How to fix a car mirror that won't move -- Chev Suburban
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- čas přidán 2. 05. 2013
- I describe a methodical way to investigate and repair a possible bad switch as a cause of a power mirror that won't move in a 2000 Chev Suburban. Details of how to remove and dismantle the switch from the driver's door are shown. This repair was done without disconnecting the battery, to allow active testing of the switch. Note that any electronic repair done with power on does involve special risks, including the risk of damage to sensitive electronics downstream.
This is a demonstration of amateur effort and is in no way a professional instructional video. The technique shown here is shown in good faith, for free, but with no guarantee of accuracy or safety. Any misadventure you encounter if you decide to repair your vehicle is your responsibility. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
THANK YOU! My 2001 Suburban mirrors have been inoperable for about 2 years. I followed your video and after the first cleaning the mirrors started moving up, right and left. I took the switch apart 1 more time and cleaned the contacts a second time, and now both mirrors move in all four directions! Excellent video with clear explanations and instructions.
+ourgangmn Thank you, I'm glad it helped.
@@spelunkerd bnn hn b
Thank You! Extremely simple to follow instructions. Washed with warm water and Dawn dish washing soap, dried thoroughly, hit all contacts with ultra fine sand paper, snapped it all back together. Got my mirrors back working in 15 minutes for FREE! Thank you so much for posting this.
+Scott C Thanks for the followup, it's nice to hear how it works out for people who try this themselves.
The light sanding was what worked for me. Cleaning contacts alone did nothing.
I had actually done everything you did but had the same issue...after watching your video i decided to pull it all apart and give it another try...after using some CRC cleaner and a little electrical grease, it works perfectly.
Thank you so much for putting together this video 9 years ago! My mirror switch in my 2001 Tahoe has been bad for over a year now and I was thinking of replacing it before I decided to at least take a crack at repairing it. It's thanks to your video that I was able to be sure that it was indeed the switch itself that was the issue and I removed it, took it apart, and cleaned all of the contact points. It looks to have been the left/right switch with tines that was my issue as the grease used on it was so full of dust that it could no longer properly contact when I attempted to guide power to the left/right mirror motors. I used some very high grit sandpaper and a Q-tip with 91% isopropyl alcohol to clean it up, put it back together, and everything worked perfectly.
Sincerest thanks for saving me some cash. It only took a few minutes to repair thanks to knowing what to expect from your video!
I can't THANK YOU enough! Really! Did this on a 2005 Chevy Impala that the right and down didn't work on both sides and followed your video, cleaned the internals, and holy cow it works again! You are awesome!
Fantastic... now I can return the new switch I bought. My old switch didn't work at all, but now it works perfectly!
Thanks for the video, man! I had the same problem - on both mirrors only "up" worked. So I disassembled the switch, cleaned metal connectors and now it works perfectly!!! I'm so happy we can do such easy fixes for free ourselves.
Thank you very much for posting this helpful video - I have a 99 GMC Sierra with very similar parts and assembly as your Suburban, and after following the steps outlined in your video, both mirrors are now working perfectly - cleaned them per your instructions and re-assembled in less than 30 minutes and motors now work in all directions. Thanks again!!!
I admire your passion to teach and demonstrate on this subject.YOU are a very reserved and yet talented AFFECTIVE HUMAN BEING ON THIS EARTH WE NEED PERSONS OF YOUR STATUE TO KEEP THEIR PASSION ALIVE AND TEACH SKILLS👏🏾👍🏾✊🏾🤝 Thank YOU
This saved me $70 on a new switch for my Silverado. Every button worked but intermittently. Worked like a charm!!! Thanks!
Thank you so much!!! It worked for me. To anyone reading the comments thinking about trying it and that have found that the fuse is good, do it and be VERY CAREFUL when unassembling the switch. I did the following: with a very small flathead screwdriver I unclipped the switch from the plug and panel. Then with the same screwdriver I unclipped the switch. Followed I took out the two contacts (very small pieces that select right or left) and opened them to an estimated 45 degree angle and sprayed them with contact cleaner. Also got a few Q-tips and sprayed them with electrical contact cleaner. Cleaned the contacts in the rubber piece and wiped the whole pcb (green circuit board). Got an extra Q-tip and sprayed it with contact cleaner and concentrated light scrubs on the board where the contacts touch. When I cleaned mine I noticed they went from dull and dirty to very shinny. Let them dry for one minute and reassemble. Fun fact: Clip in all three plugs (power windows, power locks and mirrors).my truck would not move the mirrors if I didn't connect all plugs. Also, I'm case that truly the switch is bad, I believe that some online Auto parts store had the cheapest replacement for $15 last time I checked. (Think it was Rock Auto) Other Auto parts had it for about $70. Trust me it is worth to give it a try.
Your video was very well done and followed a very logical approach. I used your video to fix my mirror control issue on my 2002 Suburban. Thank you!
I to followed this gents directions but had the same results....one
position not working. Took switch back apart and this time did not baby it. Took some light sandpaper to the "S" contacts. and sanded a bit harder.....but not too hard. Put everything back together and VIOLA all mirror positions work! How long this last I do not know but tonight I will have a good night's sleep. Thanks my friend for posting this!
I don't usually leave comments but your video was very well-thought-out edited described and very exact good job Tip my hat to you sir
Thank you for making this video. I was able to clean out the switch and now it works. I saved about $15-$20 dollars on a new switch. I know eventually will have to replace it but its doing the job as of now. Great video!!
Thank you! Worked perfectly on my 2002 GMC Sierra. I took the switch out and cleaned the contacts and back contacts with alcohol. Thanks again for making this video.
Thanks for the excellent video! I just bought a 2000 Silverado, that I plan to flip. The mirrors didn't work. Even before digging into it, I figured the switch was the problem, since neither mirror moved in any direction. I did have power and ground to the switch. I used the info in your video to take the switch apart. Everything looked good, but I cleaned up the contacts and put it back together. The mirrors work perfectly! FWIW, you can now buy a new switch on Amazon for as little as $12.99, but I would have had to wait 6 days to get it. Thanks again!
Have a 2001 Suburban and all directions failed on both sides. Your method worked after scrubbing all contacts thoroughly. Thanks for saving me $75. Excellent video and clearly understood.
Great video,took mine apart tonight now works like a champ !!!!!!
I very much appreciate your relaxed, methodical approach to problem-solving. I learned a lot and feel ready to troubleshoot (and repair?) my 2002 Tahoe switch. Great video!
Thanks man. I'm pleased to meet you, and thanks also for the sub.
Dave
After cleaning all the metal connectors really good with rubbing alcohol and slightly bending all the metal tabs to make better contact with the mirror connector work just like new. Thank you buddy
I purchased the after market replacement mirror controls for $37. Your video made it easy. Both the left and right mirrors moved to the right consistently, never moved to the left and up and down was a Vegas crap shoot. Ten minutes later, the new controller was installed and the mirrors move like new again. Thank you!!
Thanks for the feedback! Did you get them off ebay?
spelunkerd I purchased this part off of Amazon. Their automotive section has a unique filtering system that will ask you if you want to sort products by those that actually will fit your vehicle. I found the filtering service to be very helpful. I had previously replaced both side mirrors for the vehicle using this service and they fit perfectly.
What a great in-depth guide on how to troubleshoot and repair. Excellent :D
Thanks, man!
Great tip thanks!! I cleaned the remote mirror contacts like you showed us an it works like new!!! Happy...Happy!!
Great video, sorry for the loss of your best friend. I just recently experienced problems with my driver's side-view mirror. My mirror won't move, but thankfully it is set in position for my eyesight. I will watch your video several times before I attempt to remove switch. Thanks
Thanks for stopping by. Replacement switches are very inexpensive in the aftermarket now for most older cars.
I saw the video today. Had the same problem. Took 5 minutes and cleaned my contacts. Now I have total control. Great video. Thanks.
***** Thanks for the followup!
My '99 Silverado has the exact same issue. Thank you for the enlightening video, as this gives me a good starting point to try before replacing the switch.
Thanks! Let us know how it turns out.
Got my 2002 Tahoe mirrors fixed today thanks to spelunkerd's video. Oddly, my mirrors are wired to work without the key, just like the door locks and seats. And they're shown that way on the wiring diagram. I didn't believe the diagram but it was correct. The mirrors are powered by the orange wire which is hot all the time. Thanks again spelunkerd!
Real in depth of checking it out, good job
Excellent video! Thanks for taking the time to help the next guy!
I post my videos exactly for guys like us, thanks for the feedback.
Great video, thanks !
I needed to sand the circut-board's "S" contact pads
with a 600 grit, to remove the oxidized glazing.
As the alcohol and q-tip .. was not cutting it.
Then applied a light smear of die-electric lube.
Then everything worked perfectly.
Thanks again !
Very helpful, this answered several questions for me. I Love the tribute to your best friend. I just lost mine and it's tough to get past his loss. Best of Luck!
Bill Dixon
Bill Dixon Oh, Bill I know what you mean. Thanks for visiting.
Hi,
I tried on my Chevrolet uplander 2008 and it works.
Thank you so much :)
It worked from the first time
Very nicely done. Clear and concise. Thank you.
I finally got it fixed!!!!!!happened that the one I bought looked like the broken one......the guy switched all the wires and fixed the led directional light too.....all that for less than $25 ....that is why I like it here in the dominican Republic
Thanks for your videos
Thank you for the followup!
Just cleaned the switch for the power mirror's on my 2000 Tahoe as shown in this video. Before cleaning, both left and right mirrors were completely unresponsive. After checking for power on both sides, removed the switch and cleaned it. Working perfectly now. Thanks for the tip!!
I'm glad it helped, thanks for the followup!
Thank you so much
You saved me 70 dollars...
It worked perfect.
My respect sir! fixed my mazda after half year of suffering!
You make a good point, that there are more similarities between vehicles than there are differences. Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it.
Awesome video! I decided to order a new switch for my car. I was fortunate and found a new one online for 39.00. Thank you!
Thanks for the followup details!
Thanks for the video! I turned out to be one of the lucky ones. Just acquired an '01, and no part of the power mirrors fuctioned. Using your video as guidelines, I got the entire system working again without spending a dime by simply cleaning the switch contacts. Funny thing is, they didn't even look dirty to the naked eye. One recommendation I would make is to avoid using anything too abrasive on the switch contacts, such as even wet/dry paper. Some fine metal polish (or paint polish in a pinch) followed by contact cleaner (acetone or isopropyl alcohol works fine, too) has worked miracles for me.
TheTeampontiac79 I'm glad it helped, thanks for recording your experience here.
A Very smart & well spoken man right there! Those Power Probes can be worth their weight in gold it seems some times. Time saved vs cost of equipment rlly.
Thank you, yes I agree about the Power Probe. With its long cables, the tiny amount of time to set it up pays for itself by not requiring a search for bare metal close to your work area. And it makes testing fuses a snap, with no need to even remove the fuse. Of course it would never replace a test light, and some kind of drop test is often needed to be sure the line can carry the required current. But for quick investigation it is hard to beat. I just have to remind myself that pressing the power button is just a click away from damaging sensitive circuits, I always think twice before applying power. Some have complained that the switch inside the probe can corrode, so I try to set up to click the switch first and then complete the circuit at the tip of the probe. That way, sparks happen at the tip of the power probe rather than inside the switch.
I just wanted to say thanks. The mirrors on my 2000 Spyder stopped responding but following your video I was able to repair them and now they function like new. You saved me quite a bit of cash on this one. The part cost $125 then there would have been the overly inflated labor costs. Thanks again.
Thanks for the followup.
I want to thank you , my mirrors were not working , I did what you show and now they work great, you saved me $75
I'm glad it helped, thanks for the feedback.
Coincidentally, that GMC Jimmy I did the door hinge repair on has the same problem- I tried servicing as you showed but also could only get half the contacts to work. But it was Well worth the try as I was hoping it would save a trip to the junkyard.
I love seeing two of my favorite CZcams channels responding in the comments, even 5 years after the initial post. This fix is still relevant today!
I just tried it on my Silverado and it works fine now. Thank you
+Donald Bishop Thanks, I appreciate the followup.
Great video. Was able to get my 22 year old switch fully functioning again. I did wipe down contacts with 99 percent alcohol followed by DeoxIT, very light pass with fine grit on contacts in the rubber boot and contacts on slider, then another light wipe with DeoxIT. On the board, a wipe only using DeoxIT with a Qtip.
Thanks! This method worked perfectly to fix the power mirror switch on my 2002 Chevy Silverado in about 5 minutes.
I'm glad it helped, thanks for the followup.
Now that I've seen your work, I'm ready to give it a go. I love little jobs like this. I show my son how to save money, and DIY. It pays for summer camp. Thanks
I hope it works for you, good luck and thanks for the feedback!
Worked great. My dremel tool with a ball rasp cleaned the contacts. Then wiped them down with a solvent. I showed my son again today how well they worked.
tripops3 I'm glad it worked for you. It's a satisfying feeling to accomplish little tasks like this.
Excellent instructional video!
Thanks, man.
Thank you, I will defiantly try this before looking for a used one. A new switch for my 2000 Silverado 4x4 is $79.00 from the dealer. If there are more drivers driving a vehicle and need to move the mirrors, it becomes a problem. We are spoiled by all the new electronics these days. Some things where well enough and needed to be left alone, like adjusting a mirror.
Hey man this video really helped me out I had the exact same problem with my switch diagnosed it was the switch took it apart just like the video now it works like new. Glad i didn't play 72$ for a damn switch.
Excellent video thanks for sharing
Thanks this helped. I skipped to cleaning the contacts since my up and left worked. And thats all it needed
Now THIS is a good video! Thanks for saving me $$$
Thanks for the inspiration! I replaced my 2001 Suburban 2500 mirrors with "power, heated" tow mirrors, then I was compelled to tackle the "power" issue. It turned out that the problem was some goo on the "left-right" selector was preventing either mirror form working. I cleaned all the contacts while I had the switch apart, but the goo was obvious.
Thanks again!
I'm glad it helped. Mirrors are worth something for junk yards, but the last one I scored was on a truck that had just been turned in to the yard, and it fit just fine even though the year was off. Because you don't see both mirrors at the same time, a bit of mismatch of chrome or even color is hard to notice.
Great video, I'm not brave enough to have a go with my mirrors but I at least know what to listen for at the garage when I ask them to fix it!
I have been in the Auto Body trade for 40 years and so have dealt with my share of electrical issues. It was, however, enjoyable to watch a well explained and detailed presentation of the problem. I looked this up after I took apart my daughter's mirror switch to clean the contacts and found nothing apparently wrong, so wanted to know what others may have found.
Wonderful job... and you must be from Canada, eh? All you Canadians seem to be so mechanically inclined and ingenious!
+Jerry Kemnitz Want a kind remark. Thank you!
I bought that little repair kit with the electrically conductive paint. But unfortunately it didn't help in this case. I painted just the clean copper contacts under the rubber pads, and let it dry 24 hours. I'm disappointed, but you've shown me another option for future repairs and it was fun to try. I probably should have done as you suggested and tested the board first, but I don't know enough about these boards to easily isolate the problem. Thanks again for your input.
That worked for me. I also did the window switches, per your instructions. They are working too.
I'm glad to hear it, thanks for the followup.
Your video, clear, concise explanation has been enlightening. I'm having a similar problem with a 2010 Traverse. Cheap, defective parts from Mexico used in expensive vehicles built in the U.S. are causing me and other GM customers added expense and frustration. Auto manufacturers need to figure out how to eliminate the weak links in their supply chain.
Agreed. A solution will not be easy, since we've all had some benefit from inexpensive parts, too. What I hate is how it can be more expensive to fix something than to just toss it and buy another. Manufacturers don't make it easy, because after a few years they stop making replacement parts entirely, moving on to the next disposable product. Then you have to find a 3D printer to try to make a replacement.
great video! I did mine the same way and now it works perfectly. Thanks.
corr1chevy I'm glad it helped, thanks for the feedback.
I'm glad it helped, thanks.
I just tried this with my 2000 Chevy Tahoe. Both mirrors work great now . Thank you
Great, thanks for the followup.
Thanx for the nice informative video. I have a similar issue with my mirror. I intend following your system & hopefully get it working.
I'm glad it helped. For the benefit of others, if you have more to offer don't forget to stop back and record your experience. Thanks for your feedback.
Great video, very helpful. Thanks!
Just did this on my 02 Yukon. Mirrors move perfectly now. thanks!
+antihero1938 I'm glad it helped, thanks for the feedback.
Good job, your thorough.
Great video, very methodical. Thank you for sharing!! It's good to see someone actually repairing a part instead of simply replacing one. I would like to offer two suggestions; since most people do not have a Power Probe (myself included, though I want one now, thank you [lol]), diagnosing with a multi meter may be more helpful as more people seem have one of them. Secondly, as a former electronic tech and since I have repaired boat loads of switches exactly yours that use graphite traces on the circuit board and graphite buttons that actually bridge the traces when the button is pushed, completing the circuit path and in this case, making the mirror move, I have had the greatest success in repairing them by cleaning with a new pencil eraser followed by a cleaning of 90% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Contact cleaner can also be used, though I have not had as much success with it on these kinds of switches, but most importantly, many kinds of contact cleaner contain lubricants and/or are destructive to plastic, so read the label before using it so you don't cause more damage. Again, thanks for the great video - I learned a lot and I am sure others have, as well.
What a helpful remark, thanks for taking the time to record it here. To be sure many others find this one, I'll pin it to the top of the thread.
Awesome video, very helpful. Thanks for taking your time to helping others. God Bless
I'm glad it helped, thanks for the feedback.
Thanks for your time. I will try this.
great video ...straight forward..good knowledge
Thanks for the info. Got mine working again.
AWESOME!! Thanks for this info! This worked for me in my 2002 Tahoe....Just a hint for everyone, I found out the harness for the windows and locks has to both be connected for the mirror to operate. I found out this the hard way by taking it apart twice thinking I put it back together wrong.
showguyer Thanks for recording your experience here, I'm sure others will fin it useful.
Wow! Great video. Great info and nicely done. My 2000 Malibu has the same style switch. It's acting like dirty contacts. Thank for the cleaning info. Will let you know how it turns out.
Good, I hope it works for you. Other option is ebay, or a parts warehouse. If you can get free shipping there are some aftermarket parts for a pretty good price.
You make a great point, and it's not so easy to quickly test a junk yard part.
Worked great! My 2000 Tahoe had this problem. You could see shadow marks on the print circuits.I used contact cleaner and carefully cleaned with 1000 grit paper.
I'm glad it helped, thanks for the followup.
Those are good ideas, too. Thanks, Terry.
Very helpful. My mirror doesn't adjust at all but I hear the motor working. Like you, I will live with manual adjustment as the vehicle is old and not worth sinking any more into it.
There are some generic knock-offs sold on ebay that are about $40 which might be worth considering. As you say, if you don't adjust very often you won't miss it. These vehicles seem to keep going strong, I'm surprised how long mine has lasted. Thank you for watching.
I also had this issue. Desoldered the board from the connector to check the backside and test all the thru-holes, just to be sure. Everything ok there. I typically clean suspect circuit board contacts with a pencil eraser if liquid cleaner doesn't work. It's abrasive, but just barely. In this instance the eraser did the trick where the liquid cleaner did not.
Nice troubleshooting video.
Thanks!
Very nice video. you helped me out a lot, Thanks.
Nice work and I like you going into the switch to make a repair. I'm like egaistek as he had some good comments. Once the switch was back together, you could do a continuity test to see if all the contacts were functioning. And if not, you could give it another shot. Also, I like you showing the wiring diagram which is a nice touch. Good job Dave!
Great Vid. Very helpful....now I have a good starting point the same problem. I saved the vid and will refer back..next week when I have the time to t/s. Thanks Mark
VERY NICE TROUBLE SHOOTING and GREAT VIDEO of the part! These type of contactors are also in TV remotes and have the same issue. Most of the time its a matter of cleaning but sometimes it just won't work. I have also found to use a NON-conductive Grease (electronic) to "seal" them after you get them working again or else the part will 'burn' (electrically) and you'll be back to buying an entire unit again.
Good point!
to your best friend you had a wonderful owner , thanks for your time and for sharing , god bless .
Thanks!
Brilliant. Saved me $44. Thanks
Ken Sanders-Smith Thanks for the feedback!
thanks for sharing gona have to give it a try thanks again
Think you sir did that and got it 100% working
Never thought about contacts needing cleaning. Will try CRC on the contacts. 2006 Chevy Colorado.
Thank you! My mirror control only moved both mirrors downward. When I learned it is bad to move the mirrors manually, I became focused on fixing the issue. I was determined to do all I could to save money (limited income), and keep the OEM part; especially since there is no OEM replacement part. I am tickled to report that I was able to fix the problem! Next job: the Blower Motor Resistor, and the rear hatch lifts (much easier tasks). 🙂👍
We've got a lot in common, ha ha! The satisfaction of overcoming the challenge of a broken part is hard to beat.
@@spelunkerd Especially when someone says:"It can't be done;" and more so when the same someone says, "It can't be done by (me)." ☺
Great Video!
Thanks. I looked for one before I started, and saw that there was a need.
Followed your instructions but used rubbing alcohol instead. Mirrors are fully working on my 99 s10 thanks!
Great! Glad it helped, thanks for the followup.
None of my mirrors on my late model 2000 Tahoe would move before I tried your solution. I used rubbing alcohol and an eraser on the contacts and now I get full range of motion on both my mirrors. Thanks for posting this great fix!
Good suggestion. I'll try that on my 2007 Sierra. But I might use electrical contact cleaner instead of alcohol.
I thought the power probe 3 was an expensive luxury until I got one. Now it's the first tool I grab with most car issues. Just wish I had invented it.
very helpful, thank you...
Great job
I did much the same thing by cleaning the switch. After that didn't work, I then additionally added a small piece of plastic on top of the blue plastic piece above the contact that wasn't connecting. The extra "shim" caused the switch to connect. I think the plastic below was just worn from the years of use.
I'm going to order that keypad repair kit, I can think of several applications on various keyboards around the home. If it works for this, I'll give you a shout-out with another video.
Well done!
Thank you, I'm glad it helped.
NOW IF YA JUST HAD A VID FOR A 90 SUBURBAN.
EXCELLENT DEMO OF HOW TO GAIN ACCESS TO WIRING FOR TESTING TO MIRROR MOTORS.
After you work on a few dozen you realize they are all very similar. Minor differences in plastic clips and hidden screws are annoying, but the general principles always hold.