The alternator does a lot for your MINI Cooper. It produces up to 14.5 volts to power the electrical system and the battery. It also keeps the battery charged so that you don’t end up with a dead battery. MMS Automotive advises that you can expect to get about 100,000 miles out of your MINI Cooper’s alternator. Here are signs that the alternator is going bad.
Burning Electrical System
In rare cases, when the alternator malfunctions, it actually produces too much electricity for the electrical system. When this happens, you may smell hot wires or burning rubber coming from your engine. You may also end up with blown fuses in the fuse box.
Frequent Engine Stalling
Your MINI Cooper’s engine may also stall frequently if the alternator is struggling to produce power. The alternator provides power to the spark plugs so they can generate a spark in each cylinder when controlled to do so by the engine control unit. If the alternator is going bad, it may not power the spark plugs and your engine will sputter and stall.
Grinding/Whining Noises
If you hear grinding or whining sounds coming from your MINI Cooper’s engine, this, too, is a sign that the alternator is malfunctioning. The grinding noises will come from the alternator itself if its internal mechanisms are worn. The whining noises will come from the alternator belt.
Hard Starts/Dead Battery
It may be difficult to start your MINI Cooper if the alternator is going bad and unable to keep the battery charged. In fact, if you jump-start the battery yet it doesn’t retain a charge, this is a sign that the alternator is the source of the problem.
Malfunctioning Accessories
The alternator also powers your MINI Cooper’s accessories. This includes things like the power windows, radio, and navigation system. If any of your power accessories start to malfunction, it could be a sign that the alternator is not producing enough voltage.
Vehicle Light Problems
It is definitely a sign that the alternator is not producing enough voltage if your MINI Cooper’s lights are dim or flickering. They can also get too bright if the alternator is producing too much voltage.
Battery Warning Light
Finally, you may end up with a warning light on the dashboard of your MINI Cooper if the alternator is going bad. It could be the battery light or an ALT or GEN light.
Call MMS Automotive in South Bay, CA, today if your MINI Cooper is experiencing any of the problems listed above. We will test the alternator and replace it if necessary.
