Your MINI’s alternator is an essential part of your car’s electrical system, as it generates electricity for your car. An alternator is a long-life component and usually only requires replacing after eight years. Alternators can be damaged due to other problems in an engine. If you need an alternator repair or replacement, your MINI dealer can provide it. These are a few signs you need your alternator checked.
Random Anomalies
Random electrical problems can happen at any time. Electricity can, for a variety of reasons, cause strange behavior in your car’s systems. Your sunroof, for example, may suddenly stop closing for no apparent reason and then resume as if nothing had happened. If the situation doesn’t repeat itself, there’s usually no reason for concern.
If your alternator is failing, anomalies will appear and become more frequent as time passes. Electrical systems will refuse to work or stop and then resume minutes later. These issues are caused by a lack of power supply from the alternator. A worn alternator has less power than it used to, and this affects the entire electrical system. Our technicians can test the alternator and install a new one if necessary.
Battery Warning Light
Any warning light is a sign of problems. The warning lights on your dash are connected to sensors attached to important components in your car. The sensors monitor the health and function of their attached component and supply this information to your car’s computer. Sensors are very sensitive and can detect almost insignificant changes in a component’s behavior.
If your battery warning light illuminates, we advise calling us right away. The problem could be caused by a worn wire, but it could mean your alternator is failing. If the alternator fails, your car’s battery has only a limited power reserve. When the battery runs out, you could be stranded. We can swiftly identify the problem and fix it. Once the repair is complete, the light will go off.
Burning Chemical Smells
The alternator recharges your battery as soon as the engine is running. The recharging process involves 100% charge for ten minutes and then settles down to charging at 10% until the battery is recharged. This process is designed to prevent strain on either the alternator or the battery. A failing alternator can upset this process.
Sometimes, a worn alternator will continue to charge your battery at maximum power. The larger-than-expected inflow of electricity can cause the battery chemicals to overheat and boil. If this happens, the battery will release chemicals that produce a foul smell. Our technicians can replace your alternator and test the battery to solve this problem.
If you suspect an alternator problem, call us right away at MINI of Madison.
Connect with us
