Help! Volvo Mirrors Not Opening: How to Fix It?
The Volvo mirrors not opening is a common issue that can indicate they need attention and repair before the replacement. Most of the time it occurs due to several reasons.
The mirrors may not open in Volvo cars due to system interference or snow freezing the parts. Apart from these, it can also happen when the inner mechanism is stuck or the mode forcefully stops them from expanding.
No matter what is the actual reason for that, the repair is pretty simple and cost-efficient. Here, let’s find out the common causes of the mirrors not opening along with their solutions.
4 Reasons and Fixes of Your Volvo Mirrors Not Opening!
There are a few reasons why your Volvo side mirrors not folding. To know the causes and the basic repair, here are the given details:
1. Stuck Mirrors for System Glitch
The Volvo side mirrors can get stuck due to system glitches or interference. This can also cause them not to open properly. In that case, you can fix the issue by using the manual fold to make the mirror’s folding mechanism operate by action.
Use the Manual Fold Using Button or Ignition Key
If the mirrors don’t open from the fold position, you can manually use your hand to make them open as far as possible.
Then, make sure to turn the ignition key to position two (II). After that, you’ll need to fold the door mirrors inward and then outward using the control switches. This will make them return to their original positions.
2. Snowy or Icy Weather Causing Mirrors to Lock
If your mirrors get stuck because of snow or ice and you move them manually, they won’t shift from their position. In that case, you’ll need to defrost the car and then reset the folding position to make it work properly.
Defrost and Recalibrate the Mirrors
You must look into the center console and there’s a defrost button for rapid access to the heated rear window and door mirrors. Once you find it, hit the button and let it defrost the car’s mirror naturally.
After that, you’ll need to press the button again to deactivate it. Then, make sure to do the recalibration process by pressing the L and R buttons at the same time.
This will cause the mirrors to fold. Next, open them again by hitting the same two buttons at the same time. And then, you’ll need to do it a few times.
Thanks to the change of position, it will cause the mirrors to be reset to the neutral position and help the folding parts operate again.
3. Fold Mirror While Locked Option Is Turned On
For automatic folding of the door mirrors in lock state, the Volvo cars come with an option called Fold Mirror While Locked. And, this setting can cause the mirrors to not open the whole time you drive or do anything.
Change the Setting of the Fold Mirror While Locked
To get rid of the mirror always closed position, you’ll need to reach your car’s display and go to Settings. After that, you must click on My Cars option.
Next, you’ll find many options where you have to choose the Mirrors and Convenience option. Then, it will show a tick box on the right side of the screen beside the Fold Mirror While Locked option. Once you locate this, you’ll need to hit the tick box and adjust the setting.
Note: If you fold the mirrors manually with the L and R buttons while locking the truck, the mirrors won’t unfold automatically when you unlock them. In that case, you’ll need to unfold them manually using the L and R buttons based on Volvo Support.
4. Mechanism Stuck Due to Grime
The problem with the Volvo’s side mirror not opening often happens because a small pin inside the mirror gets stuck. Over time, the dirt, grime, and road salt build up inside. And, this can cause the pin to stop moving smoothly.
Due to this, it makes the mirrors either extend or fold. In addition to that, the rust and dirt can affect other parts like the spring and the motor making the issue worse.
Lubricate and Clean the Mechanism Properly
To fix this, you need to carefully take the mirror apart using plastic tools so you don’t break any clips. Once you’ve opened it, you should take out the motor by unscrewing the four small screws with a screwdriver.
Well, the main step is to loosen the stuck pin by gently pushing it out using a small wire. After that, you must clean the pin and the inside parts using a wire brush. Then, it’s better to apply some lubricant like a liquid wrench to keep everything moving smoothly.
After doing that, just put the mirror back together and make sure all the parts fit correctly. Finally, you’ll need to snap the mirror housing back in place at an angle to avoid breaking any clips. Then, test it out to see if it works or not.
Ending Notes
And that’s how you can easily repair the Volvo mirrors not opening issues and make them work again. Plus, it’s better to prevent that by taking care of the parts and maintaining them via simple hacks before they officially need replacement.
However, if you find the above solutions tough or still facing the same issue even after doing it multiple times, it indicates serious bugs. To repair that, you’ll need to take your car to an expert mechanic.
And, I’ll be sharing more Volvo tips and insights in my upcoming guides. So, stay tuned! In the meantime,
