What Causes the Failure of the Passat's Power Folding Mirrors?
3 Answers
Passat's power folding mirror malfunction can stem from both mechanical and electronic control system issues. Common causes include damage to the electric mirror motor, blown fuse in the control switch, or wiring faults. Prolonged bending during mirror folding may lead to wire breakage, loose connectors, or poor contact, resulting in failure. Relevant information about car mirrors is as follows: 1. Location: Car side mirrors are mounted on both left and right sides of the vehicle's front, along with an interior rearview mirror at the front of the cabin. 2. Function: These mirrors provide visibility of areas behind, beside, and below the vehicle, serving as "second eyes" that significantly expand the driver's field of view by indirectly displaying these critical zones.
My Passat has been driven for over a year, and one time I noticed the mirror folding function stopped working completely. At first, I was quite worried, but after checking some materials and asking friends, it might be a blown fuse. Try locating and replacing the corresponding fuse in the engine compartment fuse box. It could also be a motor issue—the folding motor can wear out or get damaged from water ingress over time, so check if it’s turning abnormally. Poor contact in the switch button is also common; if pressing it a few times doesn’t help, it needs repair. Another possibility is that the auto-folding feature was turned off in the vehicle settings—just reset it to default in the dashboard menu. If the mechanical part is stuck, like dust buildup or rust in the hinge joint, cleaning and lubricating might work. I suggest checking the fuse and settings first; if that doesn’t help, visit the 4S shop. Don’t delay too long to avoid parking troubles or further damage.
As someone frequently dealing with cars, there are typically several core reasons for power mirror folding failures: Fuse burnout is the most common issue, serving as a protective component in the electrical system that easily blows when current exceeds limits - simply check the corresponding labeled fuse in the fuse box. Motor assembly failures are also frequent, including problems with internal coils or gears, which can be preliminarily diagnosed using a multimeter to test voltage. Switch or control unit malfunctions may stem from contact oxidation or signal interruption, especially in older vehicles where wiring degradation causes unstable connections. Additionally, mechanical obstructions like stiff hinges or foreign objects should be inspected, with regular lubrication maintenance serving as prevention. From experience, professional diagnostic tools are recommended for system checks - avoid forced disassembly to prevent expanding damage. For safety, always be extra vigilant about surroundings when mirrors malfunction.
