Mirror System Chevrolet Malibu VII

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Visual/Physical Inspection

An understanding of both the outside and automatic day-night mirror operation must be understood before reviewing the symptom tables. Refer to Outside Mirror Description and Operation and Automatic Day-Night Mirror Description and Operation .

1. Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the automatic day-night feature of the inside rearview mirror. Refer to «Checking Aftermarket Accessories»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/body-electrical/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__checking-aftermarket-accessories) .
2. Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.

Intermittent

Faulty electrical connections or wiring may be the cause of intermittent conditions. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Symptom List

Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom

1. «Power Mirrors Inoperative»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/mirrors/#mirror-system)
2. «Automatic Day-Night Mirrors Malfunction»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/mirrors/#mirror-system)
3. «Heated Mirrors Malfunction»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/mirrors/#mirror-system)

Diagnostic Instructions

1. Perform the «Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/oem-general-information/#vehicle-diagnostic-information-diagnostic-information-and-procedures) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
2. Review «Strategy Based Diagnosis»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/oem-general-information/#vehicle-diagnostic-information-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__strategy-based-diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
3. «Diagnostic Procedure Instructions»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/oem-general-information/#vehicle-diagnostic-information-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__diagnostic-procedure-instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit/System Description

The heated outside rearview mirrors operate when the rear window defogger is turned ON and will turn OFF when the rear window defogger is turned OFF. The defogger relay supplies voltage through the driver/passenger mirror heating element control circuits when a request is seen.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Outside Rearview Mirror Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Outside Mirror Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

1. «Circuit Testing»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/body-electrical/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__circuit-testing)
2. «Connector Repairs»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/body-electrical/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__connector-repairs)
3. «Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/body-electrical/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures)
4. «Wiring Repairs»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/body-electrical/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__wiring-repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. Ignition ON, press the rear window defogger switch. Verify the rear window defogger turns ON and the rear window becomes warm. If the rear window defogger does not turn on, refer to «Rear Window Defogger Malfunction (RPO C60)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/heated-glassdefoggers/#fixed-and-moveable-windows-system) or «Rear Window Defogger Malfunction (RPO C68)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/heated-glassdefoggers/#fixed-and-moveable-windows-system) .
2. Verify both the left and right outside mirror glass become warm.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate outside rearview mirror.
2. Test for less than 10 ohms between the ground circuit terminal E and ground. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal D and ground.
4. Ignition ON, operate the rear window defogger ON and OFF with the rear defogger switch. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the outside heated rearview mirror glass.

Repair Procedures

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Outside Rearview Mirror Glass Replacement

1. Perform the «Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/oem-general-information/#vehicle-diagnostic-information-diagnostic-information-and-procedures) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
2. Review «Strategy Based Diagnosis»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/oem-general-information/#vehicle-diagnostic-information-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__strategy-based-diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
3. «Diagnostic Procedure Instructions»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/oem-general-information/#vehicle-diagnostic-information-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__diagnostic-procedure-instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

The automatic day-night rearview mirror uses two photocell sensors that detects an increase in light. One sensor is located in the rear side of the mirror. This sensor determines the light condition present at the mirror face. The other sensor is the ambient light sensor, located on the front of the mirror or windshield side. This sensor determines the amount of light present at the mirror. When the ambient light sensor senses a low light condition and a high light condition from behind at the headlight sensor, the inside rearview mirror will automatically darken the face of the mirror.

Schematic Reference

Inside Rearview Mirror Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Automatic Day-Night Mirror Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

1. «Circuit Testing»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/body-electrical/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__circuit-testing)
2. «Connector Repairs»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/body-electrical/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__connector-repairs)
3. «Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/body-electrical/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures)
4. «Wiring Repairs»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/body-electrical/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__wiring-repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

1. Ignition ON, headlamps ON, vehicle in PARK, cover the front light sensor with a towel or other suitable item. Shine a flashlight at the rear light sensor while observing the inside rearview mirror face. The inside rearview mirror face should dim.
2. Park brake applied, place the transmission in REVERSE. The inside rearview mirror face should transition from dim to bright.

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the inside rearview mirror.
2. Test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 8 and ground. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal 13 and ground. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
4. Ignition ON, park brake applied, vehicle in REVERSE, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the backup lamp control circuit terminal 9 and ground. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, refer to «Backup Lamps Malfunction»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/exterior-lights/#lighting-system) .
5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the inside rearview mirror.

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement

1. Perform the «Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/oem-general-information/#vehicle-diagnostic-information-diagnostic-information-and-procedures) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
2. Review «Strategy Based Diagnosis»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/oem-general-information/#vehicle-diagnostic-information-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__strategy-based-diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
3. «Diagnostic Procedure Instructions»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/oem-general-information/#vehicle-diagnostic-information-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__diagnostic-procedure-instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

The outside rearview mirror switch supplies both voltage and ground to the rearview mirror motors. When the rearview mirror switch is being pressed the switch supplies the voltage and ground to the proper circuits to engage the proper mirror motor.

Schematic Reference

Outside Rearview Mirror Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Outside Mirror Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

1. «Circuit Testing»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/body-electrical/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__circuit-testing)
2. «Connector Repairs»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/body-electrical/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__connector-repairs)
3. «Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/body-electrical/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures)
4. «Wiring Repairs»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/body-electrical/#wiring-systems-and-power-management-diagnostic-information-and-procedures__wiring-repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

1. Ignition ON, with the mirror selector switch in the DRIVER position, command the mirrors UP, DOWN, LEFT, and RIGHT using the mirror directional switch. The driver mirror should move in the commanded direction.
2. With the mirror selector switch in the PASSENGER position, command the mirrors UP, DOWN, LEFT, and RIGHT using the mirror directional switch. The passenger mirror should move in the commanded direction.

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the outside rearview mirror switch.
2. Test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 2 and ground. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 1 and ground. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal replace the BCM.
4. Connect the harness connector at the outside rearview mirror switch.
5. Disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate outside rearview mirror.
6. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal C and the control circuit terminal B.
7. Operate the vertical switch UP and DOWN. The test lamp should turn ON when commanding the UP and DOWN states. If the test lamp remains OFF during either of the commands, test for a short to voltage, short to ground or an open/high resistance on the control circuits. If the circuits test normal, replace the power mirror switch.
8. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal A and the control circuit terminal B.
9. Operate the horizontal switch LEFT and RIGHT. The test lamp should turn ON when commanding the LEFT and RIGHT states. If the test lamp remains OFF during either of the commands, test for a short to voltage, short to ground or an open/high resistance on the control circuits. If the circuits test normal, replace the power mirror switch.
10. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the outside rearview mirror.

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

1. «Outside Rearview Mirror Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/mirrors/#mirror-system)
2. «Power Mirror Switch Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/mirrors/#mirror-system)
3. «Control Module References»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/communication-devices/#programming-and-setup-all-systems__control-module-references) for BCM replacement, programming, and setup.

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Removal Procedure

1. Remove the mirror face. Refer to «Outside Rearview Mirror Glass Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/mirrors/#mirror-system) .
2. Remove the mirror motor attaching screws.
3. Remove the mirror motor from the mirror housing disconnect the electrical connector.

Installation Procedure

1. Position the mirror motor to the mirror housing connector the electrical connector.
2. Install the mirror motor attaching screws and tighten to 3 N.m (27 lb in).
3. Install the mirror face. Refer to «Outside Rearview Mirror Glass Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/mirrors/#mirror-system) .

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

1. Determine the location of the mirror mounting base by marking the outside/inside of the windshield with a wax pencil where the base was previously located. If it is not clear where the base was located, use the following steps to determine where the base should be installed: Using a measuring tape, measure the distance between the windshield pillars at the windshield blackout line. Using a marking pencil, halfway between the windshield pillars, draw a centerline (1) on the windshield from the roof panel to the windshield base. Draw a perpendicular line intersecting the centerline (2) at that location. The bottom center of the mirror mounting base will be at the intersection of these lines.
2. Clean the inside windshield glass thoroughly to remove all old adhesive.
3. Clean mirror mounting base thoroughly to remove all of the old adhesive.
4. Using the Inside Mirror Adhesive Kit, or equivalent to apply a small amount of activator to the mounting surface of the mirror mounting base. Refer to «Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/mirrors/#mirror-system__adhesives-fluids-lubricants-and-sealers) .
5. Apply a small amount of activator to the windshield where the mounting base is to be installed.
6. Allow the activator to dry 5 minutes.
7. Apply 1 drop of adhesive to the center of the mirror mounting base.
8. Immediately apply the mounting base to the windshield, ensuring that the mounting base aligns correctly to the marks made on the outside of the windshield.
9. Hold the mounting base firmly in place for 1 minute.
10. Allow the adhesive to set for 15 minutes before installing the rearview mirror.
11. Clean the wax pencil lines from the exterior surface of the glass.
12. Install the mirror to the mirror mounting base. Refer to «Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/vii-2008-2012/remont/mirrors/#mirror-system) .

Inside Rearview Mirror with the Automatic Day-Night Feature System Components

The inside rearview mirror with the automatic day-night feature system consist of the following components

1. Inside rearview mirror
2. Ambient air temperature sensor

Power and Ground of the Inside Rearview Mirror

1. With the ignition ON, ignition voltage is supplied to the mirror from the POWER MIRRORS fuse in the body control module (BCM).
2. Ground for the mirror is provided by G401.

Inside Rearview Mirror with the Automatic Day-Night Feature System Operation

The inside rearview mirror uses 2 photocell sensors. One sensor is the headlight sensor, located on the rear side of the mirror. The headlight sensor is used to determine light conditions present at the mirror face. The other sensor is the ambient light sensor, located on the front of the mirror or windshield side. The ambient light sensor is used to determine light conditions present at the mirror. With automatic day-night feature enabled, the mirror uses ambient light sensor to determine the exterior light condition. With a low light condition detected, and a high light condition from behind at the headlight sensor, the inside rearview mirror will automatically darken the face of the mirror.

In the daytime, the mirror is in a normal state because of the high light condition that is indicated by the ambient light sensor. With the gear selector lever in the REVERSE position, backup lamp supply voltage is supplied as an input to the inside rearview mirror. In night time conditions only, the mirror monitors this input to disable the automatic day-night feature which allows the face to gradually change to a normal state. This allows the driver to see objects in the mirror clearly when backing up.

Compass

The mirror uses two magnetic field sensors for compass direction. One sensor is for north and south, the other is for east and west. The mirror supplies a signal and low reference to each sensor. As the vehicle travels with or against the earth's magnetic pull, there will be a change in voltage on one or both sensors. As a result of the change in voltage, the mirror changes the heading on the compass display.

Temperature Display

The inside rearview mirror monitors the ambient air temperature sensor. As the outside air temperature gets warmer, the ambient air temperature sensor will lower resistance. The inside rearview mirror monitors this change and will show this as a warmer temperature on the display. Temperatures exceeding 62°C (143°F) will be out of the mirror's temperature range and SC will be shown on the temperature display. In colder outside air temperatures, the ambient air temperature sensor will raise in resistance. The inside rearview mirror will show a colder temperature on the display. Temperatures lower than -40°C (-40°F) will be out of the mirror's temperature range and OC will be shown on the temperature display. In cold temperatures such as 3°C (37°F) or below, the temperature display will show ICE when the ignition is first turned on. The display will toggle between ICE and the actual outside temperature until the temperature update process is complete.

Temperature Display Update Process

The inside rearview mirror has a temperature program that takes in account the fact that the radiator will heat the ambient air temperature sensor if the radiator is warm and the vehicle is not moving. If the vehicle has been OFF for more than 2 hours, the mirror temperature program assumes that the radiator has cooled and that the temperature supplied by the ambient air temperature sensor is accurate. Because of this, if the vehicle has been OFF for more than 2 hours, the mirror displays the temperature as reported by the ambient air temperature sensor. When the ambient air temperature sensor reports a new temperature to the mirror, one of the following cases will apply

1. Ignition is OFF for more than 2 hours, then is turned on for more than 3 minutes. The outside temperature is greater than the last temperature recorded by the mirror for 2 minutes. The mirror will increase the last temperature reading by one degree every 2 minutes for 8 consecutive times. If the outside temperature is not matched after the 8th update, the mirror will then display the current outside temperature.
2. Ignition is OFF for more than 2 hours, then is turned on for less than 3 minutes. The mirror will update the temperature display every 2 seconds.
3. Ignition is OFF for more than 2 hours, then is turned on for more than 3 minutes. The outside temperature is less than the last temperature recorded by the mirror. The mirror will then display the current outside temperature.
4. Ignition has been OFF for less than 2 hours. The outside temperature is greater than the last temperature recorded by the mirror, but the ignition is cycled from ON to OFF within 2 minutes. The mirror will display the old temperature.
5. Ignition has been OFF for less than 2 hours. The outside temperature is less than the last temperature recorded by the mirror. The mirror will then display the current outside temperature.

Switches of the Inside Rearview Mirror with the Automatic Day-Night Feature, Compass/Temperature Display without OnStar®

The inside rearview mirror has two switches that perform the following functions

1. The TEMP switch is used to turn the compass/temperature display ON or OFF. It is also used to enable or disable the automatic day-night feature of the mirror. With the ignition in the ON position, depress the TEMP switch to enable the compass/temperature display. Depress the TEMP switch again to disable the compass/temperature display. The TEMP switch can be held for 4 seconds in order to change the display from Fahrenheit (°F) to Celsius (°C), or from Celsius (°C) to Fahrenheit (°F). Depress the TEMP switch until the green indicator illuminates on the mirror. This indicates that the automatic day-night feature is enabled. To disable the automatic day-night feature of the mirror, depress the TEMP switch until the green indicator turns OFF.
2. The COMP switch is used to turn the compass/temperature display ON or OFF. With the ignition in the ON position, depress the COMP switch to turn the compass/temperature display on. Depress the COMP switch again to turn the compass/temperature display off. The COMP switch is also used to place the compass into a calibration or zone mode. For more information, refer to the owners manual.

Switches of the Inside Rearview Mirror with the Automatic Day-Night Feature, Compass/Temperature Display with OnStar®

The inside rearview mirror has four switches that perform the following functions

1. The on/off switch located at the left side of the mirror performs the following functions: To enable or disable the automatic day-night feature of the mirror. With the ignition in the ON position, depress and hold the on/off switch for 6 seconds to enable the automatic day-night feature of the mirror. A green indicator will illuminate on the mirror when the automatic day-night feature is enabled. To disable the automatic day-night feature of the mirror, depress and hold the on/off switch for 6 seconds. To turn the compass/temperature display on and off. With the ignition in the ON position, depress the on/off switch to turn the compass/temperature display on. Depress the on/off switch again to turn the compass/temperature display off. The on/off switch can be held for 4 seconds in order to change the display from Fahrenheit (°F) to Celsius (°C), or from Celsius (°C) to Fahrenheit (°F). The on/off switch is also used to place the compass into a calibration or zone mode. For more information, refer to the owners manual.
2. The three switches on the right side of the mirror are for OnStar® operation. For more information, refer to the owners manual.

The power mirror system consists of the following components

1. Body control module (BCM)
2. Outside rearview mirror switch
3. Mirror selector switch
4. Left outside rearview mirror
5. Right outside rearview mirror
6. PWR MIRROR 2-amp fuse

Each of the outside rearview mirrors contains 2 motors. The vertical motor operates the mirror in the up and down directions, and the horizontal motor operates the mirror in the left and right directions. Each of the outside rearview mirror motors are circuit breaker protected.

The outside rearview mirror switch is a 4 position directional switch: Up, Down, Left and Right.

The mirror select switch is a 3 position switch: L, Off and R.

The outside rearview mirror switch receives power through the battery positive voltage circuit from the PWR MIRROR 2-amp fuse. The power mirror switch also receives a constant ground.

The 4 positions of the direction switch have dual switch contacts. Each of the contacts are connected to opposing sides of the appropriate power mirror motors through the selector switch. The selector switch completes these circuits depending on the position of the selector switch, L or R.

If the selector switch is placed in the L position and the up switch is depressed, battery positive voltage will be supplied to the left outside rearview mirror vertical motor through the left mirror motor down control circuit and ground through the left mirror motor left control circuit. If the down switch is depressed, battery positive voltage will be supplied to the left outside rearview mirror vertical motor through the left mirror motor left control circuit and ground through the left mirror motor down control circuit.

The remainder of the mirror functions operate in the same manner as described above. Placing the power mirror switch in opposing positions, left/right or up/down, will reverse the polarity to the mirror motor.

Heated Mirrors

Battery positive voltage is supplied through the RBEC BATT1 60-amp fuse in the underhood electrical center to the rear defog relay. With the ignition in the ON position, voltage is supplied to the rear defog relay coil when the rear window defogger switch is activated. This energizes the rear window defogger relay and allows battery positive voltage to the HTD MIRROR 10-amp fuse. The HTD MIRROR fuse provides battery positive voltage to the heated mirrors.

See also:
• Checking Aftermarket Accessories
• Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
• Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle
• Strategy Based Diagnosis
• Diagnostic Procedure Instructions
• Component Connector End Views
• Circuit Testing
• Connector Repairs
• Wiring Repairs
• Control Module References
• Rear Window Defogger Malfunction (RPO C60)
• Diagnostic Repair Verification
• Backup Lamps Malfunction
• Front Side Door Trim Panel Replacement
• Fastener Caution
• Glass and Sheet Metal Handling Warning
• Outside Mirror Description and Operation
• Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers