126 Electric side view mirror

[gidpor]

The RH side view mirror just stopped working. Does not make a sound or move the mirror. The fuse seems to be in order, so I was wondering whether it is likely the mirror switch in the car that has gone bad, or perhaps the mirror mechanism itself.

1987 300SE Euro

[duxthe1]

Both can go bad and on some models the switch's connector can come loose. The easiest test is to pull the trim up and plug in a known good switch, or plug in loose connector and test.

[crashone]

You can take the mirror apart and clean/ grease up the gearing. I used petroleum jelly (vasoline type) as a light lube. Clean the switch and connections too. Works rather well now. I found a small old wasp nest up in there when I cleaned it out.

[gidpor]

Thanks for the responses and input. I have set aside some time tomorrow for this project. I will start with the mirror itself and then if I still need too - clean or replace the switch.

The CD has instructions for dismantling the side view mirror, which I looked at and will follow. Are there any tips that are good to know ?

[420benz]

Originally Posted by crashone

You can take the mirror apart and clean/ grease up the gearing. I used petroleum jelly (vasoline type) as a light lube. Clean the switch and connections too. Works rather well now. I found a small old wasp nest up in there when I cleaned it out.

Do you have any directions,pictures on how to open the mirror?

[hookedon210s]

Look here. http://home.comcast.net/~chwilka/car_stuff.htm
Mark

[crashone]

Good Info in that last post. My '83 was alittle different but you will get it. Just go slow and easy with removing the plastic covers. If one breaks go to a junk yard and pull another one.

[420benz]

Originally Posted by hookedon210s

Look here. http://home.comcast.net/~chwilka/car_stuff.htm
Mark

Great info. Thanks

[gidpor]

I exposed the plug connecting the switch to the mirror and removed the mirror itself without a hitch. Great
Testing the plug itself according to the info supplied by hookedon210s was the next stage and I have a question here. I get 12v at pins 1-3 and 1-5 when activating the switch in one direction only. (i.e.- going left 12v, going right - nothing. reversing the polarity on the meter does not effect that at all. same result when going up/down- one direction only) is this correct or is the switch bad ?
I next removed the glass assembly of the mirror and stared at the motors - It looks a lot darker in that dungeon than the photos indicate !!!. I will wait for help regarding my "switch" question, before tearing into the motors and really messing up.....

[cdplayer]

Originally Posted by gidpor

I exposed the plug connecting the switch to the mirror and removed the mirror itself without a hitch. Great
Testing the plug itself according to the info supplied by hookedon210s was the next stage and I have a question here. I get 12v at pins 1-3 and 1-5 when activating the switch in one direction only. (i.e.- going left 12v, going right - nothing. reversing the polarity on the meter does not effect that at all. same result when going up/down- one direction only) is this correct or is the switch bad ?
I next removed the glass assembly of the mirror and stared at the motors - It looks a lot darker in that dungeon than the photos indicate !!!. I will wait for help regarding my "switch" question, before tearing into the motors and really messing up.....

Not wanting to hijack everyone's help here but have you checked that the power plug is attached to the console switch itself? If you or a PO has had the console apart, chances are the plug was not seated on reassembly and has dropped from everyday driving vibs.

To access, remove ashtray bin revealing two screws. Remove screws and lift ashtray assembly out just enough to unplug ashtray power plugs.
Remove coin tray. Pry carefully. Now push console wood forward to unlock securing tabs. You should now be able to raise the rear of the console wood enough to check switch plug.

While you are at it, and if you feel confident enough, remove all the window switches. Good time to clean the insides. Looking on the sides of the switch body at the point where the switch rocks back and forth you will see the locking pins. Slip a letter opener or some other very thin tool between the rocker switch and the locking tab. This will unlock one side. Do the other side. Carefully lift the rocker switch. There will be small springs inside. Note their location. What you will see inside may shock you. I have wondered how some of my switches every worked at all.

[gidpor]

cdplayer- I had been in the console in the past and did not think that the switch came apart - I may be wrong, however I Initially elected to start my repair at the junction where the power from the switch meets the mirror. My thinking was that if there is a problem with the switch I would not be getting juice to the mirror - (see my earlier post above yours-) I am getting juice but still trying to determine if the switch is good or not - I do not believe it has come loose in the console or I would not be getting any power, right ?.
I tried getting direct power to the mirror plug but nothing happened , I am thinking my contact ( a simple wire from the battery ) was not solid enough.

[gidpor]

Very frustrating . The plastic mount holding the motors was very brittle and just fell apart in several places the moment I looked at it...
So If anyone knows of a source for a replacement motor mechanism, kindly chime in.
Hopefully there is such a source, thus avoiding the need to get the whole mirror.

[gidpor]

I would like to thank all that offered advice. The problem was in the mirror itself and not the Switch - I ended up buying a mirror on ebay and replacing the broken one. All is well, until the next issue..