Door OPENING Mirror Switch Problem

[1966marden]

Gone to open my Chimeara driver's door today with no joy. Pressed button under mirror..nothing, no noises, clicks, just dead. Got in through passenger door where the same mirror switch is acting fine. What do I need to replace and, if it involves dismantling the door mirror, what is the way to do this without damage? Any ideas welcomed > Thanks.

[V8 GRF]

I don't have a Chim so I'm guessing here but does the door switch have a fuse? I'd check that before dismantling anything.

[spend]

I dont know much about these new fangled electrickery models, theres sure to be someone with more experience along eventually.

You should be able to check the switch by intercepting the wiring through the hole if you just remove the speaker.

The solenoid can be checked by applying jump wires (its under the velcro'd panel behind the door) to test it and a mmeter on the harness side.

That should enable you to narrow down the problem area, without too much invasive surgery

Dave

[Philr]

I have had this happen to me in the past. It is because all the dirt and grime gets into the button mechanism and stops it working. Some cars still have a plastic cap to protect the button but mine didn't. In the end I had to replace the button ( less than £15 if I recall ), It was a pretty straight forward job which just needed the mirror glass removed in order to get access. There is a locking nut that secures the button to the frame of the mirror housing. I think the wires were soldered on tot he back of the switch, but susmect that I changed these for wire conectors and then wrapped them in electrical tape to keep the dirt out.

[Cider Andy]

spend said:

You should be able to check the switch by intercepting the wiring through the hole if you just remove the speaker.

Spot on! Merry Christmas, young David

OP: As spend says you can check the connector behind the speaker (two thin blue(?) wires, it tends to be affected by the damp in there). Check the connectors are clean. Short out the two wires in the corresponding part of the door loom to check whether the switch works.

[spend]

Been sampling the mulled wine Andy?

Merry Xmas to you & all

Dave

[1966marden]

Have done all the checks and the solenoid is the problem. I managed to get the button activating the relay, (as I can now hear the relay clicking under the dash), by replacing the wiring from the loom behind the speaker up to the switch in the mirror. Sadly the switch will not operate the solenoid now ...Its the one that has just TWO wires to it, and should unlock the door by shooting the plunger downwards to hit the lock mechanism, as I have observed on the passenger side. Appreciate any help on how to remove it and what part number it is, TVR or other make. What a way to spend Christmas!

Edited by 1966marden on Tuesday 25th December 15:28

Edited by 1966marden on Tuesday 25th December 15:30

[spend]

Do a search on 'door solenoid' there have been plenty of threads

Dave

[Philr]

....and I've also had to replace this in the past also......when I accidentally shorted the solenoid out when testing my door release button !

the 2 wire solenoid was part number M1253 from TVR. I seem to recall them saying it was actually the boot release solenoid from a ford fiesta.....but not 100% sure there.

The button release is part M0751 in case you need that in the future.


The solenoid is located in the upright panel behind the drivers seat (where the seat belt is). I seem to recall that there were a number of minor wiring changes that neeeded to be made for the part to be 100% correct....unfortunately I can't recall exactly what they were. Hopefully someone with a better knowledge/memory than me will be able to give the correct info.

It wasn't that big a job to do though.

Hope this helps.

Phil

[1966marden]

Philr said:

....and I've also had to replace this in the past also......when I accidentally shorted the solenoid out when testing my door release button

That is probably what happened to me too, as I am sure when I started the job that any contact between the two mirror wires caused the solenoid to activate.........

As they are open today, I am going to fit a Maplins 2 wire solenoid ( YD79L), as suggested on other threads. I will have to make up some connections though. I guess to access the old one i have to remove the striker plate bolts in the door aperture, to withdraw the mounting frame from the recess in the car's side behind the seat? The solenoid appears to be held on this by 2 screws?

Interestingly, Maplins list a splashproof, momentary push button for future reference too at £2.99. It may require the mirror hole enlarging to 16mm but if it works and is out of sight to the purists ...?

Thanks for all help so far - I might even get out in the car today!!

[Cider Andy]

1966marden said:

I guess to access the old one i have to remove the striker plate bolts in the door aperture, to withdraw the mounting frame from the recess in the car's side behind the seat?

If you have a screwdriver bit set (bits with a hexagonal shank) it's possible to unscrew the two mounting screws using one of these in conjunction with a spanner. A bit fiddly but less dismantling to do.

[1966marden]

All fixed !! - thanks for the help everyone !