Two nights ago the power steering went out on my 03 MCS, 04/03 build with 62K miles. The fluid level is fine and the PS fan blades spin on the fan, but the fan did not come on when the A/C was on; although the radiator fan does cycle. Actually I don’t think the PS fan had come on for a long time. I’ve checked the fuses and have no codes per my OBD II reader.

I assumed the PS pump was bad, but it surprises me that no codes were triggered. Also, I was puzzled as to why the fan is not spinning. I spent yesterday searching threads and checking fuses to no avail. I finally removed the PS fan, cleaned it and reconnected what appears to be a thermistor between the fan and the main connection. Once that got back together the fan ran and the PS worked. However, now the fan will not turn off. I’ve pulled every fuse and relay in the engine bay fuse box and none stopped the fan. I've disconnected the battery, but am afraid to drive the car. I need some help – please.

JT

 

The ps fan or pump cannot throw a code....it is not part of the engine/engine management system....
As to the fan staying on....a bit of a new one....

 

Affraid to drive the car?
Unplug the ps fan....
it willbe fine for a week or so....many cars run for months with a failed fan, unknown by the owner..
If it is ONLY the fan...
It should be drivable....
And if you are afraid to drive it,get it fixed....
Drive it....or maybe even have it towed (overly cautious imo, but still possible) to a mini specialist/dealer....

 

My bad. It was not the PS fan, but the PS pump that was whining. Now I'm stuck trying to remove the low pressure hose from the pump. Any secrets on removing that bugger?

JT

 

New pump is on. Many thanks for all the threads describing how to do it. I chuckle at the comment 'remove the hoses' as that was the hardest thing for me.

Now I discovered that my fan doesn't come on at all. I guess that means a new fan, but that will be a cake walk.

JT

 

Congrats on the self fix. Good to hear it went well.

 

A friend of mine had this happen this morning... He went out to his car ('04 MCS) and the battery was dead. When I connected the jumper cables I heard a slight whirring (engine off and keys in his pocket), so I popped the bonnet and it sounded and felt like the PS pump was running.

We got his car started and we parted ways as I went to work and he went to find a mechanic to look at his car.

Ugh... another $400+ repair for a guy who just bought the '04 MCS and already spent $500+ on maintenance and repair items. I think he has only spent 20 miles in the car since purchasing!

 

He can save a lot by doing it himself. The treads on this site make it easy. Give it a shot.

JT

 

so this just happened to me, my ps pump wont turn off at all. i had to dissconnect the battery for the night so i dont wake to a dead car. What actually went bad? The Pump? Or something else?