Hello all,

Upon starting my 03 MCS, the power steering makes an awful whine for a little bit, and then goes away. I suspect this is due to low PS fluid, which I'm working on.

The main issue here is the fact the same noise manifests itself randomly.. when the car is OFF. I'm not sure why it would do this, but it has drained my battery once already.

WHY would the PS randomly turn itself on and drain my battery, and how can I fix this?

Thanks

 

Mini Cooper Actually has a recall on the power steering on the first gens. Take it in to a local mini dealer and make sure to mention to recall. Otherwise they charge you full price. They replace it for free! Might as well get a brand new one.

 

When the computer circuit that controls the PS unit fails, it sometimes runs when the car is off...
As noted, there is an EXTENTED WARRENTY (NOT A RECALL) for them...13years, 150,000 miles I think...so you might qualify...call your mini dealer with your vin#, and miles.

 

Or get to the root of the problem & delete it....temporarily or permanently w/ this:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ed-at-80k.html

More feedback on the other site:
http://www.*********************/for...#axzz3Nr72XB9A

 

I have made an appointment at the MINI in Sterling for a FREE replacement due to the "Extended Warranty".

Many thanks NAM!

 

One warning...
If the fluid is low... The hoses often leak, you will be on the hook for the hoses...
The warrenty is on the pump AND the is pump fan....some dealers are honest, but some charge $$$ for a couple hoses. The PS fluid mini uses is not the standards stuff, so DO NOT MIX the conventional stuff with the chf stuff mini uses..check for the exact spec and name, but sounds like it will get filled with " fresh " stuff when the system is fixed.

 

Thanks for the warning! I went ahead and picked up some PS fluid from autozone since it was a little low. It was priced pretty well at $18 (CHF 11s). Should be good now!

 

BTW, Shout out to Niello Mini in Sacramento. R/R'd the pump and fan last month for $0.00 !! NO hassle fix.

™

'04

 

Yea, the extended warranty is for the pump and fan, not the hose lines. CHF 11s is linked in the DIY hose line thread.

For certain years there is a recall from MINI on the pump and fan if it fails : https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...50k-miles.html

For the power steering pump , its electrical pump and see here :

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...fan-issue.html


Here is the power steering lines parts and DIy:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hose-pics.html




Thanks

 

Pump and fan were replaced free of charge! No more whining or random manifestations. They were also kind enough to fix my driver's side door actuator. Thanks guys!

 

Nice, glad you got the fix.