Outside Rear View Mirror Power Operation - General Information and Operational Check

In most cases, two electric motors are used to drive the side rear view mirror: one adjusts the mirror position in the vertical plane, the second in the horizontal plane. Additionally, some models are equipped with mirror heating, which operates when the rear window heater is switched on.

The mirror control switch has a selector unit that determines the direction of voltage supply (to the right or left mirror). With the engine not running, turn the ignition key to the ON position, lower the door windows, and check all operating modes of the power mirror drive on both side mirrors.

Listen carefully to the sounds produced by the mirror drive motors.

If a motor sounds normal but the mirror does not change position, there may be a fault in the mirror drive mechanism inside the mirror.

Remove the corresponding mirror and disassemble it to find the cause of the fault.

If the mirrors do not function and their drive motors make no sound, check the condition of the corresponding fuse (see Fuses - General Information).

If the fuse is good, remove the control switch assembly from its mounting without disconnecting the wiring. Turn on the ignition and check for voltage at the switch; voltage should be present at one of the terminals. If there is no voltage, check the circuit wiring between the switch and the fuse panel for open circuits and short circuits.

If voltage is present, disconnect the wiring from the switch. Check the switch for continuity in all its positions. If there is no continuity, replace the switch.

Reconnect the wiring to the switch. Locate the wire running from the switch to ground. Without disconnecting the switch, install a jumper wire between the terminal of this wire and ground. If the motors now operate normally, replace the ground contact assembly.

If the drive still does not function, remove the corresponding mirror and check the circuit inside it for voltage (with the ignition on and the switch selector set accordingly). Move the switch through all of its positions in turn - in each position (except neutral [OFF]) voltage should be present on one of the mirror drive circuit wires.

If there is no voltage in any switch position, check the wiring of the circuit between the mirror and the switch for opens and short circuits.

If voltage is present, remove the mirror and check the operation of its drive by connecting it directly to the battery using jumper wires. Replace a faulty mirror (see Body Chapter).