What is the smart charging system on a Ford?

Understanding the Ford Smart Charging System
The Ford Smart Charging System is a feature that optimizes the charging of the vehicle’s battery to maximize efficiency and extend battery life. It is a sophisticated system that involves various components and functionalities.
The system involves a feedback signal sent from the alternator to the ECM to ensure that the system is operating within tolerance. In certain conditions, such as after cold cranking in low ambient temperatures, the ECM can increase alternator output to 18 volts. Therefore, it is essential that correctly specified batteries are used in these applications, with Ford specifying silver calcium batteries for their systems. Conventional lead-acid batteries, which cannot handle high charging rates, are not suitable alternatives in smart charging systems. Ford was the first to add this feature to mass-market vehicles, and nowadays, smart charging systems are ubiquitous, with Ford leading the way in this technology.
The smart charge alternators are controlled externally by the ECU, and the battery charge light is controlled by the ECU as well. The system is designed to keep the battery charged to a sufficient level to keep the car going, but it has minimal reserve, which can result in a flat battery. Ford dealers can reprogram the charging system so that the ‘smart system’ is turned off, and the charging system works like a traditional charging system, which can be useful if dual batteries are fitted.
The system can produce up to 18 volts, which can potentially damage major modules, so it’s crucial to avoid jump-starting a Smart Charge vehicle with a flat battery. The theory behind smart charge is that a battery will take a charge 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.
In summary, the Ford Smart Charging System is a sophisticated feature designed to optimize battery charging, maximize efficiency, and extend battery life. It involves various components and functionalities, including feedback signals from the alternator to the ECM, the use of specified batteries, and the control of battery charge levels by the ECU. Understanding its operation and potential implications is important for vehicle owners and technicians ,, ,.

How does the Ford smart charging system work?

Smart charging decreases alternator output during vehicle acceleration and increases output during vehicle braking or deceleration. It also communicates with the aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff (ADFSO) system to ensure the battery is being adequately charged.

What controls a Ford Smart charge alternator?

Typically, the Engine Control Module (ECM) controls charging and can vary the charge rate dependent on a number of factors, such as ambient temperature (or battery ambient temperature), accelerator pedal position, electrical loading, and engine speed etc.

What is the smart charge system on a Ford Connect?

The theory behind smart charge, is a battery will take a charge 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.

How can I tell if my vehicle has a smart alternator?

During the drive, have the other person monitor the meter. Should the voltage go up and down between around 12-15V then the vehicle has a smart alternator and you will need to use a DC-DC charger. If it stays steady & consistent at about 14V or so then you will have a fixed voltage alternator and be able to use a VSR.

What is the benefit of a smart alternator?

The smart alternator system allows the vehicle to control the output voltage from the alternator based on vehicle operating conditions to reduce electrical load and in turn mechanical load on the engine by the alternator, this renders it unsuccessful at charging a secondary battery system to a usable level.

How to get free Ford charging?

Enter or scan your vehicle identification number (VIN). Click Activate your FordPass Connect vehicle modem. At delivery, click “Yes” on the Enable FordPass Connected Services in-vehicle screen. Next, go to Ford.com/ConnectedServices to activate your FordPass Charging Network and complimentary 250kWh of fast charging.

What is the difference between a smart alternator and a regular alternator?

Variable voltage: Unlike a traditional vehicle alternator, which supplies the battery with a constant voltage of between 13.8v – 14.4v when the engine is running, a smart alternator voltage is variable. Reduced voltage: The smart alternator reduces the voltage supplied to the battery when you are driving.

What are the benefits of a smart alternator?

The smart alternator system allows the vehicle to control the output voltage from the alternator based on vehicle operating conditions to reduce electrical load and in turn mechanical load on the engine by the alternator, this renders it unsuccessful at charging a secondary battery system to a usable level.

Should I enable smart charge?

With Smart charging, you don’t need to worry about unplugging your device to keep it from staying charged to 100% for longer periods of time—Smart charging handles charging for you. If your device has Smart charging turned on, the battery level will be set to a lower level that’s better for the battery overall.

Can a smart alternator be turned off?

Can you turn a smart alternator off? It’s possible to remove the smart charge capability, but retain the self-excite functionality. To do this, you would need to disconnect the wires that run to the PCM.