by the way, I was charged $60 for a core charge;
picked it up after work, so haven't spoken with my service advisor, but since they have the old core, can't they turn it in?

haven't called yet, but I don't quite get that charge...

 

Cars from 05-06 have a fan grill installed on the fan unlike the 02-04s. So no grill is needed.

But small crap can still get in there and kill the fan. What a stupid place for a fan.

 

Just had my PS fan replaced friday (under warranty) at 14K. Took an hour (can you say common repair). Sounded like it had sand in it. Nothing caught in it, but my guess would be bad bearings. Makes me want to pony up for the extended warranty.

 

glad mine has the cover... my 2004 didn't!

 

Is the factory PS fan shroud easy to remove? I am planning to change oil this weekend. Thank you for your help.

 

Mine's completely dead, been driving around with no PS for about 2 weeks now. So timely of the car, right smack in the middle of mid-terms and applying to law school, with the nearest dealer in Escondido I just simply have not had the time. I'm at 46K miles now, guess it would be a good idea to get it over there before 50K so I don't need to foot the bill on my own. Sheesh :(

 

very simple, there's a couple screws holding it.

 

The factory installed fan shroud doesn't need to be removed for an oil change.

 

Tuesday, my power steering pump kept running after I switched off the key.

I called up Roadside Assistance and asked to speak with a service tech to find out which fuse or relay to pull to stop it. Surprisingly, the customer service rep immediately connected me with a service tech. He told me that there was no fuse. The power steering pump is hardwired directly to the battery, and that the only relay in the circuit is actually part of the pump itself. He advised me to immediately disconnect the battery. (Before disconnecting the battery, make sure you drop the driver's window about 1/2 inch)

After disconnecting the battery, I came inside and started searching NAM.... After reading up on the subject, I am pretty sure that my MINI would have suffered a catostrophic fate.

Wednesday morning, I set up an emergency service appointment with Global in Atlanta. They told me to bring it down and they'd take care of it ASAP. Before I left home, I took the precaution of disconnecting the power steering pump's electrical connections. (You have to remove the PS fan to access the connectors unless you have hands the size if an infant's with the strength of the hulk.)

A couple of hours later, I had a new power steering pump and my problem was solved.

Anytime a power steering pump acts up, DISCONNECT IT! If you can't, at least disconnect the battery. The service tech told me that there is no fuse in the circuit (If there is one, I could not locate it.)

If there truly is no fuse, this is a p*$$ poor design. If anyone knows more about this high amperage circuit with no fuse, please post details.

Rawhyde

 

There are a couple of aftermarket fans available out there for the 04 and older cars . I have also seen computer fan grills used with good results.

 

Thank goodness for NAM! I knew there was something wrong with the steering on our car. Noticed about a month ago that the PS didn't feel like it was working 100%. I now have an appointment with my dealer on Tuesday to get this checked out. Thanks again!!!

 

Well praise the Lord. Our cars are truly British. Sounds like they wired up the steering motor using old George Lucas' play book.

 

?? But wait, the drain plug is directly above the flat plastic shroud, oil will definitely goes everywhere? Can you shed some light?

 

I think you are mistaking the plastic piece just aft of the bumper with the fan shroud. It doesn't need to be removed either.

Here's a how to for an oil change. I think it will help you understand.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ead.php?t=4928