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Mini Countryman Undervoltage Diagnosis

I am experiencing an undervoltage condition with my 2014 Mini Countryman diesel, currently showing 84291 km. The symptoms include poor engine start, intermittent system failures, and weak headlight illumination. Initial diagnosis suggests a heavily discharged or defective battery. I seek insights into possible root causes beyond the apparent battery issue, specifically regarding potential parasitic draws or charging system malfunctions that might contribute to chronic low voltage. I welcome any experiential data you may possess.

4 comment(s)

I had a similar undervoltage issue with my Countryman. Have you checked the battery voltage with a multimeter while the engine is running to rule out an alternator issue? Also, inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and ensure they are properly tightened.

Thank you for your swift response. I performed a basic check of the battery terminals and they appear to be in good condition. Regarding the alternator, what battery voltage range should I expect to see during engine operation to ensure the charging system is functioning within optimal parameters?

The voltage should typically be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts when the engine is running. If it's outside this range, there may be an alternator issue. However, given your symptoms and the fact that it's a diesel, I'd lean towards a failing battery, especially if it's the original. A workshop visit might be the most efficient way to get a definitive diagnosis.

I appreciate you confirming this occurrence. The battery was indeed the source of the problem. The workshop confirmed that it was heavily discharged and not recoverable. After replacement, the undervoltage issue disappeared and all systems are now functioning correctly. Total expenditure was 290€ including labour and the battery itself.

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