Good Morning All! Love my R53, 2006 Mini Cooper S! Only 66,000 miles on her. 1000 ft after leaving home, Red Battery Light ON and Power Steering Gone! I'm a 69 yr old female and know a little bit about my Mini. (In recent past, front passenger air bag light on (not working) and found that battery was soaked with water, corroded and once contacts cleaned, reset and all fine through repair shop) They did NOT replace battery. Now She starts fine - no problem But noticed again, boot area where battery is, covered with water. Have to have her towed with no power steering and Battery Light On. Thoughts, Pls. Don't have a code reader. Could it be a.) the battery b.) alternator c.) power steering pump OR ??? Many Thanks, Abbey 1

 

If it is water and not battery acid, then, obviously, there's a leak around the hatch or taillights causing water to flood the battery compartment. That has to be solved. A new battery and cleaning all terminals will determine if that solves the immediate problem but the leak must be resolved to avoid re-occurence.

 

HeyI had this issue after I shorted out the 12v power at my starter. It was the voltage regulator in my alternator. If you have a multimeter and can measure voltage at the battery while running, a value greater than 14.5 volts points to the regulator issue I had. The water you mentioned could have shorted the battery and damaged the regulator similarly to mine.

To NC TRACKRAT's point about finding the leak, my friend's mini had a cracked antenna base that would leak into his trunk battery compartment.

minijak3

 

Electric power steering pump gets its signal from the alternator. Adding these two symptoms (battery light and no power steering) I think it is 99% is your alternator which is at fault.

 

More than limp the alternator. As far as the leak usually the 3rd brake light seal. Where are you located?

 

Several possibilities here. Water in battery box may be related. If your battery is old and can't maintain a charge, that could cause your symptoms. Could be alternator failing. Could be improperly sized or slipping belt.

Start by testing your bsttery. You can do this with a cheap multimeter, or take it out and take it to an auto parts store who can test it for you.

 

Yes. An auto parts store will check your battery for free. That would be the cheapest if you are not familiar with using or have a multimeter.
The only caveat : Since you have an R53, You may have to remove the battery from the car and bring it to the counter.
In my experience, Many auto parts stores will not check the battery in an R53 since it is against their policy for an employee to enter the interior of your car.
The battery "is in your car".

 

Thank You, All, for your input! She was towed yesterday to repair shop..am awaiting to find out the issue/s...new repair shop for me so am hoping they can fix! Loved old repair shop as they worked on my Mini for years BUT we moved way up north in U.S. thus asking for your input which you all so kindly gave,..to "steer" them (excuse the pun) in the right direction if need be. Pls keep your fingers crossed. Thank You! Abbey 1