Can anyone please explain to me why in gods green earth my power steering is staying on after i shut the car off? I will shut it off and walk away and when i come back out in ten minutes i can hear the whine of the power steering. Its a huge problem because its drains my battery so i keep coming out to my car with a dead battery because the power steering is draining it.

What can i do to remedy this, i have been disconnecting my battery ever time i walk away from the car!

PLEEEEAAASSSSEEEE some one help me!!1
thanks guys

 

It would be helpful if you included the model year of your MINI as the power steering wiring has changed over the course of time in the R53. I would guess that the power steering fan or the harness going to the fan has gone south. From reading on NAM, the units on the 2002-2003 were very problematic. Hopefully someone with more experience with this can chime in.

I think given the incidence of fires caused by the PS unit in 2003-2003 cars that you better get it addressed sooner than later. Best of luck in getting it sorted out.

 

Its a 2003 r53 with 75,000 miles on it, i have a cover that goes over the power steering fan. When i drive the car it works fine, i feel like its more of a problem with the computer thats not shutting it off, you know?

Any idea how much the powersteering thing costs?

thanks for the response rhawth99!

the more insight the better guys keep it coming...

 

Yes, you need to get this fixed ASAP. In all likelihood the electrical components contained within the pump assembly itself (questionable design) have failed due to heat or crud from the motor brushes. It could be the wiring harness servicing the pump but less probable given your symptoms.

Your pump is dying and you need to get it replaced. There are several good threads here on NAM and over on MINI2 with additional guidance and sources for replacement pumps along with expected costs. Here's one of the more recent editions:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tructions.html

Don't feel snake-bit...the 1st Gen EHPS pump is a widely recognized Achilles Heel.