So i get back from doing some errands and notice yet another fan or pump noise from my car. I have recently replaced the radiator fan assembly 3 months ago as the radiator fan was running. So i know that sound far to well. So now i automatically assume that what I have now is a power steering pump/fan malfunction. Here is my question: My PS resevoir is totally empty but i have power steering when the car is running engine on but no power steering when the car is on but not engine running. Am I a victim of a failed power steering pump? Also.. is this covered by another form of warranty like a blanket recall or should i be looking for alternative means of servicing? My buddy noticed this service advisory:

Tech Service Action 610403:
SERVICE ACTION: DIODE RETROFIT HARNESS FOR ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING PUMP FAN. COOPER and COOPER S. 12-01-02 to 05-19-03
LOW VOLTAGE PARASITIC CURRENT. MAY CAUSE IMPLAUSIBLE BRAKE
LIGHT DIAGNOSIS & ERRONEOUS FAULTS.
RETROFIT DIODE ADAPTER HARNESS & CLEAR FAULT MEMORIES.

but i don't know if this affects my build.

The sound being made by the vehicle is not so much a fan but more of an electric type sound.

Anyone have any experience with the rebuilding factory in CA?

Also probably will posting this car for sale.

 

The pump is noisy because the system is low on fluid. Other than needing to add some CHF-11S to the reservoir, it sounds like the pump is working normally. The power steering pump receives a signal from the alternator that makes it run when the engine is running. It should not run if the engine is not running.
You do need to find out where the fluid went though. Based on the limited information I have, I would guess you probably have a leaking rack.

 

Disappearing PS fluid with no discernable external leakage usually means the rack is leaking into one or both of the tie rod boots. The fluid leaks past seals in the end of the rack and accumulates inside the boot. The only repair here is replacement of the rack, there are no easily replaceable seals.

 

Something is running however with the engine and car off. Should i be concerned that it is the pump? Or is it just the fluid running low? I still have power steering so the pump should be still running right?

 

If the pump is still running with the engine off (you still have power steering), the pump itself is defective. There is a control circuit inside the pump motor that is prone to failure, usually from overheating. Sad to say, it sounds like you might have two problems (a leak at the rack if your fluid disappears with no trace, and the pump itself).

 

Thanks for the responses fellas I really do appreciate it!

 

is there any type of warranty recalls regarding this type of failure or am I SOL?