Wing mirrors, internal adjustment of the glass

[Morris Montego]

Issue number two I'm trying to sort.....
Neither of my wing mirrors adjust from inside the car. I'm assuming it's the switch at fault (I did try changing the odd fuse when I first got the car).
I'm well aware this switch was used for years on many models. I have learnt though that the 'pin outs' differ and ones from Rover 200/25s suit but NOT MGFs.
May removing, cleaning the existing switch be an option?


Dave

[Doctordiesel77]

I got my switch to come back to life by switching it on and off/ moving it around several times which must have cleaned the grime off, other problems I had were bad connections in the big multiplug for the door electrics which is in the footwell beside the bottom hinge and bad connections in the little plugs behind the mirrors. Switch is easiest & most likely, if cleaning it doesn't work other vehicles they fit are Freelander 1 and Discovery 1 and 2, not sure if new ones are available tho'. The switch is a Ford part so may be worth looking at Ford ones too, there are new ones on ebay that look to be the same mechanism, but different knob/bezel.

[Morris Montego]

Thanks, that's handy to know. I did do a fair bit of 'jiggling about' with the switch this morning.....but I'll try some more before I remove and clean.

[Morris Montego]

More twiddling of the switch and still no movement of the mirrors!
I managed to unclip the switch and its plastic surround from the dash but could not pull it fully out to see/access the connections behind.

[Doctordiesel77]

It can be a bit fiddly getting the switch out as the wires tend to pull it into the wrong position for getting it through the hole. Iirc the panel surrounding the switch is just held in by two screws, may be worth taking it off so that you can get at both sides. I had a look at a mirror switch and the bezel is actually part of the moulding, so converting a Ford switch would only work if the internal parts and back cover were interchangeable, they are quite cheap on ebay, so may be worth a shot if yours won't clean up, the socket looks to be the same. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/287183499458 is the cheapest, https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115935041435 has better pictures of the socket and moulding.

[Morris Montego]

Thanks again - I did manage to get the switch fully out before.....but still not far enough to disconnect.
Externally, all looked good for 32 years!!
I would have thought a failing switch may give at least some movement but both mirrors show absolutely no response.

[Morris Montego]

......but, it's all a learning curve! I'm attempting far more than I would dare do on my MG6!
I adjusted the plastic surrounds for the front interior door handles before. The pull handles now "sit straight"

[Morris Montego]

.....and, yes, I will try removing the panel surrounding the mirror switch for better access. I think though that those two screws sit awkwardly, almost behind the trim surrounding the steering column! Still, I'll give it a go.....

[Morris Montego]

I've learnt much about Montego mirrors today!
I can't remove the glass to check connections behind as I can't move it to extreme positions to access the clips. However, I have removed the entire driver's mirror and the cables here look fine. One of the retaining nuts was too short though so I'll change that.
The mirror switch......No, I can't get at the screws holding the plastic panel which surrounds it. However (!), I have unclipped the little coin box beneath it to gain better access.
Time for tea now but progress!

[Doctordiesel77]

Sounds as though you've had a busy day! If you still have the driver's side mirror off it may be worth checking that there is 12v at the green wire on the heating element, it is fed from fuse f6, which also feeds the switch, if there is no power there then it could be a problem with main feed to the switch.

[Jeff Turbo]

To remove the switch you need to lever out from the top but they are tight, you may also need to lever out the plug at the back with a small screwdriver as they are very tight. There should be a little cut out you can open with a small screwdriver. Austin in their wisdom didn't make a long enough wiring loom to remove the switch and disconnect easily. You maybe able once you've disconnected it to try and get the wiring loom to pull out under the internal light dimmer panel if you also remove that if your dash is the older type. Facelift should have the switch on the dimmer panel so just lever out the connection
To remove the mirrors part themselves can be tricky as they're held in by 4 plastic lugs it is advisable to remove the whole mirror unit from the door to do this.
You should be able to push in the mirror to the very top and you'll see two of the four lugs. you'll need to lever out the lugs with a small screwdriver then pull the mirror gently out a bit. Then you should see the bottom lugs, again lever those out and the mirror should release. 5 times out of ten though you might crack the mirror so before trying that do as the good doctor suggests and test for power to the connection in the door. If both motors are not working it's not those but either the switch or wiring

[Jeff Turbo]

As per this, to fix back in you push in at the top lugs positions until they click then the bottom. I did this earlier twice to test it as I haven't done this for awhile so I know it works and didn't break anything but don't force it