Q: How to Diagnose and Troubleshoot Electric Rear Car Mirror Issues on 1997 Through 2001 Toyota Avalon?
A: Electric rearview mirrors commonly utilize two motors for vertical and horizontal adjustments. The control switch directs voltage to the left or right mirror. With ignition ON and engine OFF, operate the mirror control switch for both mirrors while listening for motor sounds. If the motors sound but the glass doesn't move, there might be an internal drive mechanism issue requiring mirror disassembly. If no motor sound occurs, check the fuse. If the fuse is fine, assess the mirror control switch's continuity after removing it from the dashboard. Reconnect the switch and test for a faulty ground connection by attaching a jumper wire between the ground wire and the switch. If issues persist, remove the mirror and check its wires for voltage using the selector switch. If voltage isn't present, inspect the circuit for opens or shorts. If voltage is present, test the mirror off-vehicle using jumper wires; replace the mirror if it fails this test.
Q: How to Remove and Install Outer and Inner Car Mirrors on a Toyota Highlander?
A: Remove the door trim panel to start the process of removing the outside mirrors. Disconnect the electrical connector from the mirror, then remove the three mirror retaining bolts and detach the mirror from the vehicle. The installation process is simply the reverse of removal. For the inside mirror, disconnect the electrical connector from the mirror, if equipped. On some models, the mirror can be removed by carefully prying between the mirror mount and the notch in the base of the mirror stalk with a screwdriver tip covered with tape. There is a hairpin-type spring holding the mirror stalk in the base. Push the screwdriver in about 3/4-inch to release the spring. On some other models, the mirror can be removed by removing the set screw located at the base of the mirror stalk. On models without a set screw, to install the mirror, reinsert the spring if it was removed earlier. Insert the mirror stalk's lug into the mount, pushing downward until the mirror is secured. If the mount plate itself has come off the windshield, adhesive kits are available at auto parts stores to resecure it. Follow the instructions included with the kit.
Q: How Do Electric Rear Car Mirrors Operate and What Steps Should Be Taken if They Malfunction on Toyota Sienna?
A: Most electric rear view mirrors utilize two motors for adjustments, one for vertical movement and another for horizontal movement. The control switch features a selector that directs voltage to either the left or right side mirror. With the ignition ON but the engine OFF, roll down the windows and operate the mirror control switch through all functions for both mirrors, listening for the sound of the electric motors. If the motors are audible but the mirror glass remains stationary, there may be an issue with the drive mechanism, necessitating removal and disassembly of the mirror to identify the problem. If there is no sound from the mirrors, check the fuse. If the fuse is intact, remove the mirror control switch from the dashboard and check its continuity. After reconnecting the switch, locate the wire leading from the switch to ground; while keeping the switch connected, use a jumper wire to connect this wire to ground. If the mirror operates normally, repair the faulty ground connection. If the mirror remains unresponsive, remove it and check for voltage at the wires connected to the mirror while the ignition is ON and the selector switch is set to the appropriate side. Operate the mirror switch in all positions, ensuring there is voltage at one of the switch-to-mirror wires in each position, except the neutral "off" position. If voltage is absent in any position, inspect the circuit between the mirror and control switch for any opens or shorts. If voltage is present, test the mirror off the vehicle using jumper wires, replacing it if it fails this test.