Hi everyone,

My power steering died the other day in my R53. Had to disconnect the battery to shut down the power steering pump. Made it home on the towing. I then removed the ps pump fuse FL4 to be able to drive it to the garage. But after I got the fuse off, the battery light would light up in the dash and checked the battery voltage with the multimeter. Battery is not getting charged by the alternator. So my question is, do you think the alternator is somewhat connected to that FL4 fuse? Or my alternator also failed with my power steering pump?

Thanks

 

There is a large (60 or 100 amp (can't remember)) fuse on the back side of the main fuse panel. My guess is you blew that one.

Nik

 

This is the fuse I removed to cut power to the ps pump.

 

That fuse also goes to the charging system. Without it it will not charge. Best to disconnect power at the ps pump.

Nik

 

Alright thanks. Is it possible to disconnect it without removing a lot of thing?

 

If I remember correctly the plug is on the top side of the pump, and I think it can be reached from under the car. There are two plugs, the large one is the one you're interested in.

Nik

 

You might be able to disconnect it I can't remember but the only thing that you may have to remove is the PS fan just a couple of screws, but check and see if you can reach it..
Depending on you car's built date there is recall on the pump and MINI is replacing them up to eRly 05 I believe.

 

Ok so yes you have to remove the PS fan EASY
Please THANK pelican parts for the pics.

 

I'm guessing your outside of the extended warranty coverage on the PS pump. But to your original question, when my pump went , it took the alternator with it. Pump replaced on warranty, alternator out of pocket.

The drag on the system can short a high mileage Alternator. It's not a hard fix, just like everything else in this engine,hard to get to.

 

THanks everyone, I was not able to remove the connector. But I managed to remove one of the wire supplying the ps pump from under the fuse box. So no more juice going to the pump. Battery light disappeared! But with engine running when I turn the heater, battery light would come back?

I haven't properly charge my battery to 100% yet. Could this be the cause or is my alternator dying?

Thanks a lot

 

Sounds like a weak alternator....
When worn....many put out less power....simply cannot keep up with the cars demands....

 

The recall on the pump is under 135,000 miles I think. My alternator issue also happened simultaneously with the pump dying but a shOp later found 2 bbroken wires.