I've searched the forums, but I've never been able to find a solution. It seems my driver side mirror (heated, auto-dim) doesn't heat up. My passenger mirror works very well. I've replaced the mirror with a brand new unit - twice. Auto-dim works very well, but no heat to speak off. All wires appear intact, but a bit old and brittle from time. The mirror motor works just fine as well, the only function not working is the heat.
My hypotheses are:
1) Wiring is dull and restrictive and the full 12v can't get to the heating element so they don't heat anymore.
2) Wiring is dull and restrictive, so the heating elements work only poorly, maybe 5 degrees above ambient temperature.
3) Opening and closing of the door has caused a crimp in the wiring and just by chance it the the wire that supplies power to the heating element.
4) It IS working, it's just a crappy design because it is a self-dimming mirror and the heating element is low-power so as not to disturb the dimming oil.
Does anyone have a fix? I would prefer to fix this myself instead of taking to a shop for diagnostic fee. I've taken the door apart and never seen a problem with the wiring, all other door functions work just fine, power window, light switch, puddle light, mirror motor, door locking. Only the mirror heat.
My hypotheses are:
1) Wiring is dull and restrictive and the full 12v can't get to the heating element so they don't heat anymore.
2) Wiring is dull and restrictive, so the heating elements work only poorly, maybe 5 degrees above ambient temperature.
3) Opening and closing of the door has caused a crimp in the wiring and just by chance it the the wire that supplies power to the heating element.
4) It IS working, it's just a crappy design because it is a self-dimming mirror and the heating element is low-power so as not to disturb the dimming oil.
Does anyone have a fix? I would prefer to fix this myself instead of taking to a shop for diagnostic fee. I've taken the door apart and never seen a problem with the wiring, all other door functions work just fine, power window, light switch, puddle light, mirror motor, door locking. Only the mirror heat.
