Epilogue of The Mirror Problem

[Gfbourcier@aol.com]

So, I'm ready to install the new mirrors on my car I bought for 25 BUCKS (HA 
HA DEALER PRICES!) and in removing them from the donor unit, I learned a few 
things about PITA.  I used to thing of PITA as just a dry, non-satisfying 
type of bread, but fishing 4 wire connectors through 2 accordions after 
pulling a glovebox and two door panels has taught me the beginnings of the 
true definition.  While door panels were off of my car, I greased all the 
moving door handle, door lock, and latch parts, along with the window lift 
cables (don't pinch a finger!) and the vertical tracks.  For some reason, the 
driver's side window regulator was flapping in the breeze, which explains the 
nasty noises the window made halfway down.  Secured regulator and cables 
running from both ends, and reinstalled door panels.  Did wire repairs on 
"new" units with these plastic "screw-in" connectors.  Neat product and 
stronger than crimp connectors or solder, I reccommend them highly.  Guess 
what?  No mirror movement, but I still hear the solenoids "clicking.  I pull 
the switch from the armrest and take it apart to find a dirty copper board 
with a couple of burn marks.  Yes, I caught the six small springs as they 
attempted to escape off the table.  I believe that Mr. Dremel invented his 
tool after he bought his first Audi.  I took the burned portions down to 
shiny copper and reassembled the switch.  The "busy looking" side of the 
board is laid overtop of the side of the "joystick" that has two sets of 
springs and two pair of small lamp cords (I swear, that's what they look like 
sitting on the springs.)  To anyone disassembling a power mirror switch, I 
would suggest that when you open the switch, open it upside down and observe 
the orientation first to eliminate confusion upon reassembly.  Pop the switch 
in, works like a charm.  

I am assuming that since no wires were broken on the old mirrors, that the 
switch was entirely at fault.  Hindsight being 20/20, I probably could have 
saved myself USD25 and alot of aggrivation and time if I had done "switch 
surgery" first.  Being the eternal optimist, I see two distinct benefits.  
One, I was able to service everything inside the front doors.  Two, the red 
mirrors were looking rough and the black ones do look much better.  I hope 
that my experience will be of help to you, since you helped me out with the 
thought process.  I'll fix the A/C in the spring, meanwhile, I'm just going 
to enjoy the fact that ALL other systems are now operational.

Was that a shoe I just heard hit the 
floor....................................?

Gil Bourcier

87 4kcsq - "now that I got mirrors, what's back o' me I already passed!" - 
82k mi
97 Honda Valkyrie Tourer - The 800 lb Gorilla - 20k mi