Does anyone know how to disable the smart alternator function?
Can the dealer deactivate it through software?
Is there a sensing wire that can be removed?

 

What problem are you having with your vehicle that causes you want to do that?

 

I am towing a caravan and the smart alternator will not charge the caravan battery via its battery management system.
This is because the smart alternator does not provide a consistent high voltage output.
A number of vehicle makes can have the smart feature turned off in the dealership or can have a sensing wire disconnected.
Otherwise I need to install a Dc-Dc converter in the caravan.

 

I don't have any first hand experience with this, but wouldn't the caravan be charged using a connector that comes from the CX-5 fuse box?

 

Old style alternators deliver a constant voltage around 14 volts with variable current (amps) to charge the car battery and the caravan battery via its battery management module which only turns on at 13.4 volts.

Smart alternators vary the voltage from 12 to 14 based on the cars battery. They also vary the current as required by the cars electrical system.

The main goal of this system is to reduce the constant load on the engine by powering the alternator at a higher voltage thus reducing fuel consumption and emissions to European requirements.

I just want a dumb alternator that produces 14.4 volts and will charge and run everything plugged into it.

 

I understand completely how a smart alt works. The point I was getting at with my question is that if the caravan's battery is being charged via the standard electrical system of the vehicle (fuse box), then the alt should ramp up to match the overall draw, and keep on producing whatever is required for as long as necessary. So have you actually tried running the caravan from your Mazda, where the charging rate was insufficient to meet the demand?

 

Had long conservation with Mazada technician.

The smart alternator cannot be disabled as it is integral to the istop and Regenerative Braking system.
The front clutch of the alternator is turned on and off during acceleration and deceleration, this will momentarily increase the voltage supplied to the caravan.

The problem is that the caravan manufacturer has not installed appropriate electronics to accept connection to a smart alternator. They have an optional extra Dc-Dc converter which is effectively a step up transformer to maintain voltage to the caravan charging system.

Converter ordered hopefully problem solved.

 

Grab a Redarc DC-DC convertor. That's what I've got in my CX-5.

https://www.outbackequipment.com.au/...RoCKDgQAvD_BwE

 

I have ordered a BMPRO Mini Boost that connects to the BMPRO battery management system in the caravan.

 

The smart alternator will never go below 13V.
Get the battery tested and recharged.
You have to carry out PCM learning each time the battery is disconnected. This also called I stop calibration.
Disconnect the Current sensor before connecting the battery terminals. Reconnect current sensor after at least 15 sec. follow link to follow steps