Hey all

i am hopiing someone can assist me on this issue.

i have a 2003 mini non S. this just started two days ago. when i turn off the engine and remove the key i hear a humming sound coming from the engine. it doesnt stop till the battery is dead.

i checked all the fluids. engine coolant is fine. the engine is not over heating. so it is not the fan.

the sound stops when i plug the key back in and turn on the engine. to stop the sound i have remove the battery.

anyone have this issue? i have called the dealer and they have no clue.

Thanks

 

Possibly your power steering cooling fan? Unplug it and see if the noise stops after you shut the car off and no more drain on your battery. The other probable cause is the power steering pump itself. I have read that when the pump goes bad that the constant running is the symptom. From reading here on NAM I think first a bad cooling fan leads to a bad/fried circuitry in the pump.

The cooling fan is very easy to remove. Two 13mm bolts hold it on. Jack the car up and put it on jack stands in the front. You can reach the fan from the front under the car. After you remove the bolts it comes down and you can unplug the fan. If that is the problem order a replacement from Classic mini. I think I paid less than $130 with the NAM discount.

Pretty dumb that the dealer said no clue. Its an extremely common problem.

 

that has been the best answer so far after talking to three dealerships. i will check these steps out tonight.

thanks for the tip

 

This could be a power steering pump problem. It could be brought on by a malfunctioning PS cooling fan. The pump overheats and the electrical contacts in the relay weld together. The pump stays on until the battery dies.
I spent a bit of time yesterday reading about PS pump issues (not for my car, just for general information). If you have contacted MINI dealers and they have no clue, you may be better served to find a non-dealer MINI service tech. Like KHD posted, it is a know issue.
There is an improved ZS pump available for about $350 but I did not determine if this is a DIY project.

 

hey all
thanks for the help. it was the power steering pump that needed to be replaced. it will cost 1500 if you take it to the dealership. the only good thing is that they give you a two year warrenty on it