I was just driving and on one turn my power steering and everyother electrical thing just decided to stop. Then after the turn, it all came back on.

Then from that point on, every turn i took, the voltage(i have a guage) would drop 2 volts or 4 and cut everything else off too, then came back. Im very confused as to what it is. My battery does suck and somtimes dies but its rare. Once, for a week straight it would be dead when i went to start it, but then would be fine from then on.

 

I guess the first step would be to replace the battery and see if the problem goes away. Are you still under warranty? If so the dealer may replace the battery at no cost to you.

 

i guess its the battery because i just started it and drove it for about an hour and it was fine. Very strange.

 

You could have a bad cell in your battery, but also don't discount the pump, which can have intermittent failures before giving up the ghost completely. Start by getting your battery tested at a Pep Boys or the like...

 

It could also be a loose chaffed wire that is shorting because of movement during a turn. Thus causing the low voltage you are seeing on your gauge.

 

I've had my battery die with my MINI sitting in my garage for a week. I had to get it jump started by MINI roadside service. When I asked why the hell it died so fast they said it was normal for them to fizzle even with a week of no activity. I'm leaning towards them not telling the truth as this has happened to a few local R56 owners in the metro-Detroit area, but heck it might be a reality.

Could cold weather affect the OEM battery's operation that much? Either way, not starting after a week of sitting in the garage is totally unacceptable.

 

I agree with you totally about the not starting after a week of non use but i have the same problem. After looking at the wiring diagrams and reading about the overall functions and what stays on and what does not it seems this is somewhat normal. Still it is not right IMHO. But when I get home from being away from my MINI for more than three days I stick the battery charger on it overnight.

 

Uh, unless the OP has a first gen car, they dont say, the second gen cars' steering systems are all-electric, there is no "pump." those craptacular electrohydraulic steering systems went out with the first gen cars

 

your battery is almost dead, the steering system is quite a draw on power, so the dealer should cover a new one for you.

 

I have a first gen, seems i put this in the second gen fourm by accident. Thanks for all the responses.

Im going to go over all my connections for my gauges first i think, then get a new battery

 

your pump could be faulty, and pulling too much juice, coupled with a battery that's on its last legs.

 

Well CBS y're leaning the right way Unless it's an older battery, that's BS. My 05 S sat for two months during our hellatiously cold 07 winter, and everytime I started it every 10 days or so it cranked fine. Plus my 09 has sat for 10-12 days at a time in cold weather (defined: below 10F) and it has cranked just fine.

 

Update. About to do everything tonight including getting a new battery from sears. I went out today and everything was fine, then i went to town, got a food, came back and the car wouldnt start, jumped it and went somewhere else(not being able to turn hard, as the power steering was taking all the voltage). Once i got there i turned the car off and had to jump it again. I have to go now but i'll let you know what happens.