2004 Mini Cooper 40k. My power stearing electrical assist is not shutting off with the key. The only way I could get it to stop was to disconnect the battery, and now I have unplugged the power supply going into the steering pump. I am wondering if it is a solenoid or a relay that has gone bad and what I might do to fix it. Appreciate any thoughts and help.

Mitch

 

I had a bad day Friday. My'03 S w/70K didn't avoid a large pothole and the force was so great it popped my glove box open and flattened both tires on the right side. Thank god for run flats w/roadside hazard warranty. Shut the car off after the incident and when I restarted the car, I had no power steering. No leaks, no visible damage. I'll start by checking connections and fuses, but....any suggestions?

 

Sounds like either the relay , or solenoid has welded on ... I'd get the wiring diagram and start backtracking ...

 

This is one of the failure modes for the car, mine did the same and was replaced under warranty. All of the controls for the pump are internal to the pump. The dealer wants $600 plus for a new pump not counting installation.

Do a search for a company by the name of BBA Reman. they rebuild the pump for $200 with a warranty for life! the turn around time is three days.

If you are handy with tools you can replace it yourself in 1/2 hour.

Sorry to hear about your troubles and hope this helps.