2003 ST power mirror problems

[Uwe Canting 2]

The drivers side mirror remote will turn the mirrors out but not in. Conversely the passengers side mirror will only turn in and not out. What gives?

 

[Mark Price 2]

Same thing happened to both my ST and my Sport.

Start with this before trying to diagnose with a voltmeter and wiring diagram.

I removed the door panel, disconnected the electrical connector to the switch. It looked good and clean. Sprayed each side of the connector with CRC electrical cleaner. Plugged it back in.

No more issues.

If this doesn't work, it is most likely the switch itself that needs to replaced.

 

[Mark Price 2]

Just guessing here. Bored at work. Since the wire/switch is always hot(no key on needed), the switch must make a ground to each position the switch is moved to to complete the circuit. Ground side switched. That being said, since you have power to both mirrors in some positions. Its not a wiring issue. The inside of the switch is not making contact to the ground in the "left" position. Most likely dirty/corroded. Hence the electrical cleaner fixing mine. You could check it by back probing the connector with a T pin and seeing if you have continuity when set to each/left position. Wiring diagram would be helpful if you need to do this. But can be done without.

 

[Igor Smetaniuk]

Happens to me often after I clear snow/ice of the mirror or clean after washing.



The mirror adjuster is a thread plastic rod assembly. So, bottom out the mirror with the switch and then physically press on the opposite (higher) side of the mirror. You should hear a ratcheting sound as the adjuster mechanism slides across the threads of the plastic rod behind the mirror. Keep pressing until it looks centered in the mirror housing. Now try moving mirror left/right again. You can also do this for up/down position if it ever gets out of sync.



Don't worry about stripping anything. I've adjusted mine numerous times because they get frosted here in NY often in the winter and as you apply pressure to clean them off you push it out of the center position. It doesn't take much pressure and it'll move.



I have a feeling that's what your problem could be.

 

[Mark Price 2]

toptobottom- very well could be the case.



If not, here's a short cut to getting to the switch. Instead of removing door panel to get to the connector.

Video: How To Install Replace Power Mirror Switch Ford Explorer

 

[Mark Price 2]

Here is a very "methodical" way to investigate.

Video: How to fix a car mirror that won't move



Glancing at the ST wiring diagram. Ours works the same way.

 

[Mark Price 2]

any update?