focus ST170

[pistonbroke]

Where can I get one of these ( plug for smartcharge alternator ) .......

   

[SparkyB]

A bit of googling has thrown up the motorcraft part number WPT118....  

http://www.fordpartsuk.com/contactus.htm  

look like they might be able to supply.

[Luapno]

Try www.polevolt.co.uk they seem to do most econoseal connectors

[SteveH]

As Sparky said, Ford do a repair kit, comes with a plug and about 12" of loom IIRC.

[SteveD]

mgf or any rover from a scrappy

[SparkyB]

Try www.polevolt.co.uk they seem to do most econoseal connectors

I thought it was an Econoseal at first, but there seem to be some minor differences.

[Luapno]

Aren't the internals the same as econoseal ?

It should come apart ??

Only guessing

[lippydave]

Have had success with these blokes previously, specifically the intermotor online catalogue and it's cross-referencing capability

Intermotor online parts

[pistonbroke]

Managed to repair a broken wire to the old plug but the fault still shows .

Charge  light comes on after 30 secs or so  

Battery appears to be charging OK measures 13.7 volts engine running at fast idle .

wondered if need to re set the ecu thingy      

[pistonbroke]

Head scratch time now but just found this on another webby

QUOTE

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.