Why won't the Lexus side mirrors retract automatically?
4 Answers
The reasons why Lexus side mirrors won't retract automatically are: 1. Damage to the mirror adjustment motor; 2. Poor plug contact. The solutions are: 1. Take it to a service station to inspect and repair the mirror motor; 2. Check and repair wiring faults. Taking the Lexus ES 2020 200 Excellence Edition as an example, this car belongs to a mid-to-large-sized sedan with a 4-door, 5-seat sedan body structure, measuring 4975mm in length, 1866mm in width, and 1447mm in height. The car is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum power of 127kw, a maximum power speed of 6600 rpm, and a maximum torque of 208nm. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), featuring a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension.
I recently encountered an issue with my Lexus where the side mirrors wouldn't auto-fold, which is really annoying. At first, I thought it might be a setting problem since there's a button to toggle the auto-fold function - perhaps it was accidentally turned off. Or maybe the car door wasn't fully closed, causing the sensor to fail detecting the lock signal and preventing the motor from activating. Another possibility is aging or damage to the folding motor, as frequent use leads to wear. It could also be a blown fuse or poor wiring contact, especially since humidity during rainy days can cause short circuits. My suggestion is to first check the auto-fold switch location in the owner's manual and try toggling it a few times. If that doesn't work, inspect the relevant fuse in the fuse box to see if it's blown. If the problem persists, it's best to visit a professional shop for diagnostic tools rather than delaying, as leaving it unfixed risks mirror damage when parked, leading to costlier repairs.
The issue with the Lexus side mirrors not retracting automatically likely requires a technical analysis. I suspect it could be a problem with the control module—the computer component responsible for processing the lock signal. A signal interruption could prevent the command from reaching the motor. Alternatively, it might be due to wiring degradation, where damaged insulation causes a short circuit. Another common issue is the folding motor's bearings seizing or burning out. Occasionally, software bugs can also play a role, such as a malfunction after a faulty system update. Try rebooting the vehicle system by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes and reconnecting it. Also, check if the door lock switch is responsive, as it transmits signals. Avoid dismantling the mirror yourself to prevent internal damage, which could complicate repairs. If the issue persists, it’s best to have a dealership scan for error codes using a diagnostic tool for a quicker resolution.
My Lexus side mirror suddenly stopped retracting automatically, and I learned from a friend that there could be a few simple reasons. One might be a misoperation in the settings, such as turning off the auto-folding function in the car's control panel. Another possibility is a faulty motor or wiring damaged by rodents. The solution isn't difficult: first, check the owner's manual to see how to re-enable the setting, then manually push the mirror to test if it's stuck. If that doesn't work, it's necessary to visit a repair shop to check the fuse or controller, spending a bit to get it fixed. This way, parking at night is safer, avoiding the risk of the mirror being cracked by impact.
