After I replaced my clutch in my ‘05 r53 when I turn the ignition key to accessory the power steering pump slowly ramps up to speed and never did that before. Anyone have an idea why or what I did? So without the engine running I have full power steering which would cause a huge draw on the battery.

 

yea, its a electronic power steering module, so it runs on power

 

Just make certain it is not running with the engine off and key out! Some of the earlier cars had a failure mode for the pump where it would keep running until it overheated and caught fire. I have an 05 R50 and I just went out to check. Mine does not run the power steering pump in accessory, only when the car is running. You may want to disconnect the battery when the car is not in use just to be safe. As for what went wrong, I don't know. I have yet to have any issues with mine so I have not had to troubleshoot it. I did do the clutch though, and had no issues afterwards. I would try unplugging the harness connectors and then plugging them back in. Also, be certain the P/S fan is plugged in and that it works too. I verified it by running the car on ramps and laying under it with it running. It won't always run, it just runs when needed.

 

hmm it never did before the clutch replacement?

 

just to be clear the plug goes in only one way correct? I was not watching when I plugged it it just reached up there and fiddled until it went in.

 

Also when I had the subframe out the ps reservoir kept tilting over and leaking out fluid. Enough fluid that I thought I’d have to refill the reservoir but to my surprise after getting everything bolted in place the reservoir was showing full?? I think that was strange.. I did do the turn lock to lock to purge air but the level didn’t drop?? I asked ModMini and he mentioned something about the baffle inside the reservoir, I stuck my fingers in there and didn’t feel anything? He also said make sure it’s not sucking air, how can you tell?

 

Here is a small video
ok having trouble uploading video?

 

Yep, make sure its plugged in right, one main power and then one smaller clip in plug. It should not run all the time. Is it the fan running all the time or the pump, they talk about in the links.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tructions.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp-wiring.html

 

I came home one evening to hear the electric pump running. Mind you, the 2005 MCS was already in the garage and had been sitting there for several hours. The night before a road trip in the Mini of course. It was the fried control module.

 

It’s the pump and it starts off slow and ramps up to full speed. So the plug only goes in one way correct? It can’t be flip flop?

 

Where’s the control module located? Please don’t tell me it’s built into the pump housing.

 

Um... Well... Sorry... But it seems I don't have to tell you cuz you figured it out...

 

Also make sure you don't have the P/S "PUMP" and P/S "Fan" connectors crossed. They are set up to run at different times and yes the P/S Fan will run with the key off at times.

 

The ones smaller plug can be flipped and just look at the install on that link i sent you and follow the color of the wire and recheck your work, when I do this I find simple mistakes that are overlooked.

 

ok I will thank you. If it’s flipped could it cause my funky problem?

 

Could, just making sure noting is out of wack.

 

Could be the ground wire from the block to car. I forgot to put mine back on after and the PS did that. As soon as the ground touched the pump stopped.

 

Hi, sorry to resurrect an old thread...

I have this issue too and wondered if you ever got to the bottom of it?

Power steering pump failed a few weeks ago, it was running even with ignition off.
Changed it for a second hand unit, which I thought had sorted the issue.

I haven't used the car since this for various reasons, but charged the battery up this weekend and noticed that the power steering pump runs when ignition is on (second turn of key I think), before engine is even started/running (doesn't run with key not turned).

Is it possible I misswired the pump?
I assumed the connectors were keyed so only go on one way...

Any ideas what could be wrong, hoping I don't have another faulty pump, or maybe alternator?

Cheers!
​​​​​​

 

Its should run when the power is on.

The PS fan will also turn on when A/C is turned on and its hot outside, like really warm. 90+

If the P/S pump runs when key is off or fan runs when cold or no a/c on then you have a bad unit or wired/installed wrong.

 

Thank you for the reply
Ok so maybe everything is ok afterall...

To confirm, even without engine running, but key turned to on, the ps pump should run?

Could've sworn that I'd read otherwise, but maybe it was a dream 😂

 

Yes its gets power if i remember right in the key on position.

Thanks
Mike

 

Hello it turned out to be a faulty alternator. Replaced with an OEM one and pump quit running. That circuit runs through the alternator so it does screwy things when the alternator is bad. Hope this helps

 

Thank you

Although that info conflicts with other info/advice I am seeing 😂

Not saying you are wrong, just have some people saying it shouldn't be running unless engine running...

 

Ah ok thanks, maybe the same issue then...
Have to get the multimeter out when I get time to get In and check it

 

@MiniMonkey08 Seems maybe you should verify a couple things about alignment with the OP's post. Does your pump come on in Accessory or Run position? Does it ramp up slowly or come on instantly?

I'm not sure about it running in the Run position, and my wife has the Mini so I can't test it right now. I'll try to remember later.

Did you start it and drive it?