Power Steering and Electrical Sys

[oxjox]

I have owned my MINI for about 18 months now, around 6 months in I started noticing that the Battery Light would flicker every once in a while - maybe once a week or so. Then it became a little more frequent about 9 months ago. At this point, the battery light only flickers off every once in a while and remains on most of the time. About half of that time, the Power Steering fails to work. Sometimes I will get in my car for my morning commute and the battery light will be on, but the steering is fine. I get to 7-11 to get my coffe and then the steering fails again. Literally within a 4 minute period. It seems the is no rhyme or reason. It does not make a difference whether my headlights are on, my audio system or my wipers. It does not matter if the wheather is warm or cool or if it has rained or not. It does not make a difference if I travel long distances or not - thinking that maybe the battery would charge over that period of time.

Before I make the inconvienent drop-off to the dealer, I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions here? Are there any MINI mechanics that have come across this problem?

Thanks!!

[Malin Dixon]

I think that the battery warning light comes on when the battery voltage is low. This is different from most cars that only light the battery light when the alternator is not working.

The electro-hydralic steering (on all petrol minis) will probably turn off when the battery voltage is low. It will have to turn off when the car is parked.

I would try just changing the battery, or you could check the voltage. I don't know if the diagnostic computer can show battery voltage.

[vagt6]

I agree, it may be an alternator or battery problem.

Check the easy things first. Inspect the leads to and from your alternator to the power steering unit and check the battery connections.

Maybe you'll get lucky and it will be a loose ground wire or something.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

[here2help]

If it is a wiring fault normally fuse 39 blows as soon as you start the car.
This causes flat batteries and most of the dash warning lights to come on.
Most common place for the wiring to rub through is behind the back of the cylinder head on the right hand side( if you are stood under the bonnest looking at the engine in from of you.)where the loom runs down to the pump.
It goes behind the exhaust heat shield and is in a very tight/sharp metal bracket.
(You cant miss it)
If it is a pump fault which is very common it will be the connectors on the large 2 pin connector block that will have corroded pins to the point that they are no longer there.
It is not gonna be the alternator but a wiring fault or pump fault in my opinion.
This is just my opinion.

[oxjox]

I like the thought of the Pump wiring connector. I will try to check that out soon and see how it looks!

[oxjox]

OK, Where do I find the pump and the connector at?