I've read a bunch of threads on various power steering issues, but I really need some help. I just bought my 02 MCS a few days ago and the power steering is going out on me. I drove it from NY to MA yesterday and it was fine, probably because the pump was being cooled by the wind.

I sat in traffic today for a while and it went out. I tested the power steering fan by turning the AC on, and I hear it come on (if that's the fan that I'm hearing) but it turns off after a few seconds. It will then come on again, and turn off again after a few seconds. It repeats that process.

Also, when I turn the wheel while the car is parked it sounds like someone is using a dremel on something, or a really small saw. It also sounds like an RC car when you turn its wheels.

I want to say my problem is my fan not coming on, or not staying on when the AC is on but I don't know for sure. I bought the car from a private dealer but I don't think he has a store front/location. He told me he wants to look at it but he has never really worked on a Mini before. Also, I'm four hours away from him right now.

Any ideas on things I can check out? Any and all help would be very much appreciated!

 

Very possibly could be the fan. The sound you are hearing when turning the wheel is completely normal... kinda annoying but you'll get used to it. Your fan definitely should not be turning on and off like that, and I'd recommend you get that replaced ASAP. I think they range somewhere around 100 dollars.

You may want to try the search feature too as this is fairly common.

 

not to worry you, but get it looked at immediately! there is a thread stickied about how faulty power steering units overheat and cause engine fires.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=73527

 

Wow, that's terrible. Has there been a recall on any of the power steering components? I love this car, but only three days later it feels like I'm going to have non stop issues with it. Starting to feel like I made a bad decision with this purchase.

 

Just a warning, if you keep it more then a month you'll end up tolerating most of the headaches it gives you. True story.

 

I plan on keeping it for years, but the thought of it possibly catching fire really scares me.

 

What do you mean by "going out"? Does it suddenly become hard to steer?

Using appropriate care of course, crawl under the car and observe the operation of the power steering fan. You can verify it's running when it should be, and if it sounds OK.

If there is no protective shield over the fan you should get one and install it. Cobalt makes a very sturdy one for about 20 bucks. I got mine from www.mossmini.com

 

Like Resmini stated, go under the car to check it. The fan you are hearing is the radiator fan, you need to check the actual power steering fan under the car right behind the oil pan. You should be able to see it from under the front of the car with a flash light. With the AC on it should be turning, if its not, then either the fuse is blown or the fan is dead. I found mine wasnt working because the fuse inside the drivers side fuse panel was blown.

 

Thanks guys! Will do that as soon as I get home tonight. By "going out," I do mean it suddenly becomes hard to steer.

 

So I turned the AC on and looked at the PS fan. It turns on when the other fan kicks in, but both of them keep turning on/off over and over in unison. I checked some fuses but they all looked good, though I'm not 100% sure which fuses are directly related. There's a 30 amp fuse missing underneath the hood, the icon looked like a windshield defrost icon. Not sure if that fuse is supposed to be there or if it's for an option.

 

2002 was a bad year. I had non-stop problems with mine the first full year I had it (2005). Now it's sorted out, it's gotten most of the updated parts, all the electrical harnesses have been replaced, etc., etc. It's mostly reliable now, but I bought an extended waranty before the first 48 months ran out, so I don't feel too vulnerable to catastrophic failures. The cars built after 2004 seem to have been built much better, but certainly 2002 was the worst of the lot.

 

It sounds like whatever determines the radiator fan to run, is not working right. Since the Power Steering fan does run, I dont think thats the issue, it sounds like the Radiator fan or temperature control for it is failing. Anyone know what controls the radiator fan? It may all be within the fan unit itself, but I dont know.

EDIT: There is a relay on the radiator fan assembly, that may be the issue.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...20&hg=17&fg=05

 

A thermostat that is a part of the fan, and a relay in the underhood fuse box. Either could be failing.

 

Thanks guys! Is there any way to determine if the relays are bad without replacing them?

EDIT: Maybe I can switch the low/high speed relays and see if the low speed stays on? Need to find where they're located.

 

Since this probably isn't pump or fan related, does anyone know if resetting the ECU could possibly help? I think the issue definitely has to do with something that keeps the low speed fan on, as mentioned above.