not there to compensate high demand as is the common misconception.

    The problem comes on a jump start, when the PCM sees a cold engine, and then a poor battery condition, and can then instantly zap out about 18 volts because its trying to recover the battery. Unfortunately this sudden surge can cook modules.

    Faulty and Correct waveforms to follow....

    Before and after waveforms


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    Blue Wire Faulty

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    Blue Wire Good

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    Grey Wire At Idle Faulty

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    Grey Wire At Idle Good

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    Grey Wire At Fast Idle Faulty

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    Grey Wire at Fast Idle Good

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    Alternator ripple test at fast idle Faulty


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    Altenator ripple test at fast idle Good

    Paul...






























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