Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Strange problem - if A/C is ON it causes battery light, and limp mode after a minute

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Old Sep 14, 2011 | 04:28 PM
  #1  
YMINI's Avatar
YMINI
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2nd Gear
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Strange problem - if A/C is ON it causes battery light, and limp mode after a minute

Once I turn on the AC the low battery light comes on, and if i keep the AC on, car goes into a limp mode.
Once I restart the car everything gets back to normal, until I try to turn on the AC again.
What can be the problem?

Thanks!
 
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Old Sep 14, 2011 | 07:53 PM
  #2  
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danjmcs
Coordinator :: Dynamic MiNi Collective
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From: Peoria, AZ
Im assuming you have an S? Our 2005 had this identical condition and it was a slipping belt caused by a near failing crank pulley. The A/C puts extra load on the belt when you turn it on and then causes it to also slip on the alternator causing the battery light. Supercharger also slips and likely causing the limp mode.
 
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Old Sep 15, 2011 | 04:39 AM
  #3  
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YMINI
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Thanks. I'm going to order the Alta pulley and new belt.

How difficult is it to install the crank pulley? Do I need any special tools?

Is it safe to drive the car for a couple of days?
 
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Old Sep 16, 2011 | 06:47 AM
  #4  
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YMINI
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Ordered the crank pulley and new belt.
I can't find any install instructions online. Is it possible to install it with just a basic tools?
 
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Old Sep 16, 2011 | 07:05 AM
  #5  
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daflake
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Laurel MD
Depends.... We have had ones that come off easy and others that need to be cut. Definitely not something I would attempt without a garage and good set of tools. Also, the Alta pulley has no dampner on it and you have just bought parts without really knowing if that is the cause. It could be that your AC is seizing up that is causing this problem. Until you really troubleshoot the issue, you might just be wasting money.

For the pulley, this is probably the route you should have gone.

http://www.waymotorworks.com/super-d...ulley-r53.html
 
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Old Sep 16, 2011 | 09:03 AM
  #6  
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JumpingJackFlash
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Yorktown, VA
+1 to the super damper crank pulley. The Alta one has no harmonic capability, and it will cause your crankshaft to be unbalanced.
 
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Old Sep 16, 2011 | 10:23 AM
  #7  
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YMINI
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I'm planning to keep the mini for another 2-3 months only, so i decided to get the cheaper pulley...
 
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