After reading many of the threads thinking my noise from my dash was my A/C, I was able to determine that the noise was coming from my power steering fan. A quick 10 minute job to replace the fan solved my problem and stopped the noise. I just wanted to say thanks to all of you and will continue to check this forum for help or give advise to those in need. Once again many thanks.

 

How about some more details? I would like to do the same and would like some confirmation on the source, part number, and cost. Thanks!

 

The noise is very distinct and will sound like it is coming from your dash but after you turn off the A/C you will continue to hear it. The fan itself cools your power steering pump and runs when you turn on the A/C. If it fails, it could lead to power steering failure which is very expensive. The fan itself is located under the car behind the oil pan. you cannot miss it. It is an easy fix. Just remove the two 13 mm bolts, disconnect the wire harness. Remove the 4 screws from the cover and replace the fan. It took longer to put my car on jack stands than it did to replace the fan. I hope this helps and have included the link where I bought my part.

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...oling_fan.html

 

Please describe the noise.

Thanks,
retroom

 

Thanks for the reply sfs63. I was convinced my fan was out so I removed it. As a final test I cut the wires and attached them directly to the battery and to my surprise, it ran perfectly. The old fan is reinstalled but still doesn't seem to run, even with the car warmed up and the AC on high. Does anyone have a sure fire way to verify the operation of the fan or any ideas if the fan doesn't run?

Here is another source for the fan I found: http://www.spalusa.com/store/main.as...&item=30103018
Spal USA is the manufacturer of the Mini fan.

 

Did you check the fuse? What year is your car?

 

I have a 2004 standard Cooper, build date of 02/04. I checked the fuses under the hood and all seem good. I checked the relays too. The low and high speeds for the cooling fan seem to be operating correctly. Is there a particular fuse just for the PS fan? I believe the PS fan should come on with the high speed cooling fan, but it doesn't.

 

Is there a improved version rather than the OEM version? I know these things are cheap but seem to go out quite a bit.