Mini Cooper questions

[M-technik-3]

My younger sister has a base model early Cooper that suddenly is low on power and has an on/off issue with electrical power. When you turn the wheel at speed the lights dim periodically.

So my question is a good non bull@#$% forum for Mini owners. The car has no codes pending or recorded in the database, so it's frustrating.

Greg

[KenC]

Sounds like an alternator issue.

[M-technik-3]

Sounds like it to me as well but the lack of engine power and something else binding makes me want to see if anyone else has had like issues.

[trackjunkie21]

The power steering is electric, so I'm sure it's the alternator.

[urbancynic]

Check mini2.com or northamericanmotoring.com

[M-technik-3]

Check mini2.com or northamericanmotoring.com

Thanks will take a gander at them. My younger sister's car and she is not up to speed on automotive stuff these days.

Ask her, 15 years ago when she drove around the country in her VW transporter and she'd say sure engine change 5 hours. Air Cooled VW's were so simple.

[glnr13]

From my mini days it sounds like the battery.

[kway]

Maybe two unrelated problems? We've had several at the shop with burned exhaust valves. Does it idle rough?

[M-technik-3]

Idles smooth, it's a non turbo and has not been abused.

[deutschman]

North American Motoring will take care of you.

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/

[LJ851]

Early Coopers are far from base models, in fact they were the the most expensive model offered at the time.

[mikeedler]

I would also guess the Alt. is dying. I have only done 1 older R53 alt. over the years, the R56 seems to eat em lot more often. its a crappy job, you need to move the complete front of the car forward to the "working pos." frontwheel drive in all its glory!

like also stated, the steering is hydro-electric-- I have replaced MANY of the electric pumps on them- the motor/pump could be going bad, but usually the steering gets clicky when they start to go bad.- an easy job on a lift.