Odd problem with auto folding mirrors
10-31-09, 08:37 PM
#1
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Odd problem with auto folding mirrors
So when I bought my car about ten months ago the folding mirrors were good for awhile. Then they would not always fold in or out all the way all the time and I would have to flip the switch a few times until they were all the way in or out. So, I stopped using them. After about a month for some reason I turned them back on and they worked great, for a while and then went back to the partial fold. Shut them off for a little over a month. Turned them back on and the are perfect again. Anyone know why they work well for a while and then get worse? I would think that not using them would do the opposite of what is happening. It is like they want a break and then start working againg. My car is an 03 non UL if that is any helpful info.
10-31-09, 11:44 PM
#2
Moderator
Sounds like the motors are going bad, the only fix is getting new ones. I had mine replaced under the CPO warranty, glad i did b/c one mirror cost $714.00 not including labor. Check ebay for replacements mirrors for your LS, and good luck!
11-02-09, 04:25 PM
#6
I had a worse problem with the mirrors on my 04LS.
I rarely used the auto fold feature, not seeing any need for folding a mirror out here in the country.
My passenger mirror, even in the "off" position, would swivel 180 and point out into traffic. My only recourse was to pull over, walk around, and twist the mirror back into place.
I drove around with my mirror duct taped in place because of a broken, posessed motor.
I tried this site, and a few local repair specialists to see if anyone could snip a wire to
defeat the motor. No one seemed to know of any alternative "fix".
At the end of the day, my only solution was a $750 part plus labour.
I wish I could've simply turned the automatic feature off, but it made no difference whatsoever to my "possessed" twisting mirror.
I rarely used the auto fold feature, not seeing any need for folding a mirror out here in the country.
My passenger mirror, even in the "off" position, would swivel 180 and point out into traffic. My only recourse was to pull over, walk around, and twist the mirror back into place.
I drove around with my mirror duct taped in place because of a broken, posessed motor.
I tried this site, and a few local repair specialists to see if anyone could snip a wire to
defeat the motor. No one seemed to know of any alternative "fix".
At the end of the day, my only solution was a $750 part plus labour.
I wish I could've simply turned the automatic feature off, but it made no difference whatsoever to my "possessed" twisting mirror.
11-02-09, 04:26 PM
#7
But yes, from personal experience, both my mirrors were replaced under warranty, then I was like great, new mirrors, they won't break for another 10 years, so I left both features on auto mode, they worked perfectly when they were new. One of the mirror started acting up exactly one year later, the dealer gave me another new mirror.
I don't know if that was just a bad mirror, but now I only use the feature when I have to, because my warranty expired.
A co-worker that parks next to me at work told me the same thing on his IS350, his reverse tilt down don't always work.
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11-02-09, 04:31 PM
#8
I had a worse problem with the mirrors on my 04LS.
I rarely used the auto fold feature, not seeing any need for folding a mirror out here in the country.
My passenger mirror, even in the "off" position, would swivel 180 and point out into traffic. My only recourse was to pull over, walk around, and twist the mirror back into place.
I drove around with my mirror duct taped in place because of a broken, posessed motor.
I tried this site, and a few local repair specialists to see if anyone could snip a wire to
defeat the motor. No one seemed to know of any alternative "fix".
At the end of the day, my only solution was a $750 part plus labour.
I wish I could've simply turned the automatic feature off, but it made no difference whatsoever to my "possessed" twisting mirror.
I rarely used the auto fold feature, not seeing any need for folding a mirror out here in the country.
My passenger mirror, even in the "off" position, would swivel 180 and point out into traffic. My only recourse was to pull over, walk around, and twist the mirror back into place.
I drove around with my mirror duct taped in place because of a broken, posessed motor.
I tried this site, and a few local repair specialists to see if anyone could snip a wire to
defeat the motor. No one seemed to know of any alternative "fix".
At the end of the day, my only solution was a $750 part plus labour.
I wish I could've simply turned the automatic feature off, but it made no difference whatsoever to my "possessed" twisting mirror.
11-02-09, 07:06 PM
#9
Actually, you hit the nail on the head with the "detent" comment.
The power folding motor never broke down, it was almost like the mirror
should've stopped on the detent, but would briefly pause and then go
past the little speed bump "detent".
Blue Onyx Pearl and silver duct tape isn't a very appealing combination
The power folding motor never broke down, it was almost like the mirror
should've stopped on the detent, but would briefly pause and then go
past the little speed bump "detent".
Blue Onyx Pearl and silver duct tape isn't a very appealing combination
11-02-09, 08:12 PM
#10
Lexus Test Driver
That feature should ahave had the bugs out by 2003. I don't knw why that was the one feature on the LS430 that was never cleared up. I had issues with my LS430 mirrors as well. My left side mirror wouldnt fold. I took some WD-40 about 5 years ago now it's been and spayed a small amount on it. Ever since its worked. May have been just in need of a lubricant! That said, I understand all the concerns here on this topic because to fix a reaview mirror that $750 is costly, and thats just one of them. So many gadgets so many potential repairs for cars these days. The automakers are giving the dealers a huge chance to get more $ in the service department!L.G.N.M
11-05-09, 03:03 PM
#12
Instructor
I had the original poster's problem during the cold Canadian winters, and definitely after a car wash during the winter. I figured it had something to do with water getting into the motor (or in the path of a moving part) and freezing, or the cold temperature causing the motor to malfunction. Flipping the switch back and forth was the only way to get the folding to work.
However, throughout the relatively warmer months (March through present), the folding feature works perfectly fine.
However, throughout the relatively warmer months (March through present), the folding feature works perfectly fine.
12-08-09, 07:39 PM
#13
Instructor
Over the past few days, the weather has been 0C +- 5. Sometimes the mirror doesn't unfold fully, and I have to flip the switch a few times to get it to work. No car wash anytime recently, so there should not be much moisture inside the mirror or motor. Maybe it is just the cold weather.
12-26-09, 02:32 PM
#15
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ugh my mirrors started acting up. im going to try some silicone spray and see if that helps things.
quick question. are both side mirrors suppose to have the blueish tint on them or just one?
quick question. are both side mirrors suppose to have the blueish tint on them or just one?