Why have my automatic wing mirrors stopped working?
In many cases, automatic wing mirrors stop working because of an electrical fault or a mechanical jam. Common culprits include a blown fuse, a faulty mirror switch, damaged wiring, or a failed mirror motor. A quick check of fuses, the switch, and the door wiring often reveals the cause.
What can cause automatic wing mirrors to stop working
Understanding where the problem lies helps you troubleshoot more efficiently. The following sections break down electrical and mechanical issues that commonly disable mirror adjustment, folding, heating, or auto-dimming features.
Electrical faults
- Blown fuse for the mirror circuit — check the vehicle’s fuse box and replace only with the same amperage.
- Faulty relay or door control module — these can fail independently of the fuse and may require replacement.
- Damaged wiring or connectors in the door harness — wear and tear where the wiring passes into the door is a frequent failure point.
- Poor earth/ground connection or battery-related voltage drop — insufficient power can cause intermittent or no operation.
- Recent electrical work or battery recovery — resets or calibration losses can affect certain mirror functions.
If power is not reaching the mirror, work from the fuse and control side to the door wiring to identify where the fault originates.
Mechanical and sensor faults
- Seized or damaged mirror motor — a motor that has jammed or worn bearings can prevent movement.
- Obstruction, ice, or debris in the mirror housing — physical binding stops adjustment or folding.
- Faulty auto-folding mechanism or anti-pinch feature — some systems fail to actuate due to sensor or linkage issues.
- Auto-dimming or sensor problems — sensors behind the mirror or on the windshield can fail or misread light levels.
Mechanical or sensor failures typically require inspection of the mirror assembly itself and may necessitate replacement if components are worn or damaged.
Simple diagnostic checks you can perform
Before involving a technician, try these checks to determine whether the issue is electrical, mechanical, or related to control components. Always ensure the vehicle is parked, and avoid working near the battery with the ignition on unless you are confident in your safety practices.
- Check the fuses for the mirror circuit and heated/fold functions. If a fuse is blown, replace it with the same rating and test the operation.
- Test the mirror adjustment and folding from both the door switch and the central control panel. If one path works while the other does not, the fault may be in the switch or wiring to the mirror.
- Inspect the door wiring harness where it enters the door for visible damage, wear, or disconnected connectors. Gently move or wiggle the harness while attempting to operate the mirror to look for intermittent faults.
- Check for voltage at the mirror connector when the feature is activated. If you do not see 12V where expected, the issue is upstream (switch or control module) rather than in the mirror itself.
- Look for physical obstruction or binding in the mirror housing or the adjustment mechanism. Remove any ice or debris and verify the motor isn’t mechanically stuck.
These steps help narrow the cause to power, control, wiring, or the mirror mechanism itself.
Model-specific considerations
Some vehicles treat mirror functions differently: separate fuses for heated mirrors, or auto-fold tied to central locking. Check the owner’s manual for exact fuse locations and any required reinitialization procedures after battery maintenance or replacement. If your car has advanced features (auto-dimming, memory positions), a dealer or qualified technician may need to reprogram the system.
When to seek professional help
Consult a professional if power reaches the mirror but it won’t move, if you hear grinding or see smoke, or if a replacement is required and you’re uncomfortable performing electrical checks. Issues like a failing actuator, damaged door harness, or related control modules can require specialized tools and safety precautions.
Summary
Automatic wing mirrors failing is a common issue with several potential causes, most often rooted in electrical supply (fuses, relays, wiring) or a mechanical fault (motor, linkage, sensors). A structured check—starting with fuses and switches, then inspecting wiring and the mirror mechanism—can usually identify the problem. If in doubt, or if the system involves complex control modules or airbags-related wiring, contact a certified technician or your dealer for a precise diagnosis and safe repair.
Why is my automatic side mirror not working?
An automatic side mirror not working is likely due to a blown fuse, a faulty mirror switch, or issues with the wiring or motor. To troubleshoot, first check the relevant fuse, then test the mirror control switch, and finally, inspect the wiring for damage. If these steps don't resolve the problem, the motor itself may be bad and require replacement.
You can watch this video to learn how to check fuses and listen for motor sounds: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jan 31, 2021
1. Check the fuse
- Locate your vehicle's fuse box, which is usually under the dashboard or in the engine bay.
- Consult your owner's manual to find the fuse that controls the side mirrors.
- Remove the fuse and inspect it. If it's blown (the metal wire inside is broken), replace it with a new one of the same amperage.
2. Test the mirror control switch
- Press the switch and listen for a faint motor sound from the mirror. If you hear a sound, the switch is likely working, and the problem may be elsewhere.
- If both mirrors are inoperable, the switch is a strong suspect. If only one side is affected, the issue might be with that specific mirror.
This video demonstrates how to test the switch and the mirror's response: 57sThe Nate TakeYouTube · Mar 24, 2017
3. Inspect the wiring and motor
- Look for any signs of damage, such as frayed or loose wires, especially inside the door panel where the wires connect to the mirror.
- You can use a multimeter to check if power is reaching the motor. If voltage is present but the mirror still doesn't move, the motor is likely faulty.
- Gently try to move the mirror by hand to see if it is physically stuck.
4. When to seek professional help
- If you've tried the steps above and the mirror still isn't working, it's best to take it to an auto body professional.
- Issues like a malfunctioning control module or internal motor problems often require professional diagnosis and repair.
How much does an electric wing mirror cost to fix?
How much does it cost to replace an electric wing mirror?
| Car Make | Electric Wing Mirror Cost |
|---|---|
| Ford | £120 to £220 |
| Honda | £125 to £230 |
| Hyundai | £130 to £210 |
| Mercedes | £180 to £270 |
How to reset electric wing mirrors?
Mirck. but to fold mirr Out And Until You Do your mirr should Now function normally. Certain vehicles Will require you to man push the Mirrors all the way.
How to test side mirror motor?
And the yellow. Wire. Just take one paper clip slide it into that position. And the blue wire. Make sure they're not touching. And then activate the switch. And we can see we have power.
