MartyM

Spent a few hours reading through all of the power mirror issues here but haven't found anything exactly like what I'm experiencing on my '86...

Driver's side adjustment works fine all the time. Passenger's side horizontal adjustment works initially, but then if you adjust vertically, the horizontal adjustment moves the mirror vertically also. On top of that, I cannot make it "initially work" again by removing the key and starting over. Only after some time has passed will it "reset" itself.

I've replaced the fuse even though the old one looked good, and also cleaned the contacts as best I could in the switch and the wiring harness inside the mirror. Anyone have any other ideas?

WICruiser

I am having a similar issue with my passenger side mirror. In my case the horizontal control seems to work fine but when I try to adjust the vertical it moves horizontally. I assume that the problem is in the wiring leading the mirror but it remains on my "to do" list. I hope you (we) can get some insight from someone that has been-there and done-that.

mayerjr

Roger, does yours work initially like mine does and then fail, or is it permanently like that?

MartyM

Roger, that last reply was from me. I used an old ID by mistake.

bfellows

Sounds like a sticking contact? Remove switch, dismantle, chase ball bearings and springs around garage, clean contacts inside switch casing, rebuild, find leftover part, dismantle, scratch head, drink tea, rebuild, refit, test, drink beer / scratch head and start again - should do the trick.

Adam Geist

Marty,

I had a similar issue with one of mine and it turned out to be the mirror "toggle" switch that I ended up replacing with a new one.

Using the factory wiring diagram, a Power Probe II and a DMM, I was able to test the mirror motor, wiring harness and the switches. The Power Probe II tool can activate the mirror motor with the wiring harness disconnected. Keep track of the functions of each terminal on the mirror motor (horizontal in/out and vertical up/down).

If the motor operates properly in each direction, then the issue is in the wiring harness or the mirror switch. With the wiring harness disconnected at the mirror motor, check for voltage at the proper terminals using the previous test and wiring diagram as a guide.

If voltage is present at the horizontal and vertical terminals at the same time, then check the harness between the switch and mirror motor for worn insulation. If the wiring harness checks out ok, then test the terminals at the mirror "toggle" switch for proper continuity.

Hope this helps,
Adam

WICruiser

Mine is not exactly like yours Marty - mine does not change but is consistent.

I was assuming it was not the joy stick because it does work correctly for the drivers side.

When I get to that job my plan was to pull out the wiring diagram and try to confirm motor functions at any place I can get access starting with the joy stick and working my way toward the mirror.

Jim M.

If one side works fine but the other doesn't then it can't be the four way switch. It could be the toggle switch or the the mirror control computer, costs about $225 ten years or so ago.

Jim Mayzurk
93 GTS 5-spd

Mrmerlin

if the switches are good then check the mirror/seat memory module under the drivers seat , remove the seat to find this ,pen the module,resolder all of the contacts.

MartyM

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I also doubt that it's the 4-way switch considering the driver's side always works. It also can't be the mirror/seat memory module for me because I don't have that feature, maybe Roger does. Adam and Jim - since I don't have a Power Probe or a multimeter (maybe I should invest in those things soon), would a viable quick test be to remove the toggle switch and connect the needed wires to complete a circuit to the passenger's mirror with electrical tape? I'm thinking I can rule the toggle switch in or out this way.

Alan

The seat memory is under under the drivers seat but the mirror controller/memory is on the drivers side footwell outer wall above the hood release. I suspect these noted mirroro issues are not on memory mirrors based on the presumed year (<'87) of the car and descriptions so far...

The early flag mirrors had no memory of controller. The failure sounds like it is in the changeover switch or in the direction change solenoid in the mirror motor (more likely).

You can take the glass off each mirror and try swapping the mirror motors - does the failure follow the motor or stay on the same side?

The failure mode you describe does not sound like one that would happen for a memory mirror.

Alan

MartyM

Hadn't thought of switching around the mirrors Alan. What a great idea. I'm going to put that on the list of tests to try out. Thanks.

Jim bailey - 928 International

The early mirror 78-86 uses one motor and a solenoid. One axis is functional with the standard position the other axis is engaged when the solenoid kicks the gear into the other axis. So if the solenoid is getting weak the motor still runs in the same axis.

Adam Geist

Jim - is there a way/best way to test the solenoid with a DMM to verify it's weak or non-operative?

Marty - your posting indicates you are in Central NJ, I'm in Monmouth County. Are you nearby by?

Adam

MartyM

OK, I ruled out the toggle switch by taking it out of the circuit and connecting the wires directly - still the same result so the switch must be good. I then tried Alan's idea of switching the mirrors - when I connected the driver's side mirror assembly to the passenger's side, it worked fine. I also connected the passenger's side mirror assembly to the driver's side, it had the problem. Conclusion: the problem lies within the passenger's side mirror assembly. Jim - is the solenoid you mentioned inside of the assembly? If so, can I open it up and replace it? I cannot figure out how to get to the insides of the assembly without breaking something.

Adam - I'm up in Somerset county.