Author Topic: Electric mirrors playing up  (Read 1494 times)

Offline cheesypeanut

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Electric mirrors playing up
« on: 13 August 2006, 20:15 »
I have electric mirrors fitted and they are giving me a bit of grief.

When the adjuster is set to the left mirror the mirror operates fine and moves (if not somewhat jerkily). However when the adjuster is set to the right mirror the mirror does not move and a clicking sound can be heard - but here's the odd part, the clicking is coming from both mirrors. Does anyone know why this is it happening? I can only assume that it is a result of dodgy wiring; or the right hand motor has had it, but why is this causing the left mirror to click too?

I have removed the glass from the right hand mirror and can see the motor and what is causing the clicking, but have no idea how to deal with it.

Can anyone offer any help or advice? Thanks in advance.

Offline rubjonny

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Re: Electric mirrors playing up
« Reply #1 on: 14 August 2006, 10:53 »
It is normal for both mirrors to click, what you here is the solonoid locking the mirror for up/down movement.  Vw didn't bother running a seperate wire either side for the solonoid so they share the same feed, clever eh :)

It sounds to me like the wiring to the motor is damaged, or the motor itself is dead.  If you remove the 4 screws holding the motor in place you can check all the plugs are in ok, and clean up the connections.

1st thing I'd do is swap the working mirror to the broken door, and see if that helps.  If it works you know the motor is shafted, if it doesn't you know its the switch or wiring!

Edit: The motors are identical on most Passats, and the Corrado.  The switch on a Passat/Corrado will also work, it just looks a little different is all.
I suspect also they are the same on some bimmers as well, they look pretty similar on several that I have seen in my scrappy.
« Last Edit: 14 August 2006, 10:55 by rubjonny »
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Offline cheesypeanut

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Re: Electric mirrors playing up
« Reply #2 on: 14 August 2006, 15:07 »
After switching the motors over, it looks as though its the switch or the wiring. Thanks for the info rubjonny (again). Time to go and sort it out.

Offline rubjonny

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Re: Electric mirrors playing up
« Reply #3 on: 14 August 2006, 15:39 »
enjoy ;)
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Offline cheesypeanut

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Re: Electric mirrors playing up
« Reply #4 on: 14 August 2006, 17:03 »
Right the problem is that blue wire (terminal 3) from the switch to the motor has no current flowing through it. I've checked the wire and connections and it seems alright, so I am inclined to think it's the switch. What a bollock ache, need to get hold of one now, unless I can get the damn thing open (which at present is looking very unlikely).

So to sum up; anyone got an electric window switch?


Offline rubjonny

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Re: Electric mirrors playing up
« Reply #5 on: 14 August 2006, 17:08 »
what an earth are you going to do with an electric window switch :grin:
They open up quite easily, but be carefull as the little metal contacts are prone to flying off in all directions!
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Offline cheesypeanut

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Re: Electric mirrors playing up
« Reply #6 on: 14 August 2006, 18:58 »
Ha, you make a valid point. I meant mirror obviously.

Anyway got the bugger open and it was dirtier than a weekend in Amsterdam inside. I cleaned up the contacts and the board with a bit of wire wool. Long story short, that didn't work.

The problem is the metal contact inside the plastic housing that plugs into the switch. It's not sitting properly and therefore isn't contacting with the board inside of the switch. Gave it a bit of a wiggle and its working intermittantly; need to fix it up permanently.

Offline rubjonny

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Re: Electric mirrors playing up
« Reply #7 on: 15 August 2006, 08:37 »
bit o duck tape ;)
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Judderi

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Re: Electric mirrors playing up
« Reply #8 on: 16 August 2006, 11:55 »
Solder?

Offline Ktuludays

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Re: Electric mirrors playing up
« Reply #9 on: 20 August 2006, 15:48 »
the switches are still available from vw.  pt no: 321 959 565 - £17.68 plus vat

<br /><br />What don\'t kill ya, makes you more strong!