power mirrors on 86 4kq

[Huw Powell]

> My power mirrors used to do nothing. Now, after a thorough cleaning of the
> switch, the driver's mirror clicks when I try to move it. Progress, I guess.
> When I switch to the passenger mirror and try to move it, the _driver's_
> mirror still clicks. The wiring appears to be pristine. Of course, neither
> mirror actually moves....

> Can one unseize mirror motors? If so, how? And why would the driver's mirror
> get power in both left and right switch positions?

It's all the switch.  Those switches are in a really vulnerable location
(dirt, moisture) and very rarely work.

left/right = up/down with the addition of one signal that flips a
solenoid in the mirror to change directions.  That solenoid is run on
one circuit, that is, *both* mirrors should click when it's activated.

There should be four wires to each mirror (not counting defroster), two
are for the motor and two are for the solenoid, if you really want to
make sure the mirrors work.  Just dig around (under the kick panel?) for
the plug and apply 12v/ground cautiously until you get functionality.

On my coupe, I swapped in an armrest from a manual mirror car and put
two good 5k mirror switches in the underdash panel near the keys.  Still
works after years, since they stay clean.

--
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/

http://www.humanthoughts.org/