What are the reasons for the Mazda CX-5 rearview mirror folding malfunction?
4 Answers
Here are the reasons for the malfunction of Mazda car rearview mirror folding: Battery disconnected or no power: In this case, the external mirror must be reset to function properly. The specific reset method is to manually operate the folding button, as shown below: Manual folding: After setting the "rearview mirror when locking the car," manually fold the car. In this situation, the external mirror will not automatically unfold the next time the car is turned on. You need to enter the car and press the button on the door to manually open the external mirror. This can reduce parking space and effectively avoid scratches. In most cases, the rearview mirror folding button is located in the electric opening and closing area of the driver's side door, but there are exceptions, such as the gear shift base area.
I also had a stuck rearview mirror on my CX-5 last time, and found that most of these failures are mechanical issues. The small motor inside the rearview mirror is the most prone to problems—gear slippage or worm gear wear can cause the folding mechanism to jam. When we wash the car, high-pressure water jets can get inside, and over time, the motor rusts and stops turning. Another detail: if someone slams the door too hard and hits the rearview mirror, the internal plastic clips can break, directly jamming the mechanical structure. Prolonged exposure to summer sun can also deform the mirror housing, leading to poor folding. If pressing the folding button yields no response at all, consider a blown fuse or aging/damaged wiring in the door harness. Now in winter, be careful—forcing it when frozen can easily ruin the gear set. It's best to use warm water to melt the ice first before trying again.
From a maintenance perspective, CX-5 mirror folding failure involves three levels of troubleshooting. Motor unit failure is most common—worn carbon brushes or short-circuited coils cause weak rotation, with a burnt smell upon disassembly. Next is the drive module issue; water intrusion in door panel control modules triggers short circuits, often failing during rainy-day window operations. For wiring, focus on door hinge harnesses—repeated bending causes breaks—multimeter continuity tests are definitive. Never force stuck mechanisms; WD-40 lubrication on pivot points may help. Finally, check oxidized switch contacts—dashboard current hum without mirror movement indicates this fault.
Last year, the left rearview mirror of my CX-5 suddenly stopped folding. After investigation, three typical causes were identified. The most common issue is the gear set jamming due to lack of lubrication, especially in northern regions where low temperatures cause the gear oil to solidify, preventing movement. Another frequent problem is short circuits caused by carbon powder buildup in the motor, which produces a buzzing noise during operation. Oxidation of wiring connectors is often overlooked as well; you'll know it's the issue when you unplug the motor and see green rust. There's also a hidden factor: loose connections caused by tugging on the wiring during the installation of a 360-degree camera. The easiest solution is to force a system reset by long-pressing the lock button. If that doesn't work, you'll have to remove the door panel for repairs.
