Side mirrors on a car can include multiple electrical features. In addition to the common electrically operated angle adjusting mirror function, they can be heated for melting ice. Other functions include automatic dimming to adjust for glare from vehicles behind, folding inward to reduce damage and tilting to allow for a view of the ground behind the car. Problems with the electric side mirrors can be identified by following some simple troubleshooting procedures.
Adjust the mirrors properly if you can't see the vehicles behind you. There's usually a four-way switch on the driver's door or dashboard panel with a toggle switch for the left and right side mirrors. Angle each mirror so you can see the adjacent traffic lane and also overlap the view on the windshield mirror. Press the left or right switch to select the mirror, then use buttons marked with directional arrows to make adjustments. Some systems will automatically turn off after a moment to prevent you from inadvertently making changes. In that case, press the left or right switch again to reactivate the arrow buttons.
Turn on the rear defroster to heat the mirrors if they are covered with ice. In many vehicles equipped with this feature, the mirror heaters won't work unless the rear defroster is operating.
Enable the tilt function if the mirrors don't automatically tilt downward when the vehicle is in reverse. Look for this function in the Vehicle Information Center, which is often found in the instrument cluster. Scroll through and activate the feature, because it usually isn't on by default.
