I been having a odd issue in my Cooper with the Auto AC. The fan will totally cut out at certain times and conditions. Like when at idle and sometimes under acceleration. Generally, this only happens or is noticed when the air is on high and it is a bit warm outside. The duration of the fan cut off is very random, sometimes for a few seconds and sometimes almost a minute. I have had one time when for the entire ride the fan would not stay on at all.

As a another random note, I have also noticed that with the lights on the dash will dim randomly some, this includes the brightness of the Mini Connect display.

Anyone else have this? I saw one post that mentioned a possible bad battery.

 

The dash lights have a sensor in the tach. When you go through a dark area it will dim the lights.

 

BikeisDusty,

can we have a little more info about the car I.E. year and options. This will help diagnose the problem as different year cars have different rules on operation to some extent.

As for the dash lights dimming there is not a sensor in the tach. there may be one in the center of the dash though. a small round bump that looks like a screw cover.

One thing that could be causing the problem is a bad battery as the car has a sensor that detects total current flow and will shut down different items to conserve power. I.E. turning off of the heater/AC fan for instance. So if the battery is going bad and is drawing a lot of current off the alternator then there is not enough current for other items and the car will shut them down. I know this sounds crazy but read thru the WDS and you will find this to be true.

So what year and options do you have?

 

There is most certainly a sensor in the tach. It is on of the small circles. At night, shine a light at it. It will make you gauges go bright. It did this on my 08 and 11.

 

Here is a video I just took. It is not very good, but you can hear me turning on a flashlight pointed against the tach. There is a sensor on the right side of the face.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PtxyEtyXnY

 

I thought I had a tag line for my car, guess not. My mini is a 2011 Cooper S conv with just about everything. Auto air, automatic, Mini Connect with Harmon and Nav, convenience package, Premium pack, cold weather pack.

I think that your sensor for the battery may be part of the reason. I guess it is time to schedule a visit to the dealer, oh joy.

Bill