Rewiring folding mirrors

[p3eps]

I've had a search and can't find anything useful...

I've got the folding mirrors option, and they're pretty useless.  I forget to twist the knob - and then when I do it, they have no power... so I have to put the key in the ignition, twist the switch back and forth again.
Also, I can drive at 60mph with the mirrors still folded in!  Most cars will auto fold out after 15-20mph if you forget for safety.

Who designed these damn things?!?!
I'm glad to see they fold slightly further than the MK5 though.

ANYWAY...

I'm going to wire them into the ignition so that when I turn the car off for more than 30?? seconds - the mirrors will fold in.  Once I start the car, they will fold out.  I'll put an over-ride switch incase I need them in in / out at certain time... but I'm hoping the original switch will still work.

Before I start tearing my door apart, I guess there is a control module which the flimsy switch connects to.  Where is it, and does anyone have any info on it?
If anyone has an Elsa drawing of taking the door apart I'd appreciate it.
I'm a bit dubious of hacking my 10 day old car apart without instructions!!

Once I see what I'm up against I can make a little circuit and hopefully wire it into the fusebox - which will have a 12V signal when the car is on, and 0V when its off.  Should be simple enough - a couple of resistors, a relay and a timer.  Once it works    I can do a HOW TO for anyone who wants to have a go!

[Rhyso]

There's nothing in VAGCOM then that would allow it as a software change - i.e you lock the car and it will fold the mirrors in 

Stab in the dark but if its like the Mk4 then it will be your central convenience module that controls it and will be located somewhere under the steering wheel

[p3eps]

There's nothing in VAGCOM then that would allow it as a software change - i.e you lock the car and it will fold the mirrors in 

Stab in the dark but if its like the Mk4 then it will be your central convenience module that controls it and will be located somewhere under the steering wheel

I dug up another thread where someone asked if you can Vagcom them to auto fold, but there was no hint of a yes!  Under the steering wheel would be easier than in the door as it would save having to take the door panels off.  Hopefully someone with ELSA can give me a clue though 

[mortygt140]

Pete your first port of call would be the wiring from the mirror testing what they actually do? once you have found which wires control the folding function you can wire them to the the ignition with your own skills making something up to control it.

One word of warning it will be connected to the can bus network so if you cut something and lose control of something else you could cause some damage.

The controllers are on the door motors.

Darren

[ajmoir36]

I have to admit being a garage owner I think they work perfectly.  Get to garage, fold, get out open garage door, drive in. Then in reverse drive out, unfold, close garage door, away we go.

If they did it automatically I would probably tear them off on the way out.

[AlanH]

Likewise - I prefer manual control over folding mirrors in/out when using my garage.

[RickS]

I have to admit being a garage owner I think they work perfectly.  Get to garage, fold, get out open garage door, drive in. Then in reverse drive out, unfold, close garage door, away we go.

If they did it automatically I would probably tear them off on the way out.

Spot on, I don't have a problem with the way the mirrors are wired. They will actually work [fold out or in] for a short time after turning ignition off [not timed how long] 

[p3asa]

Until one of the doors is opened. Although it could also be timed.

[p3eps]

Pete your first port of call would be the wiring from the mirror testing what they actually do? once you have found which wires control the folding function you can wire them to the the ignition with your own skills making something up to control it.

One word of warning it will be connected to the can bus network so if you cut something and lose control of something else you could cause some damage.

The controllers are on the door motors.

Darren

I've managed to obtain ElsaWin, so am trying to figure out how it works at the moment.  Shame its only 32bit, as I have to use it on my Laptop which isn't the fastest beast in the world!
I've noticed that in order to get the mirror switch out, I need to disassemble the whole door skin.  I did think it would maybe just 'pop' out - but no such luck!  
I was hoping that I can simply make up a little circuit and piggyback it onto the current switch.  It will likely be a pulse given from turning the switch that makes them fold - so it should be easy enough to replicate.

If I turn the ignition off and wait a minute or two, then change the switch to fold - nothing happens.  Then if I turn the ignition on, nothing happens.  Its switching back and forth that makes them fold - which would indicate its a pulse rather than a full time signal.
I wish there was a photo of the Mirror switch that I could see before hacking my door apart!!

[p3eps]

Until one of the doors is opened. Although it could also be timed.

Its normally when I'm half way out of the car I realise I forgot to fold them 

For those with garages - maybe the mirrors work fine for you.
I park in a car park - where I don't really need to fold the mirrors, so its not a big deal.
It just annoys me that VW can't program them like most manufacturers to have the option of folding with ignition - or even holding the lock button for a few seconds.