After school, I walked to my car and it wouldn't turn on. I called a friend to jump it and I noticed the whining. I leaned in and it was coming from around my power steering resivior. After I got home I noticed it was still going when the car is off. I don't think it's that the pump has failed because I can turn without resistance, but I can't figure out what else the problem is. I looked around a bit and saw something about the serpentine belt. Could that be it? It seems like a weird fix.

For a few months now, the fan has been kicking on after the car is off on hot days, but I was told this was normal. I ignored it, but now I'm really kicking myself. Has anyone had a similar issue?

 

The electronics on the pump have failed....
This is one of 2 common failure modes...other is no run or intermitant run....

 

P.S.
There is a free extended warrenty on most gen1 mini's...
If you have a 2002- early 2005 model year you MIGHT BE COVERED...

 

I actually asked last time I was there (just got an exhaust valve replaced) and they said I wasn't covered.

Do you know how to fix it?

Thanks, man. I really appreciate the response. I just dropped about $2500 on the valve. If I can find a cheap fix I can do myself I'd be pretty ecstatic.

 

What year is your car and what is the mileage?

 

2004 with 110,000 miles.

 

And country....

 

US. If it helps, my dealership is in Cincinnati.

 

That fits with the US recall extended warrenty.....

 

Free fix....
Copies of the letter are around..think it is 13 years or 150,000 miles....
2002-dec2004 production...so includes SOME 2005 cars....so all 2004 cars are covered...

 

I don't know why they told me otherwise. When I brought it up, they said no and gave me prices for parts and labor.

 

Many dealers do not know crap about gen1 cars....they simply never sold them and have serveced very few cause most dealers are too new....
You are covered unless you have a salvage title...pretty sure....
Lots of the letters are around....dated may 2013. But I would call them back...tell them about the warrenty....and make an appointment....
Pump is 500-700$, new PS fan is about $200, then add labor....
They might try to stick you for hoses....so be ready.

 

Okay, I'll give them a call first thing. Thanks again. I really had no idea what to do. Quick question, though. Should it be alright to drive for about an hour? The dealership's a little bit away.

 

Yup...OK to drive...
Just disconnect the battery when you park to turn off the pump!!

 

Disconnected it after I got home. Didn't want to be stuck before work lol.

Seriously, though. Thanks. I really had no idea what it was. My best lead was the serpentine belt.

 

or the pump is not the original one.

 

New pump or the permanent/temporary fix: $50 Condor Speed Shop Power Steering Delete. Read more here w/ procedure on post 106:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...le-soon-5.html

 

I would still fight that battle since they still paid folks 3 or 4 years later for fixes done in 3rd party shops.... Just had to have a copy of the bill to submit according to the letter from mini.

 

I just got back from the dealership. They got everything done without a hitch and no cost.

They did try to get me to get some new power steering hoses and a new oil pan gasket, but other than that, nothing.

Runs great and the buzzing and whining is gone. Totally fixed.

Thanks again, ZippyNH!

 

Good to hear it was done so fast!! Glad I could help.