Principles of Operation

Rear View Mirrors - Exterior

Principles of Operation

If equipped with power folding mirrors, the center position of the exterior mirror control switch controls the power folding mirrors.

The exterior mirrors use a jumper harness between the vehicle wire harness connector and the exterior mirror motor. The exterior mirror jumper harness is integral to the exterior mirror. Before replacing an exterior mirror or mirror motor, inspect the jumper harness for open and shorted circuits or damaged and pushed-out pins. If a concern with the exterior mirror jumper harness exists, an attempt to repair the jumper harness should be made.

Only vehicles equipped with memory, exterior mirrors are capable of setting DTCs.

Heated Exterior Mirrors

On vehicles equipped with optional rear window defrost, the rear window defrost switch controls the operation of the heated exterior mirrors. The heated exterior mirrors will only operate when the rear window defrost system is ON.

On vehicles equipped with heated exterior mirrors only, the heated exterior mirror switch controls the operation of the heated exterior mirrors.

The heated exterior mirror should be warm to the touch after 4 minutes of operation.

The heated exterior mirror power is supplied by the heated mirror relay through fuse 41 (15A), which isolates the heated exterior mirrors from the rear window defrost system in the event of a concern. The heated mirrors are heated for a period of 10 minutes when the engine is running and the heated mirror switch is pressed to the ON position.

On vehicles equipped with a LH auto-dimming exterior rear view mirror, the glass is thicker than the standard mirror glass. As a result, it will take longer for an exterior LH auto-dimming mirror to defrost than a RH heated mirror.

Memory Exterior Mirrors

The memory exterior mirrors feature allows the driver to program personalized mirror positions that can be recalled using the memory switches or remote transmitter. There are 2 memory settings possible. The power driver seat positions are also stored and recalled with the memory exterior mirror positions. The memory mirror function recalls the preferred positioning of the exterior mirrors when the transmission is in the PARK or NEUTRAL position and the door mounted switches or the transmitter are activated (the memory position corresponds to the transmitter being used). The Driver Seat Module (DSM) constantly tracks the exterior mirror position by using the potentiometers in the exterior mirror assembly. The positions remain in memory as long as the DSM retains power. When a memory position is recalled by the operator, the DSM powers the exterior mirror motors simultaneously and monitors the potentiometer circuits. When the stored memory position is reached, the DSM removes the voltage from the motors. If the exterior mirror control switch is operated during a memory recall, the DSM stops the recall and responds to the exterior mirror control switch command. The DSM is capable of setting a DTC for the memory mirror system when a system concern exists.

For information on the DSM and memory position programming, refer to Seats.

Power Folding Mirrors

NOTE: The power folding mirrors may need to be synchronized when the RH, LH or both power folding mirrors are folded manually, and then folded inward using the power folding mirror control switch. Refer to Exterior Mirror Motor Synchronization - Power Folding Programming and Relearning.

NOTE: Before running a self-test diagnostic or retrieving DTCs, the power fold switch must be inactive for at least 30 seconds. Retrieving DTCs before 30 seconds will result in false DTCs.

The power folding exterior mirrors are controlled by the DSM. The power folding exterior mirror feature allows both exterior mirrors to be folded or unfolded using the exterior mirror control switch. When the exterior mirror control switch is set to the center position and pressed rearward to the FOLD/UNFOLD position, the exterior mirror control switch sends a signal to the DSM which then supplies power and ground to the exterior mirrors to fold or unfold the mirrors. The RH and LH power folding mirrors will fold or unfold at the same time and cannot be controlled independently. The power folding mirrors contain a drive motor that is not replaceable. If a power folding mirror drive motor is found to be inoperative, a new power folding exterior rear view mirror assembly must be installed.

If the power folding mirrors are folded or unfolded continuously (6 to 10 cycles), the power lockout feature will disable the system for approximately 3-10 minutes to prevent damage to the power folding mirror drive motors. After 3-10 minutes have elapsed, normal operation will resume. Before running a self-test or retrieving DTCs, the power fold switch must be inactive for at least 30 seconds.

LH Auto-Dimming Mirror

The interior auto-dimming rear view mirror controls the reflectance level of the LH exterior mirror glass. The reflectance level of the mirror glass is variable and depends on the amount of rear glare in relation to ambient light conditions in front of the interior auto-dimming rear view mirror. The interior auto-dimming rear view mirror and LH exterior mirror glass will automatically return to a high reflectance mode whenever the selector lever is placed in REVERSE.

For information and diagnostics, refer to Rear View Mirrors - Interior Testing and Inspection.

Turn Signal Mirror

The LH and RH exterior mirrors may be equipped with a mirror-mounted turn signal assembly. For service procedures and information on the mirror-mounted turn signals, refer to Lighting and Horns.

Puddle/Approach Lamps

The LH and RH exterior mirrors may be equipped with approach or puddle lamps, which will illuminate when the interior lights are turned on by opening a door or by pressing the unlock button on the transmitter, if equipped. For service procedures and information on the mirror-mounted puddle lamps, refer to Lighting and Horns.