Wing mirror won't fold or unfold: what to check
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.
Power folding mirrors are convenient, until one stops folding, stays folded or hangs at an angle. Here is how to narrow down the cause.
Start with the simple checks
- Settings: on many cars the auto-fold on locking can be switched off in a menu, so check the infotainment or settings screen.
- The fold button: if there is a fold switch, try it. If neither mirror reacts, look at the fuse.
- Fuses: your handbook shows the mirror fuse. A blown fuse can stop both mirrors working.
- One side or both: if only one mirror fails, the fault is likely in that mirror or its wiring. If both fail, think switch, fuse or control module.
The mirror was folded by hand
On some cars, pushing a power-folding mirror in by hand can put it out of step with its motor. Your handbook may describe a reset, which is often a cycle of the fold and unfold function. Check it for your car.
When the mirror itself is at fault
- Worn or stripped gears in the fold motor, which often make a grinding or clicking noise.
- A dead motor with no sound at all.
- Damaged wiring where the cable passes through the door rubber boot.
- Impact damage from a knock in a tight space.
What to do
If the fold motor has failed, you usually need a replacement mirror unit. Make sure the new one has the same folding function, plug and options as your original. See how to find the right wing mirror.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a wing mirror that won't fold?
Often yes if it stays in the open position and gives a clear view. If it is stuck folded or hanging loose, it should be fixed before driving.
Is it the switch or the mirror?
If neither side responds, suspect the switch, fuse or settings. If only one side fails, suspect that mirror or its wiring.
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.