I was checking my power steering fan and it turned a little rough. I removed it and cleaned it up. It had some sand like junk in it and I blew it out with compressed air. Now the fan turns easily, but it didn't run when I the car was started. I ran the car for a wile but still no fan operation. I don't want to buy a pump so I hesitate to drive it untill I know that the fan is ok.

My question is, does the fan run only when the power steering fluid is hot? Or does it run all of the time? I searched the forum and I didn't find the answer.

Thanks for your help

 

The p/s fan should go on when you turn on the a/c, that's how I check mine.

 

Turn the wheel while idling and you should hear it whine. Preferably in a garage or enclosed area so you can hear it better.

 

Turning on the AC worked. The fan is working like a champ. Thanks!!

 

DKCooper ..... thanks for posting this question on NAM. I had asked a similar question on another forum, but did not get a reply. Personally I don't think the fan can/does much to cool the pump. Mine hasn't worked in a long while. It is something I want to fix, but I don't think I need to worry before the Australian summer kicks in. Thanks for the heads up on cleaning the unit; I hadn't even thought it possible; I was going to look for a generic fan (from computer supplier).

Tsukiji .... Thanks for the tip on how to test if the fan runs.

SB ... That noise is the actual power steering pump. My S makes that noise and the power steering fan is seized.


Cheers,

Dave

 

Dave,
I wouldn't recommend using a computer fan because they aren't sealed. I posted information on an upgraded fan that is a direct mechanical fit here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=104969
HTH,
Mike

 

Where is the power steering fan located? i've been told mine is seized but would rather do it myself than the $325 or so to replace it...

 

It's straight back from the oil drain bolt, held on to the subframe with two nuts, and connected with a single locking tab electrical connector. You're supposed to replace the self locking nuts, and tighten to 19 Nm (14 ft-lb).

 

Yeah do this one yourself it would just seem silly to pay that much money when it's that easy..
My power steering fan only kicks on when the car gets over heated,it's a secondary protection,now I think It does cut on with the air conditioning,I can't remember.

I have experienced the dreaded power steering pump failier my self and it not fun at all! So it prompted me up ask my mechanic how can I keep my power steering pump from getting over heated? Should I heat shield it from the engine?

So what we came up with is that the pump I under the header where most of the heat passes over,now to protect the pump from heat,you have to know where the heat is coming from and the answer is both so you don't want to blanket the heat in the pump so heat shielding it won't help it,but wraping the header and the muffler in that area should do a world of good..

Looking at wrapping it on you tube they are saying you want to wrap the header then ceramic paint them to keep moister out to keep from rusting.

I will probably be doing this mod very soon,cause the experience of not have a steering pump isn't much fun trust me..

 

I saw that little fan the other day while changing my oil for the first time.
NOW I know what it’s for and have added (checking it) it to my todo list.

Question???
When the fan seizes does it blow a fuse?

Thanks
ab

 

Actually I'd like to know the answer to that my self as my fan still runs for the time being any who..

 

Trying to figure out why my AC compressor is not kicking on. Found this thread regarding PS fan and AC working together. So, I haven't noticed whether my PS ever worked, so when I hit my AC button (compressor doesn't engage remember), the PS fan doesn't run either. So my question is sort of a chicken or the egg situation. Is the PS fan not working due to my AC compressor not engaging, or is the PS fan not working causing my AC compressor to not engage???

I visually checked fuses F5 and F41. Seemed to look ok.

Side note, replaced the compressor last year but now my AC last month would take a long time to engage. Sometimes it would take me to rev up the engine to around 5k rpm for it to engage.

UPDATE: noticed my PS fan running after driving for about 30 minutes in the 80 degree weather. Must come on only at a certain temperature. This morning I started the car and turned on the AC but the PS fan did NOT come on. It only did after a long drive. Must be a temperature thing.

 

There is a fuse panel under the hood if you are looking at the engine from the front of the car, the fuse panel is on the right hand side by the strut tower (fuse panel 3), the fuse is 30A and is in position F08 Heating and A/C blower; electric power steering pump (EHPS) cooling fan

 

Yes it blows a fuse, according to the Bentley, if it blows your blower motor for your heater and A/C wont work either

 

about 2 months ago I replaced my power steering pump and I replaced the fan at the same time... well I bought an aftermarket fan, which was a direct replacement for the stock fan. It doesnt come on with the A/C though and I know the fan works, because when I replaced the pump again yesterday (BBA was very good and quick to send me another one, I highly recommend them), I tested it on the battery directly and it worked great!, Mine is a 2004 does that make a difference? I am considering running a wire to either Accessory so it runs whenever the car is on, or the radiator fan. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

 

here is the hole where the power steering pump goes idk why I took a picture

 

Minifix. I'm new to MINI, but long time hobbiest mechanic. I also read A LOT.

I'd suggest that if the fan physically works, but doesn't seem to get triggered to turn on, look
deeper. I remembered reading a while back about the resistor and relays in that circuit. One guy even posted somewhere about the specs (ohms, voltage, etc) so that you can get the right resistor from someplace like Mouser electronics for only a few dollars, instead of paying out the nose to MINI. You'll probably need a multimeter to test yours once you get that far.

Sorry I can't be more specific, like I say, I'm new to MINI; but it may be worth it to direct your search towards checking the other electronics in that circuit. The google search I did came up with this: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...BkFGtd9Lgvm0bA

 

In 2005 the wiring for the power scource was changed...
Now rock-auto sells a replacemt fan resistor that fits in the oem/aftermarket fan location...no need to bolt it in an odd spot.
this particular thread is a trainwreck...
Tons of old and just plain wrong info.....just let it die.

 

thanks very much to both of you for the info and will let it die.

 

I know this is an old thread .. but my ac is working and my 30amp fuse keeps breaking..on my 2004 MCS I've had the low speed failure on the rad fan so I jumpered it to run high speed when the cars ac kicks in or the temp increases.. so is it safe to say if I have to replace the 30amp fuse in F08 and my ac is still working the the pwr steering fan is bad

 

There is a 5A fuse for the PS fan.

The 30A fuse is for your A/C.

The fact that the 30A fuse is blowing probably has more to do with the wiring job you did.

 

Blowing a 30 amp fuse is BIG...
The PS fan as mentioned above is a 5 amp...
Check your wiring...think you will find a bit of arcing...thank god no fire (yet)...the fuse did its job.

 

ok thanks so you think isolating the wires better should fix the prob.? just gonna have to find the thread and double check the wiring

 

Just thought I would upgrade this in case there are any more questions. I replaced my fan in about 10 minuets. Got the part of amazon for approx. $100. It is a exact replacement Dorman part. The 5 amp fuse is the one marked with a P...if I remember correctly it is the last 5 amp on the kick panel engine side of the panel.