I have a UK premium spec ES300h. It has power folding mirrors but not auto-fold to enable auto folding on locking. The mirror switch doesn’t have the ‘auto’ option (middle position) on it unlike the F-Sport or Premium Plus models. If I buy a window/mirror control panel with the ‘auto’ option on it, will it work on my car?

 

That's interesting, and I of course don't know, but it may be because some local regulation. If that is the case, replacing the switch might work. Folding mirrors without auto-fold really limits their usefulness.

Dave Mac

 

I have a basic es 300h and it has the mirrors that fold when I lock car from outside with my hand on the handle. I am surprised your does not. Maybe it is a local thing.

 

The logic tells me that it would work but I never tried something like that.
If you can send me the VIN, I can check if the computers are the same.

 

Chuckyarla, does your ES have the memory position feature? US spec Lexus that don't have
the memory position option then does not have auto fold mirrors or dip down in reverse abilities.

 

Thanks, that would be great. It’s
JTHB21B1X02204919

 

No it doesn’t. The UK Premium spec model doesn’t have auto-fold mirrors or the memory position option. But it does have power folding. So I’m trying to find out if replacing the window switch panel for one with the ‘auto’ position on it will work.

 

Nothing is the same, but still I cannot rule out that option.
The cheapest would be to buy a used switch. This is the part number: 84872-78030

 

I wonder if the UK/Japan right-hand drive model needs a different switch than the left-hand drive version.

 

No, since you are getting only the mirror keyboard.

 

I wonder where the switch or sensor is that triggers the mirrors to auto-fold. If it is in the switch itself, perhaps it would work, but if there is wiring that leads to one of the many onboard computers you may be out of luck.

 

I bought one for €32. Thanks for the help. Should be here in a few days then all will be revealed!

 

I’ll know soon. I bought one of switches with the ‘auto’ option.

 

I got curious about this...locked and unlocked the doors using the proximity sensor....mirrors folded/unfolded. Tried with the remote push button...mirrors folded/unfolded. Tried using the manual "key"...mirrors did NOT fold nor unfold. Used the inside door lock switch, mirrors did not move. Also, when putting the car into or out of gear the doors lock/unlock as programmed but the mirrors do not move. There must be some logic that controls whether or not the mirrors fold/unfold. It'll be interesting to see what happens with the switch change (provided that the connectors are compatible).

 

Although the lexusguide.net Lexus ES (XZ10) Service Manual is incomplete and not the most current with the model variations, I think this description from Power Window Control System (for Gasoline Model) - Key-off Operation Function Operates even if Operating Conditions are not Satisfied:
suggests the logic controlling the operation of door mounted power devices (e.g., Power-folding outside mirrors) may be in the main body ECU which communicates with the door switch assemblies over a LIN communication line (ref. Power Window Control System (for Gasoline Model) - System Diagram ).

Also, there's a (US) "Programmable by Dealer" "Automatic Mirror Fold and Extend" setting that will change the behavior of the various operational states. I assume you tested with the default "Fold linked with door lock (Default)" setting, so the behavior you witnessed with that setting won't necessarily be the same as the behavior for the two other possible settings for that programmable option.

As to whether or not a simple switch swap will enable auto folding for chuckyarla's UK sold ES, I think that's going to depend upon the firmware loaded into the controlling ECU his ES is equipped with.