Electric and folding wing mirrors: how they work and how to replace them
Adjusting and folding your mirrors with a button is convenient, until something stops working.
Electric wing mirrors
An electric wing mirror has a small motor, or motors, that tilt the glass. You control them with a switch inside the car, which usually has a left and right selector and a four-way pad. Many cars also have heating, an indicator and a fold function built in.
Folding wing mirrors
| Type | How it works |
|---|---|
| Manual fold | You push the mirror in by hand, and it springs or clicks back |
| Power fold | A motor folds and unfolds the mirror at the push of a button or when you lock the car |
| Memory | The mirror position links to the driver's seat memory on some higher trims |
What can go wrong
- Won't adjust: check the fuse and switch first. See electric wing mirror not working.
- Won't fold: see wing mirror won't fold or unfold.
- Heating stops: see heated wing mirror not working.
- Indicator out: see indicator not working.
Choosing a matching replacement
Electric and folding mirrors have different plugs depending on the features. Before ordering:
- Note the side, make, model and year.
- Test and list the features: electric adjust, heating, folding, indicator, memory, auto-dimming, blind spot warning.
- Photograph the plug on your old mirror.
- Check the number of wires and pins where you can.
A mirror missing a feature your car has may not work properly, or may trigger a warning. See how to find the right wing mirror.
Fitting
Electric mirrors need the door panel off on many cars to reach the plug. If you are unsure, use a fitter. See replacing a wing mirror for the general steps.
More options
Back to wing mirror replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Can I retrofit power folding to a car that has manual fold?
It is not usually straightforward, because it needs matching mirrors, wiring and a control. Ask a specialist and check whether your car supports it.
Why does only one of my electric mirrors work?
A fault in that mirror's motor or wiring is likely. If both fail, check the fuse and switch.
Do I need the same plug on a replacement electric mirror?
Yes. The plug must match your car's wiring, and it varies with features such as heating and folding.
Need help finding the right mirror?
Send us your registration number, which side (driver or passenger) and a photo of the back of the mirror, and we will point you to the correct part.