Technical Training

Note:

Due to OE content originating both from England and Germany you will see the terms Generator / Alternator used interchangably, the MINI Coopers manuafactured by BMW-MINI are equipt with an Alternator by modern SAE defintions.


Generator / Alternator
All generators are mounted to the block with 3 fasteners and are located on the right side of the engine (viewed from the front of the engine). The MINI COOPER S generator is situated in a lower position to accommodate the supercharger.


Generator / Alternator
All MINI COOPER & COOPER S Generators are 120 Amp Valeo.

Generator / Alternator - load signal

Function
This sensor a special output of the alternator that determines the level of electrical load. The alternator must generate more current when electrical loads such as headlights, rear-window defroster are activated. In doing so, the alternator creates a greater load on the engine. The signal from the alternator is pulse width modulated (PWM). The duty cycle is variable between 0% and 100% and is proportional to the alternator load. However, the signal is too low to compensate for the disturbances that occur at idle speed. The signal enables adjustment of the idle speed.


Failure
If the PWM signal fails while the vehicle is driving at low speed, idle speed monitoring of the engine will be impaired when additional electrical loads are switched on.

Generator
All generators are mounted to the block with 3 fasteners and are located on the right side of the engine (viewed from the front of the engine). The MINI COOPER S generator is situated in a lower position to accommodate the supercharger.

Generator / Alternator
All MINI COOPER & COOPER S Generators are 120 Amp Valeo.