Benjamintech

Hi everyone.

Really appreciate if you can help,

Got a Ford Focus 1.6 Ink, didn't use the car over christmas, and new year I get a flat battery.

Took it off and charged it, everything seemed ok. However I have noticed a few things.

-1 sec delay or so when I turn the car over (key II, Key III, Delay 1 sec --- Engine Start)
-No OBD error codes but two Dash error codes: DTC 9318 and 262. Low battery voltage and SCP comms error.
-volts off the bat at standby was 11.6, running idle 13.9, load 11v, but on full wack dropped as low as 10v.
-So got a new batt, both codes still there. this time standby 11.9v, idle 13.0 volts, load, 13.0 volts and on full load 10.0v
-the battery light does not come on (I know it works)

There obviously seems to be a problem with the PCM somewhere for SCP to error. I am aware of the smart charge system, but have no facility to test it.

Is there any known solutions I can try to fix it?

Only I don't want to be driving in fear of getting a flat bat or not starting.

Much appreciated


Ben

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Unplug the 3 pin plug on the alternator then see what happens. 13.9v is too low, you should be seeing about 14.5v almost all the time. Any less than 12v while running and the battery is discharging.


With the plug unplugged the alternator then reverts to a normal alternator so you should be getting your 14.5v, if not I would suspect a duff alternator. It's also worth making sure the battery is a Silver Calcium and not a lead acid, as the smart charge can be fussy.

Benjamintech

Many thanks for your reply.

It's definitely a Calcium battery. I can tell you its an Exide EB442, slightly higher rated than the normal Motorcraft one that was in there.

Is there any specific way the plug comes off?

and if there is no voltage change then duff alternator and is that easy to fix?

H3lsing

Well for a replacement alternator check here: http://www.shop.alternatorman.co.uk/...210-3522-1.htm there in portsmouth. Call with the number of you're alternator it will be on the label.

Benjamintech

Many Many Many thanks for your help guys!

My workplace have got some really good multimeters. So I borrowed one. Heres what I found.


-power all off, across the batt, 12.1 volts (so battery must have been getting a charge)
-Engine on and running 13.0 Volts (still not right)
-Engine on and running plug removed 13.8 volts straight (so alternator is working and the batt symbol lit up)
-when putting plug back in, it *clicked* and whatever happened must have been a bad contact because the multimeter shot to 14.6 volts. (smart charge working great!)

Car now starts instantly and no delay. I noticed the clip on the smart charge plug is a little broken so it may have moved.

For now until I sort that plug, I've put a jubilee clip around it for safe measure. doesn't move at all now.

So a massive thanks to you all for helping me! I noticed DTC 9138 is still there but the other code has gone. So the puzzle pieces are all fitting together.

I have an F Super on order now so can clear that DTC and do other things.

Have a great weekend!

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Glad it's sorted. I have heard of those plugs getting corroded which can give all sorts of problems. To clear the code disconnect the negative lead off the battery for 15 mins. Don't forget your radio code if you have one.

Benjamintech

No worries, My radio is aftermarket with no code so all good.

Will do that and reset it.

Many thanks again mate.

roger69

Hi I have just read your post have you fixed it yet. Its just that when my alternator went I was told to have it checked as it could be the ecu controlling it that was wrong before I replaced it ,it was the alternator that had packed up just after the guaruntee had run out.But the electrician told me that if you remove thel plug it will disable the smart side and will run as a normal alternator. Hope this tit bit helps.