Message for Davey8oy. Hi, I have read your post on the smart charging problem. 54 plate diesel T230 LX Ford Transit Connect. Red ignition light comes on after about 20 secs and stops on. I have checked the 3 pin smart charge lead and it checks out ok, I have not replaced it yet. Battery voltage is 12.67 when off. With the smart charge lead connected, after start up voltage goes to 13.8 but when the ignition light comes on it slowly goes down to 12.65 or less. The lights flicker and the engine hunts. If I remove the smart charge lead then the voltage goes up to 13.8 and is steady even with lights on.
Question:- can I leave the smart lead off permanently, will it do any harm. Is it likely to be the alternator ?