My flag mirror was folded and when I folded it it won't lock into normal driving position.

I assume there is some sort of pressure / spring system that locks it in the drive position and then it seems to raise and release when folding.

Is there a simple way to free the locking mechanism?

 

There is a tube nut with the wires coming through it that can be tightened with a flat blade driver - sounds like its been loosening off. Just avoid crushing the wires with the driver, and take small bites as you turn it.

jp 83 Euro S AT 57k

 

I would remove the wires from the connector and re tighten . But I am not sure I would try it on car.....

 

The head of that hollow screw is accessible after unscrewing the base from the door. Lower the window and tape a few layers of bath towel to the door for protection.

Looking up inside the base you'll see the wires passing through the screw towards the mirror. By now the mirror and base may separate. Better if they don't. There's a spring under the screw head that puts tension on the junction. Tighten the screw being careful not to damage the wiring. If the screw has allowed the flag to separate from the base you get fight the spring to get the screw started again. That probably deserves removing wires from the connector in the door so you can work on the bench. It also allows a drop or two of loctite to keep it from loosening again. The screw engages threads in the cast al flag, use appropriate care.

 

See WSM 66-15, shows exploded diagram. Drawback with wire removal is its difficult without the tool to release the connectors from the plug/socket body - are these tools available ? When I had my car fully painted, they removed the mirror bodies by cutting the wires....and not getting them back together properly.

jp 83 Euro S AT 57k

 

jp,
You can buy one of these tools from Jaycar.