I'm not sure happened last night, but as I was driving home my MINI began to act strangely. The first that happened was that certain indicator lights began to come on in the instrument cluster (ABS, ASC, e-brake, seat belt, air bag, etc) for no apparent reason. Then the needle on speedometer began to flutter going "0" to my current speed and back again. Then the radio turned off and on then off again. In addition, I noticed tension in the steering wheel.

I barely made it home and shut off the engine. When I tried to turn it back on, no luck. It reminded of a problem I encountered with my Honda Prelude many, many years ago. It turned out to be the alternator. Now I'm have to tow the MINI to my mechanic.

What I am wondering is if it is the alternator or am I way off the mark?

Thank you.

 

The symptoms points to 99.50 % alternator, per my careful statistical analysis.

 

Thanks.

 

If you are able to remove the tension from the belt see if the alternator will spin freely. Also look for rubber dust/deposits around the bottom the crank pulley as the pulley can separate that will keep the belt from moving.

 

Just verify the crank pulley hasn't died. If you smell burning rubber it may be that instead of the alternator as they die all the time.

If it is the crank pulley get an ATI damper as it won't fail again.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/super-...ulley-r53.html

 

On the off chance it is not the alternator then check the ignition switch. When mine started to go it happened while driving and produced much of the same symptoms thats you discribed.

Quickest way I can think to test it is put the key in and try to start the car. When mine was bad i would hear a click but the starter wouldn't turn. It played this game where it would work sometimes and other times just cut out while driving. If you happen to have a buddy with a Mini see if you can borrow his to test it as it takes less the 15 minutes to pull out and install.