Electric wing mirror not working or not adjusting
Safety first: wear gloves and eye protection around cracked glass, and check your vehicle handbook before taking anything apart. If your car has airbags, sensors or cameras near the door and you are not confident, use a qualified fitter.
When an electric wing mirror will not adjust, the problem is usually the switch, a fuse, the motor or the wiring. This guide helps you narrow it down.
Check these first
- Both mirrors or one? If both fail, check the fuse and switch. If one fails, suspect that mirror or its wiring.
- The selector switch: make sure the left and right selector is set properly.
- Listen for a hum: a motor noise but no glass movement suggests a broken drive or backing plate.
- Cold weather: ice can seize a mirror. Let it clear before testing.
Likely causes
- Blown fuse: your handbook shows where.
- Faulty adjustment switch: especially if only some directions work.
- Failed motor: no movement or sound from the mirror.
- Broken wiring: repeated door opening can fatigue the cable in the door rubber boot.
- Broken glass backing plate: the motor hums, but the glass does not move.
What it means for repairs
A switch or fuse is a cheap fix. A failed motor or damaged backing plate often means a replacement mirror unit. Use our guide to glass vs full unit to decide.
When ordering, match the plug and options, including heating and folding, so the new mirror works with your car.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my wing mirror only move up and down?
A motor usually has separate drives for each direction. A fault in one can leave the other working, which often means the mirror's motor or its wiring needs replacing.
Can I adjust an electric mirror by hand?
Some can be nudged by hand, but forcing them can damage the drive. Use the switch where possible.
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.