Why have my electric mirrors stopped working?
Most often, power mirrors stop functioning due to a blown fuse, a faulty switch, or wiring problems. Less frequently, a failed mirror motor or control module can cause a total loss of adjustment. This article guides you through quick checks and deeper diagnostics to identify the likely cause and the best next steps.
Common causes and quick checks
These are the most frequent culprits and the simplest tests you can perform to gauge whether you can fix the issue yourself.
- Blown fuse or relay: The mirror adjustment system is typically protected by a dedicated fuse or relay in the vehicle’s fuse box. Check the fuse diagram in your owner’s manual, inspect for a blown or discolored fuse, and replace with a fuse of the same rating. If the fuse blows again, there may be a short or overload somewhere in the circuit.
- Faulty mirror switch or control pad: The switch that selects left/right and the pad or joystick that moves the mirror can fail or become intermittent. If one mirror works while the other does not, or the switch feels loose or unresponsive, the switch module may need replacement.
- Damaged wiring in the door harness: The wiring that travels from the car body into the door can wear out from frequent opening and closing, especially near the hinge. Look for frayed insulation, loose connectors, or signs of wear at the mirror connector. Corrosion on pins can cause intermittent or total failure of the circuit.
- Bad mirror motor or linkage: If you hear a faint click, buzz, or no sound at all when attempting to adjust, the motor may be burned out or jammed. This often requires replacing the mirror assembly or motor and may involve removing the door panel.
- Heated or auto-dimming elements: Some mirrors include heating elements or dimming features with separate fuses or circuits. If those features fail while basic adjustment works, check the related fuses and settings; a fault in the heating/dimming circuit does not always affect normal adjustment.
Concluding: Replacing a blown fuse or faulty switch can restore function in many cases. If a fuse repeatedly blows or no quick fix restores movement, professional inspection is advised to locate a deeper electrical fault.
When quick fixes don’t help: deeper diagnostics
If basic checks don’t solve the problem, more detailed diagnostics may be needed to identify wiring issues, connector problems, or module faults.
- Inspect the door harness and mirror connector: If possible, remove the door panel to examine the wiring entering the mirror. Look for damaged insulation, broken wires, or loose/corroded pins at the connector.
- Check for corrosion or loose pins in the mirror connector: A poor connection can mimic a fuse issue. Re-seat the connector and clean any corrosion with electronics-safe cleaners before reconnecting.
- Test the mirror motor circuit with proper tools: A multimeter can verify continuity and voltage to the mirror motor. If the motor shows an open circuit or an abnormal resistance, the motor or wiring to it may be faulty.
- Consider the vehicle’s central electronics: In newer models, mirror control can be managed by the body control module or a dedicated gateway. Software faults or a failed module can disable mirror adjustment. A dealership or qualified technician can run a diagnostic scan and apply any required software updates or replacements.
Concluding: Deeper diagnostics can uncover less obvious causes and may require professional expertise to access behind-door wiring or control modules. Avoid extensive DIY repairs if you’re not comfortable with automotive electronics.
What to do next
If your vehicle is under warranty, contact the dealer for guidance or to arrange a service appointment. For recalls or software updates that affect mirror systems, a dealer may perform the fix at no cost. If the issue persists after the quick checks, book a diagnostic with a certified mechanic to prevent further electrical damage and ensure safe driving.
Note: A recent battery discharge or voltage drop can affect electrical systems, including mirrors. After restoring power, retest the mirrors to confirm stability and consider having the battery and charging system checked if problems recur.
Summary
Electric mirrors typically fail due to a blown fuse, faulty switch, or wiring problems, with motor or control-module failures as less common culprits. Start with quick fuse and switch checks, then inspect wiring and connectors, and finally consider motor or module faults. If in doubt, seek professional help to ensure safety and reliability on the road.
How to reset electric mirrors?
To reset power mirrors, use the power-folding button to fold and unfold them a few times until you hear a click, or manually push the mirrors fully forward and then use the power-fold button to resynchronize them. If the mirrors are still unresponsive, check the fuse box for a blown fuse and replace it if necessary.
Method 1: Use the power-folding button
- Press the power-folding button to fold the mirrors.
- Repeat the process to unfold the mirrors.
- If you don't hear a click, continue to press the fold and unfold buttons until you do. This click indicates the mirrors are resynchronizing.
This video demonstrates how to reset power mirrors using the power-folding button: 58smikeyz vlogzYouTube · Jan 18, 2019
Method 2: Manually move the mirrors
- Turn the ignition to the "on" position or start the engine.
- Manually push each mirror all the way forward to its limit.
- While holding the power mirror switch, manually guide the mirrors all the way back to the folded position.
- Press the power fold button. You should hear a click that indicates the mirrors are resynchronized.
- Cycle the mirrors in and out a few more times to ensure they are firm and locked.
This video demonstrates how to reset power mirrors by manually moving them: 49sCLEARVIEW ACCESSORIESYouTube · Apr 16, 2025
Method 3: Check the fuses
- If the mirrors are completely unresponsive, check the vehicle's fuse box for a blown fuse. Your owner's manual will show you where to find it.
- Locate the mirror fuse and inspect it. If it is damaged, replace it with a new one of the same amperage.
Other common issues
- Neutral position: Some mirrors have a "neutral" position that disables functions like auto-tilting when reversing. To fix this, simply press the left or right side of the control pad until the indicator light comes on.
- Battery disconnection: If the mirrors stopped working after the battery was disconnected, you may need to reset them via the instrument cluster's settings menu or by using the power-folding button.
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 |
Why are my automatic mirrors not working?
Faulty Fuse
Fuses are essential components of your vehicle's electrical system, protecting various circuits from overloads or a short circuit. If the fuse responsible for the side mirrors is blown, the mirrors won't work. Solution: Check your vehicle's fuse box for a blown fuse related to the side mirrors.
What causes power mirrors not to work?
Power mirrors may fail due to blown fuses or faulty mirror control switches causing no motor response. Start by checking the fuse related to the power mirrors in the fuse box; replace if blown. Next, test the mirror control switch for continuity using a multimeter.
