Hi all, forgive me for he multitude of topics I am about to post (about 4 or 5 I think!) but I have bought a Polo recently and there are a few things I would like to get working properly if possible.

For this topic, I would love to get some ideas on my electric wing mirrors - in my car there is a switch on the drivers door to control the wing mirrors, the drivers mirror works in all directions fine (it pretty slow but it works ok) however on the passenger side, it works the same except it won't move right. Can anyone advise if this is an electrical error or perhaps something caught inside the mirror? I can push it into position very easily so I'm wondering if there's a way I can take the mirror out and see if there a mechanism in there that might be broken or something.

Can you tell I do not have a clue what I am talking about?

Believe it or not, I'm really excited to learn as much about this car as possible!

1999 (V reg) Polo 1.4 CL, Petrol, RHD, Manual (No A/C)

Edited 15 June, 201412 yr by michaeldc

Rather than start by removing the mirror, it is worth disconnecting the multi-plug on the converluted rubber sleeve between the door and the door pillar - to avoid damage, I would recommend that you use a 'C' spanner to undo the connector.

The problem MAY be the connector itself, but could equally be due to a broken wire within the converluted sleeve. If the problem is with the connector, you may see signs of corrosion in the two halves of the plug - Try removing and replacing the plug a few times, that could be enough to clean the connections..

Regards

Interesting stuff caretaker (I might just start calling you Sir!)

I noticed something interesting and that is the timing when moving the mirror. For instance, if I push the mirror all the way to the right and then use the electrics to move it half way to the left so it's in the middle, then try to use the electrics to move it back to the right, it stays still, I can hear the motor in there trying but the mirror doesn't move. Interestingly if I then try to use the electrics to move it further to the left, it takes a couple of seconds before it starts moving because it has to catch up; as far at the motor is concerned the mirror did move right and their is a couple of seconds it takes to catch up before it moves further left.

I have searched for images of the inside of a motorised wing mirror but can't find anything via google, it does seem clear to me though that the part responsible for moving it to the right is either not catch, not working or the mirror itself isn't seated in position correctly as I can hear the buzz of the motor trying to move it.

The thought of removing the mirror is a little daunting, the thought of getting to and disconnecting the multi-plug between the doors (I have no idea!) daunts me far more! Perhaps if the mirror cap is easy to get off (prise it off?) I can get a better look at what might be getting in the way or what might be broken?

On my 6n2 I had the same problem and it was a broken wire in the tubing, I simply extended the wire and soldered both ends covering in heat shrink. Very easy if you know how to solder should take no longer than 15 mins

Thanks Riz, what was the method for doing this? I have a friend who is rather handy with a soldering iron...

Did you have to remove the whole wing mirror? just the back cover or perhaps just the actual mirror from the front to get to the point you needed to?

Mines was actually broken in between the door and the car, what I did was

Remove multi plug from car side by twisting

Peel back rubber boot to expose wires(at this point any broken wires should be visible)

extend wire solder all connections cover soldered parts with heat shrink or insulation tape.

Enjoy working mirrors

I'm sure there are seperate wires for each mirror function (left,right,up,down etc)

In your case it may be your motor but it's worth checking all wiring from door to car on both sides.

Thanks Riz, I can hear the motor going when I press the right hand button so I assumed it wasn't necessarily a wiring issue as power is getting to it but if that is consistent with what you had as well then I will definitely give it a go. Your advice ties in with caretakers advice too, I'm just a little nervous about trying to get into anywhere on the car that I shouldn't be, I've never even seen the multi plug and don't even know where it is so I guess I have yet more reading to do.

It does sound like power is there then, it may just be a faulty motor, best thing to do is replace mirror as I doubt you'll find the motor seperately