Will Manually Adjusting Power Rearview Mirrors Cause Damage?
2 Answers
Manually adjusting power rearview mirrors once or twice won't cause significant issues, but repeated manual adjustments can lead to irreversible damage or malfunctions. Here's relevant information about power rearview mirrors: 1. Most manually-adjusted power mirrors will exhibit asynchronous folding speeds on both sides due to gear rack displacement. While this synchronization issue may seem minor, it can be extremely bothersome for perfectionists. 2. Avoid manually adjusting power rearview mirrors whenever possible. 3. Power mirrors maintain stability through resistance from the internal gear rack motor. Manual adjustment forcibly applies reverse torque to the motor, which may affect signal input during the next activation. Minor consequences include gear misalignment and asynchronous folding, while severe cases may cause complete failure. Persistent manual adjustment will inevitably result in permanent damage.
Last time I accidentally forced the electric side mirror with my hand, and it seems like the internal gears got damaged. Now it doesn't adjust smoothly no matter how I try. These mirrors are small devices driven by motors and gears—forcing them manually can jam or break internal components. Fixing it required replacing the entire assembly, which cost me several hundred bucks. My advice: never do this, especially when the car is running, because the motor is still operating and forcing it is more likely to burn it out. Normally, just use the adjustment buttons inside the car—it's effortless. If you've already broken it, take it to a shop for inspection; don’t try to fix it yourself to avoid making it worse. Remember, electric components are designed for electric use—manual intervention comes with big risks.
