Power Mirror Problem
02-27-11, 02:04 PM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Power Mirror Problem
Hey ES'ers,
I usually hang out over in the SC forum, but my spouse's 05 ES330 has developed a problem, and I couldn't find anything searching the forums, so I thought I'd ask you ES experts.
The power mirrors have stopped working in the up/down mode. They still move in and out OK. The problem started out intermittent, one mirror and then the other, now neither one will move vertically.
Because the problem affects both mirrors, I have zeroed in on the ecu that controls the mirrors. I don't have a service manual, so I don't know if it's the same module that stores mirror and seat memory, or where the thing is located in the car. Because it started out intermittent, I'm also looking at a loose connection somewhere, but again without a manual it will be hard to troubleshoot. If I can isolate it to a bad ecu, I hope to find a used one, since I have no doubt Lexus will want major $$ for the part.
Anybody had similar problems? Anybody with a manual willing to do a little research for me? TIA for any help that pops up...
I usually hang out over in the SC forum, but my spouse's 05 ES330 has developed a problem, and I couldn't find anything searching the forums, so I thought I'd ask you ES experts.
The power mirrors have stopped working in the up/down mode. They still move in and out OK. The problem started out intermittent, one mirror and then the other, now neither one will move vertically.
Because the problem affects both mirrors, I have zeroed in on the ecu that controls the mirrors. I don't have a service manual, so I don't know if it's the same module that stores mirror and seat memory, or where the thing is located in the car. Because it started out intermittent, I'm also looking at a loose connection somewhere, but again without a manual it will be hard to troubleshoot. If I can isolate it to a bad ecu, I hope to find a used one, since I have no doubt Lexus will want major $$ for the part.
Anybody had similar problems? Anybody with a manual willing to do a little research for me? TIA for any help that pops up...
02-27-11, 02:49 PM
#2
Lexus Champion
Start by doing a simple troubleshooting. Move both mirrors glass manually up a bit and sideways a bit, than use the mirrors memory function to bring them back to their preset positions.
Do they move in all directions when you do that?
The above assumes that you had a memory function set for them. If not, than set a memory position first, and then try the above.
Phil
Do they move in all directions when you do that?
The above assumes that you had a memory function set for them. If not, than set a memory position first, and then try the above.
Phil
05-24-12, 01:22 PM
#5
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
PFB, they don't move up or down at all, neither manually nor from memory. I took a chance on a used mirror ecm, but that isn't it. I found a thread on another forum started by someone with the same problem, and it was suggested that the actuators (motors) had failed, but what are the odds of two mirror motors having the same failure at the same time? With the console apart, I can hear the relays clicking in the ecm (it's below the radio) when I activate the switch, which leads me to believe the problem lies between the ecm and the doors. I'd be willing to bet there's a connector common to both mirrors that has a bad pin. I sure wish I had a repair manual for the car, so I could study the wiring runs and locate all the connectors...
Last edited by strongsail; 05-24-12 at 01:26 PM.
05-24-12, 03:41 PM
#7
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Took the driver's side mirror and door apart, identified the wires that go to the mirror motors, found good power with proper polarity reverses at both motors, but the up & down motor is dead. The gear motor assembly can't be removed from the mirror frame - it's secured with nylon post-clips that won't release, so there's no way to get the gear motor assy. off the frame without breaking or drilling it out, and I still don't know if I could fix the motor (it's probably dirty brushes) since from what I can see, the motors are glued into the nylon gear housing. I can see why there are no parts available for the mirror assembly. The car is for sale, and it's just going to have to go without the mirrors getting fixed. I'll discount the car a bit to make it go away.
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05-24-12, 05:27 PM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Ohhhkay. More troubleshooting...
I've fooled around with DC motors a lot, ever since my days of slot racing back in the 60's and 70's. I know how brushes & commutators work, and I know sometimes the brushes get fouled and the motor won't run. So I tried an old trick - and it's pretty simple. I took the mirror cover off again, so I could get access directly to the back of the motor, which is about as big around as a nickel. While my wife held the mirror switch in the up position, I gave the back of the motor a sharp whack with the tip of a pair of needle-nose pliers, and how about that, the motor took off and ran fine! We ran it up & down to its stops several times, and it seems to have come back to life! We'll try it again tomorrow, and if it still works, I'll take the passenger side mirror apart and see if it yields to a little brute force as well. Here's hoping!
And, the used parts vendor will take the control ecm back, and charge a restocking fee, but I'm fine with that.
Now I just gotta sell the thing before the mirrors quit again...
I've fooled around with DC motors a lot, ever since my days of slot racing back in the 60's and 70's. I know how brushes & commutators work, and I know sometimes the brushes get fouled and the motor won't run. So I tried an old trick - and it's pretty simple. I took the mirror cover off again, so I could get access directly to the back of the motor, which is about as big around as a nickel. While my wife held the mirror switch in the up position, I gave the back of the motor a sharp whack with the tip of a pair of needle-nose pliers, and how about that, the motor took off and ran fine! We ran it up & down to its stops several times, and it seems to have come back to life! We'll try it again tomorrow, and if it still works, I'll take the passenger side mirror apart and see if it yields to a little brute force as well. Here's hoping!
And, the used parts vendor will take the control ecm back, and charge a restocking fee, but I'm fine with that.
Now I just gotta sell the thing before the mirrors quit again...
01-17-14, 07:27 PM
#10
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The post is two years old and my 2005 SC430 has power mirror problems too. Dealer said $1000 to fix/replace both motors. Has anyone, since the last posts, have a better idea than to give away money or leaving it be? Thanks in advance
01-19-14, 11:49 AM
#11
Lead Lap
Since the mirror is serviced as a unit, from the dealer you would have to replace the whole mirror, hence the cost. For $1k that is alot but consider you just pay it and boom nice shiny new mirrors...
On the other hand, you can buy a set of used mirrors, if the same color and great shape swap the whole mirror on, if you bought a rough mirror not good enough to use the whole thing, you can absolutely disassemble the mirrors and swap good adjuster units into your mirrors.
It will take time and patience to learn to take apart and reassemble the mirrors. So just decide where you fall on the time vs. $$$ scale currently and pick an according option ;-0
On the other hand, you can buy a set of used mirrors, if the same color and great shape swap the whole mirror on, if you bought a rough mirror not good enough to use the whole thing, you can absolutely disassemble the mirrors and swap good adjuster units into your mirrors.
It will take time and patience to learn to take apart and reassemble the mirrors. So just decide where you fall on the time vs. $$$ scale currently and pick an according option ;-0
01-20-14, 07:58 AM
#12
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Thanks for the info. I am not sure if I get used pair that I will try and take them apart to improve their looks. I think I will focus on getting a good pair to start. Are the mirrors for the 2005 the same as the years following? (assuming the same color exists)
01-21-14, 12:20 AM
#13
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got my mirrors adjustment function working - replaced blown CIG fuse I think fixed it, either that or yanking the wires behind the air con unit did it... I glad I can adjust the mirrors again but annoyingly I still can't get them too fold in like they should - that feature didn't come back - I'm thinking it's either linked to a fuse under the hood, or it's a gremlin in the wiring..
01-21-14, 01:12 AM
#14
got my mirrors adjustment function working - replaced blown CIG fuse I think fixed it, either that or yanking the wires behind the air con unit did it... I glad I can adjust the mirrors again but annoyingly I still can't get them too fold in like they should - that feature didn't come back - I'm thinking it's either linked to a fuse under the hood, or it's a gremlin in the wiring..
01-21-14, 01:20 AM
#15
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Do you know which fuse mirror folding is on? I've read thru the service manuals etc and it seems this one feature is neglected in terms of it's existence or how to fix it...
The air con controls came back on with the mirror adjustments also..