1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Gen 1 PS Issues

  1. Canusrufis

    Canusrufis RMW Powered R53
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    #2 Canusrufis, Nov 13, 2017
    There's a 100Amp fuse in the engine bay UNDERNEATH the fuse box. If its open circuit, it might be the problem. Take the fuse completely out and test for continuity. I spent a month tracking mine down to this --- and had the same problem you describe. I believe it connects to the alternator too thus the battery light. Mini sells the fuse for $7 last I checked. Good luck.


    FL4 is the one you're trying to find.
     
  2. Steve

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    #3 Steve, Nov 13, 2017
    I never saw that light when my pump was giving me trouble. Took it out, opened it up, cleaned it out, back in and no more issues. No issues with the pump, that is, later I had bad seals in the rack, etc, but the pump was fine and no battery light.

    Assuming things work after you fitted the new pump, that big 100 amp fuse must be fine.

    Did you take MINI up on the offer of a free replacement pump? https://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/mini-news/26263-recall-power-steering-first-generation-minis.html
     
  3. GokartPilot

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    #4 GokartPilot, Nov 13, 2017
    After I put the pump back in the second time and nothing happened I was really hoping it was this fuse. I found it after I read Steve's write up on the PSP. What a PITA to get to. I did check it and it was fine.

    Hoping the new pump comes in today, wont be able to get dirty until Wednesday or Thursday though.
    Thanks for the link, I have read through it a few times before and I am hosed because my build date is after 2005. I have not found anything that describes the difference between a PSP on a 2005 S to a PSP on a 2006 S. Part numbers are the same. I guess I could plead my case with MINI, I just want to get it back on the road.
     
  4. Dave.0

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    #5 Dave.0, Nov 13, 2017
    Ok I had this happen also with the battery light coming on.

    The fix was my alternator dying slowly and the first thing it stops powering is tje PS pump to protect it from over heating.

    Seeing as your battery was dead I would bet it was not getting charged and shut down the PS pump to protect it.

    I thought mine was the pump and took it in for the recal and found out my second alternator was failing. I replaced the OEM one with a cheaper Denso which did not last that long. Word of advice only instal a new pricy OEM alternator in your GP.

    Your GP and my 2005 JCW late year build have the same updated PS pump. It is not the pump.

    Good luck with your repair.
     
  5. GokartPilot

    GokartPilot Well-Known Member

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    #6 GokartPilot, Nov 14, 2017
    Thanks for the info Dave. When I read Canusrufis' reply yesterday I remembered reading that the PSP ran off the alternator and it got me wondering about my issue. It all makes sense though, I guess I'll return the PSP, pull the alternator off and have it tested this week. You weren't kidding about the "new pricy OEM" were you? I thought a new PSP was pricy!
     
  6. Dave.0

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    #7 Dave.0, Nov 14, 2017
    Yeah the OEM Alternator is not a cheap part but it is better then the cheap Denso. Which only lasted me a little over a year or so.

    My original OEM one had a cracked housing and that’s why I replaced it.
     
  7. GokartPilot

    GokartPilot Well-Known Member

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    #8 GokartPilot, Nov 26, 2017

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  8. Dave.0

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    #9 Dave.0, Nov 26, 2017
    Cool you got it fixed. My OEM one broke in the exact same place. :idea:
     
  9. GokartPilot

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    #10 GokartPilot, Nov 26, 2017
    Its funny you mentioned the DENSO. I took the alternator to a rebuild shop for testing and they said a DENSO was highend compared to what they normal use as replacements.
     
  10. Dave.0

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    #11 Dave.0, Nov 26, 2017

    :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: