The other morning I backed down my driveway (first start of the day) and could barely turn the wheel. Thought I had a flat tire, turned off the ignition and checked, all tires OK. Started the car, started backing again, and no power steering. Drove back up to top of the drive, turned off the ignition, turned it on again, started the car and this time the power steering "came on" and I've been driving it with no repitition for a week. However, my wife (it's her car) won't drive it until I find out what happened, as if she lost power steering she doesn't have the strength to handle the car.

Any thoughts out there? Thanks.

 

PS: Not sure this is relevant but Brecht Mini in Escondido just replaced the steering column assembly ($1300) to correct the car not starting.

 

Try the 2nd Gen Problems forum. You're in the Countryman section.

 

Thanks...this my first time.