I recently had an alternator failure on my daughter's 04 Mini Cooper. We had it replaced and the vehicle ran fine for a little over a week. Now the alternator has gone out again.

Today, I charged the battery, which is an Intersate and only 10 months old, and started the vehicle. I checked the voltage at the battery and I'm only getting 12.3 volts at idle. Obviously lacking a signal from the alternator.

I called the shop that did the work for me and they're surprized, since they have never had an alternator go out so quickly. The replacement alternator is a remanufactured unit that was remanufactured in the USA.

Before I go driving 30 miles to the shop for them to repair it, is there something I might have overlooked, like a fuse or relay?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have heard of problems with the re-manufactured alternators on Minis.

 

I heard that certain remanufactured units are suspect; however, the unit that was installed is considered a decent unit by my mechanic. I went through that issue with him, before he did the work, and he told me he knew of the problems; he assured me the alternator was decent ... even gave me a three year warranty.

 

did you do a load test on it?

 

A load test on the battery? No I did not. What would that tell me? I figured that if the alternator wasn't puting out the 14 volts, then there was no need to mess with the battery any more than I have. Is there something I'm missing?

 

I get readings of Voltage on the torque app for my car that are between 12.3 at Idle and 12.9 while at highway speed. I for sure thought I was having issues with my Alternator, I had already replaced the battery at that point. I did a load test and for sure my Battery and Alternator were fine, that was over a year ago. I dont know why I get the low readings, but the battery has been perfect and I have had no issues

 

You can check the voltage with the fan and the lights on. That should cause the alt to work as hard as it can and confirm it isn't doing the job.

Also check the big ground wires and all battery terminals for signs of corrosion.

 

I should have added that the battery light is illuminated and the car would not start. I charged the battery to get it started. The battery, off the vehicle, showed 12.6ish volts; on the vehicle, with it running it showed 12.3 volts and the battery light is still illuminated. Obviously the alternator is not sending a charge to the battery. I have zero corrosion on the terminals and grounds; the wiring is in pristine condition.

 

Okay, here's an update ... since I hate reading these threads and nobody posts the outcome.

I had the alternator replaced and everything is fine, once more. I'll be keeping an eye on it, but, as I said, it came with a 3 year warranty, which the mechanic is covering.

Thanks for all your input.

 

Im having the same issue, just replaced the battery & alternator and the battery sign is still on?