Chrysler Repair: 98 Sebring convertible auto rear view mirror, rear view mirror, night mirror

Question
Hi Roland,

I have a 1998 Sebring convertible JXI with an auto-dimming mirror.  Recently the display of the mirror became cloudy and it's difficult to see the images in the mirror.  I guess something broke and some fluid is leaking.  Can this be repaired, or do I need a new mirror?  Given the age of the car, I may just get a manual day/night mirror and save a few dollars.  But if it can be disassembled and cleaned, maybe I will do that instead.  Thanks,

Bill

Answer
Hi Bill,
The mirror is shown in the wiring diagrams to be powered by fuse 4 in the box behind the end cap of the dash, but that one also powers the top motor switch, the door locks, and the back-up lamps so unless those are also 'out' it suggests a problem with the mirror. I am not certain though if what you are observing is liquid but rather an internal failure of a dielectric material between the two glass surfaces that provide the effect at least that is the way this sort of mirror works in the minivan but it is also clear that that mirror is wired differently than in the Sebring. There is no discussion of the mirror in the Sebring manual. The mirror's behavior appears to be controlled by the same relay that controls the illuminated entry relay, so if the lights are going on when the door is opened that relay is probably OK. I can xerox copy and mail you the page from the wiring diagram if you want to verify the voltages and connections. If all those check out, then the mirror is bad and I would suspect it isn't repairable but you could take it apart to see what you find inside.
Roland
PS Use the 'private' option of the follow-up question to send me a postal mailing address if you want the wiring diagram mailed to you. Also, please 'rate' my answer, and where you find the question about a nomination of me to be 'vulunteer of the month' consider a 'yes' response. Thank you