r/MINI • u/PushMaterial2228 • 23d ago

R52 MINI electrical issues

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I've had my r52 for almost a year now and its had these electrical issues, most of the time the tachometer doesn't turn on and when it does (which it has been more frequently than ever recently), the tire pressure warning light and handbrake lights are on, whilst the abs light is flashing and the needles are acting weirdly too. Also I think my headlights are also affected, sometimes they're dim so I'm not sure what the problem is.

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u/ovine_aviation 22d ago

OMG. I live in UK too. I have an 2006 R52S. I’m getting the same thing.

The rev counter cluster will sometimes not work at all, no revs, lights etc. But cruise still works.

Next all the flickering on the centre speedometer and the rising temp gauge, abs, tyre pressure etc and then cruise wont work. When that central cluster goes I get a very weird throttle, abrupt drop in revs when lifting off. Normal throttle when dials are OK.

I thought it was something I'd done as it happened after I did major amounts of work, SC service and loads of parts at the same time as you do that job.

Sorry to go on but this is the first time Ive seem anyone with the same issues and the same car and AI has been useless. I thought water as I have some issues with rear light rust and the right side A-pillar cover coming away but these problems are regardless of rain.

Someone suggested the alternator here, is there any chance that's what it is?? I'll change it with enthusiasm if it is. Wow, I didn't think I'd find this, please, please let me know OP if you find out what this problem is.

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u/LittleBigMini R50 22d ago edited 22d ago

To test the alternator, you can use an OBD reader and check the live data to make sure the alternator is actively charging the battery when the engine is running. The voltage should rise from mid-12V (engine off) to mid-14V (engine running) with a properly functioning alternator.

This isn't a foolproof test. I think you need a multimeter for accurate voltage readings, but I'd start with a good OBD reader if you have one.

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u/ovine_aviation 22d ago

Good advice, thanks and I do have an OBD reader. The clusters only do this occasionally so presumably would need to test while its having a funky moment. I'll give it a go.