Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Mirrors All sections

Power Mirror System Chevrolet Cavalier III

Mirrors 2 illustrations ~814 words

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

One mirror control switch adjusts both left (driver's side) and right (passenger's side) mirrors. Rotate mirror select switch left (counterclockwise) or right (clockwise) to select mirror, and use joystick to adjust mirror.

Each power mirror assembly contains 2 reversible motors: an up/down motor and a left/right motor. Mirror control switch reverses polarity of motor circuit to change direction of mirror movement. Each motor contains a self-resetting circuit breaker, which opens when mirror reaches its mechanical limit of travel.

PRELIMINARY INSPECTION

Check MIRR/LAMPS fuse (10-amp) in instrument panel fuse block. Check for broken or partially broken wire inside insulation which could cause system malfunction, but prove good in a continuity/voltage check with system disconnected. These circuits may be intermittent or resistive when loaded, and if possible, should be checked by monitoring voltage drop with system operational (under load). Check courtesy lights for proper operation. Check fuses, and replace as necessary. Check and ensure grounds are clean and tight. See WIRING DIAGRAMS . Check for proper installation of aftermarket electronic equipment. Correct any obvious problems before continuing testing. If problem still exists, perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK

  1. Move mirror select switch to left mirror position. Operate left mirror to left, right, up and down positions. Mirror should operate as commanded in all positions.
  2. Move mirror select switch to right mirror position. Operate right mirror to left, right, up and down positions. Mirror should operate as commanded in all positions. If mirror system does not function properly, repair by symptom. See «SYMPTOM INDEX»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/mirrors/#power-mirror-system) table under SYMPTOM TESTS.

SYMPTOM TESTS

CAUTIONTo prevent damage to terminals, Connector Test Adapter Kit (J-35616-A) must be used whenever a diagnostic procedure requires checking or probing terminals.

Note. Before performing following tests, perform TROUBLE SHOOTING . To identify connectors and wire colors, see WIRING DIAGRAMS .

SymptomPerform Test
Both Mirrors InoperativeA
Both Mirrors Do Not Operate In Left/Right ModeB

SYMPTOM INDEX

TEST A: BOTH MIRRORS INOPERATIVE

  1. Disconnect power mirror switch 8-pin connector C1. Connect test light between power mirror switch harness connector C1 terminals "D" (Orange wire) and "A" (Black wire). If test light does not illuminate, go to next step. If test light illuminates, ensure connector C1 terminals are clean and tight. If connector is okay, replace power mirror switch.
  2. Connect test light between power mirror switch harness connector C1 terminal "D" (Orange wire) and ground. If test light illuminates, repair open in Black wire between power mirror switch connector C1 terminal "A" and ground. If test light does not illuminate, go to next step.
  3. Check for open in Orange wire between power mirror switch connector C1 terminal "D" and instrument panel fuse block. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/mirrors/#power-mirror-system) . Repair as necessary and retest system.

TEST B: BOTH MIRRORS DO NOT OPERATE IN LEFT/RIGHT MODE

  1. Disconnect left side power mirror connector. Move mirror select switch to left mirror position. Connect test light between ground and mirror connector terminal "A" (Light Green wire). Hold mirror switch in down position. If test light illuminates, go to step 3 . If test light does not illuminate, go to next step.
  2. Check open in Light Green wire between power mirror and power mirror switch. Repair as necessary and retest system. If wiring and connections are okay, replace power mirror switch. See «POWER MIRROR SWITCH»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/mirrors/#power-mirror-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  3. Disconnect power mirror switch 4-pin connector C2. Connect test light between power mirror switch connector C2 terminals "A" and "C" (component side). With left mirror selected, move power mirror switch to up and down positions. If test light illuminates in both positions, go to next step. If test light does not illuminate in both positions, check wiring and connections between power mirror and power mirror switch. Repair as necessary and retest system. If wiring and connections are okay, replace power mirror switch. See «POWER MIRROR SWITCH»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/mirrors/#power-mirror-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  4. Connect test light between connector C2 terminals "A" and "B" (component side). Move power mirror switch to right and left positions. If test light illuminates in both positions, replace left power mirror drive unit. If test light does not illuminate in both positions, replace power mirror switch.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.
CAUTIONMomentary actuation of power window switch can cause window to move directly to fully open position. When working inside door, leave ignition off whenever possible.

Remove door upper trim finish panel screw. Remove power mirror switch. Remove upper trim finish panel. Remove mirror absorber. Disconnect electrical connector. Remove nuts and power mirror assembly. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten power mirror nuts to 50 INCH lbs. (6 N.m).

  1. Insert Door Trim Pad Remover (J-38778) between mirror and backing plate. Twist door trim pad remover counterclockwise (for left mirror) or clockwise (for right mirror) to disengage mirror.
  2. To install, rotate jack screw keys to face center pivot. Starting with lower jack screw, press mirror glass until it snaps into place.

Disconnect negative battery cable. Using a rag to protect trim panel, insert flat-blade tool between switch plate and trim panel, and disengage spring clip. If switch plate is attached to trim panel with screws, remove screws. Disconnect power mirror control switch electrical connector(s). To install, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 1: Power Mirror System Wiring Diagram (Cavalier & Sunfire - 1999)
Scheme 2: Power Mirror System Wiring Diagram (Cavalier & Sunfire - 2000)

See also:
WIRING DIAGRAMS
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
A
B