Mirror Systems: Diagnosis Saturn Aura I

Diagnostic Starting Point - Mirrors

Begin the system diagnosis with the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle . The Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle will provide the following information

1. The identification of the control modules which command the system
2. The ability of the control modules to communicate through the serial data circuit
3. The identification of any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their status

The use of the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle will identify the correct procedure for diagnosing the system and where the procedure is located.

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»(ref-301517-S04233661632008101700000) .
2. Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.

Symptom List

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

1. «Power Mirrors Inoperative»(ref-301501-S25800565402008101700000)
2. «Automatic Day-Night Mirrors Inoperative»(ref-301501-S16529298652008101700000)
3. «Heated Mirrors Inoperative»(ref-301501-S40302292742008101700000)

Diagnostic Instructions

1. Perform the «Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle»(ref-301515-S32423278442008101700000) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
2. Review «Strategy Based Diagnosis»(ref-301515-S06578354042008101700000) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
3. «Diagnostic Procedure Instructions»(ref-301515-S28090839972008101700000) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Diagnostic Aids

The rear window defogger controls the heated outside rearview mirror.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the outside rearview mirror.
2. Test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit and ground. If greater than 1 ohm, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit and the ground circuit.
4. Ignition ON, turn ON the rear window defogger. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states. If the test lamp remains ON all the time, test for a short to voltage on the control circuit. If the test lamp remains OFF all the time, test for a short to ground or an open/high resistance on the control circuit.
5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the appropriate outside heated rearview mirror face.

Component Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the heated outside mirror.
2. Test for less than 10 ohms of resistance between the control terminal and the ground terminal of the heated outside mirror. If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the appropriate heated outside mirror face.

1. Perform the «Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle»(ref-301515-S32423278442008101700000) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
2. Review «Strategy Based Diagnosis»(ref-301515-S06578354042008101700000) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
3. «Diagnostic Procedure Instructions»(ref-301515-S28090839972008101700000) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

The automatic day-night feature of the inside rearview mirror may not operate properly or become inoperative due to a short to battery positive voltage in the backup lighting system.

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the rearview mirror terminals 9 and 13.
2. Test for less than 3 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit terminal 8 and ground. If greater than the specified value, test the ground circuit terminal 8 for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the voltage supply circuit terminal 9 and ground. If the test lamp does not illuminate, repair the voltage supply circuit terminal 9 for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
4. With the transmission in PARK, test for 0.5 volt between the backup lamp supply voltage circuit terminal 9 and ground. If the voltage is greater than 0.6 volt, test the backup lamp supply voltage circuit terminal 9 or a short to voltage.
5. With the transmission in REVERSE, test for battery voltage between the backup lamp supply voltage circuit terminal 9 and ground. If the voltage is less than specified voltage, test the backup lamp supply voltage circuit terminal 9 for an open/high resistance.
6. If all circuits test normal, replace the rearview mirror.

1. Perform the «Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle»(ref-301515-S32423278442008101700000) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
2. Review «Strategy Based Diagnosis»(ref-301515-S06578354042008101700000) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
3. «Diagnostic Procedure Instructions»(ref-301515-S28090839972008101700000) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

1. The mirror motors for each side use a common circuit to operate.
2. The mirror motors are bi-directional. When power and ground are reversed the motor will also reverse in direction.
3. The condition of inoperative power mirror can be caused by the following conditions: An open outside rearview mirror switch ground circuit An open driver mirror motor left control circuit-When the driver mirror motor left control circuit is open the driver mirror motor may seek an alternate circuit path through the passenger mirror motor. An open passenger mirror motor left control circuit-When the passenger mirror motor left control circuit is open the passenger mirror motor may seek an alternate circuit path through the driver mirror motor.

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the power mirror switch of the outside rearview mirror.
2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the voltage supply circuit and ground. If the test lamp does not illuminate, repair the voltage supply circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit and ground. If greater than 1 ohm, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
4. Test for 25-95 ohms of resistance between the control terminal and the ground terminal of each motor control circuit. If the resistance is not within the specified range, test the circuits for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the outside rearview mirror.
5. If all circuits test normal, replace the power mirror switch.

Outside Rearview/Power Mirror Switch Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the power mirror switch of the outside rearview mirror.
2. Test for infinite resistance between each signal terminal and the voltage supply terminal with the switch in the open position. If less than infinite resistance, replace the power mirror switch.
3. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between each signal terminal and the voltage supply terminal with the switch in the closed position. If greater than 2 ohms, replace the power mirror switch.

Outside Rearview Mirror Motor Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the outside rearview mirror.
2. Test for 25-95 ohms of resistance between the control terminal and the ground supply terminal of the individual left or right mirror motor. If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the appropriate mirror replacement.