The mini cooper S 2006 Checkmate

voltage read at junction box in engine bay with car on =12v
new alternator has same problem

is this normal? ��
any test or fuses or fusible links I should test,
location of those would help much

maybe the cable that goes to the alt from the junction box under hood has a fisible link?

Will try to disconnect the alt cable from juction box , turn car on and read cable to see if completetly dead on alt side
(well I guess that was the starter cable I disconnected... no turn over with that cable detached)

maybe the alt is not getting a field generate signal?

any help will help, im on my iphone, iternet bad at house

thanks guys!

 

By the way
battery is also brand new H5 AGM
Lots of power

 

I will post this as it might help others for future reference...
It seems I've MIGHT been chasing a ghost or trying to fix something that does NOT need fixing...

Car Specs
New AutoCraft Platinum AGM Battery, Group Size H5, 680 CCA , 850 CA, Reserve Capacity 100 Minutes, Rated Amp Hour 60AH
Radiator Fan is Jumped on permanent HIGH SPEED. (solving this)
NO CEL Error Codes.
I seem to have a parasitic power drain, currently diagnosing (found 1 = Glove Box Light not turning Off - Fixed)


Problem
Voltage reads less than 14v with car Running. (Actual voltage Read was around 12.3v)
Replaced Alternator, problem continued.

Diagnostics
With car in IDLE A/C on - Voltage was around 12.2
With car in IDLE Turned A/C off - Voltage jumped up to about 12.8
My R53 has Radiator Fans are Jumped to Constant HIGH directly (Previous Owner Did this, working to find jumper) Disconnected Fans - Voltage jumped up just slightly.
With car in IDLE Removed Fuse F38 - Voltage Dropped to 10v (re-inserted fuse F38 Voltage returned to 12.x) <--- Seems this energizes Alt?

Got an assistant to step on the accelerator and BEHOLD the voltage when up to 14v
All this time I've been testing at IDLE speed!

Uncertainties
Is this normal?
Would my alternator only output 14v on higher than IDLE RPMs?
Is my "New" alternator (cheap RockAuto ) just not up to the task? (Low on Funds will replace later if culprit)

 

So....
Can anyone tell me if they have seen the voltage of their R53 read around 12.5v at Idle with A/C on?
and go up to 14v when higher than IDLE Rpms?

 

Yes, at idle with the fan on high, it will not be up to 14.2 or greater, until the rpms are up!
It all looks good to me.

 

Yes here too.

With a/c, radio on at idle, volts are just the same as yours. At speed, voltmeter rises to 13.7v (needs some revs to get full charging out of the alternator)

 

I hate to tell you, here in the Pacific Northwest the voltage read a lot higher than in Puerto Rico with AC on at idle even in the summer. I empathize your power problem with the Mini. Don't you also have less than reliable power grid too? I wish you guys would get to vote like the rest of us soon.

Seriously if you are seeing 12.5V with AC on at idle, you are fine.

 

Thanks guys!
Thanks takes a load off...

Very Much appreciated taking the time to help!