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Ford Ka MK2 Battery + Service light


CalTaylor
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Hi,

My ford KA MK2 battery and service light's on very dimly (faint compared to the light when they key's in the ignition but the engine isn't started).

I have noticed that it's red even before starting the engine, just wondering if someone's had this problem before and if so what was causing this?

Cheers,

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Alternator smart charge circuit damaged wire or earth problem.

On older KAs the alternator smart charge loom wiring becoming corroded at the multiplug ( usually the red or orange wire ) .

Also new to me one of the guys on here told me about is the battery type can cause a problem!

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.

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.

 

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  • 1 year later...

Not sure if this ever got fixed but when I got my Mk2 KA, the battery was at the end of it's life causing a little yellow steering wheel light to come on.

New and fully charged battery fixed the problem. 

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