Smart charging

[moley551]

A tire fitter on the Mk8 page is having problems with the charge level when using an inverter, I have just started having similar problems, I have done about 400 miles this week and the battery just doesn't fully charge. Looking around the web I found a site with a guy having problems with charge levels on a C-Max who mentioned a 3pin plug on the alternator that if removed will disable smart charging and revert to standard charge levels. My question is can the Smart charging be disabled somehow. I seem to get better charging with shorter trips, if I charge the batterys overnight the usable time for the inverter is probably double what it can do with Just on board charging and ends up over 1volt higher charge level at about 13.7 volts the van doesn't go above 12.7 ..

[jasonx]

Yes it looks possible
Page 83 of fords Body and Equipment Mounting Manual for the custom says

"NOTE: Only available on Body Control Modules
(BCM) with software version BK2T-14C184-AG
or later. Not available before September 2013.
This is a pin in the BCM that the customer can
connect to and switch between open circuit and
ground to change between Normal Charging and
Conventional Charging modes."

http://www.etis.ford.com/bemm/bemmSelectionForm.do

[moley551]

Thanks, Jasonx that is exactly what's needed a simple switch can be used to change from Smart charging to conventional charging, it will also turn start/stop on and off. I will test it out and see what happens.

[aledw]

I'm considering fitting the KTBK2V-14A411-E_ kit to turn off smart charging. Moley551, did you add this to your van, and how did you get on with your system / testing?

[flattop9119]

If you have the Eco button on the dash press it and it will disable the smart charge untill restarted

[lilsmartie]

Part no is 1900884 for the BEMM ref, £25 +vat

[glenandemm]

Sorry to bump this up but how did you get on with disabling the smart charge system?

[roycruse]

Hi, sorry to resurrect an old thread but has anyone ever fitted the switch to the BCM as described in the BEMM to disable smart charging ?

[BHM]

Bought one years ago never fitted it.
I have a plug in voltmeter and my van never smart charges
Unless it's been running for like 4 hours...
Bhm

[amcq46]

from what I have seen on my 2018 van, if I turn the lights on, the alternator stops using the smart charging strategy and reverts to a steady 13.5V output. ...... no need for a new switch