2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 2nd Generation Kool Vue Power Mirror Installation Issue

[PBJ2500CTD]

I ordered a set of Kool Vue Power/Heated towing mirror for my 02 Ram 2500. Overall they seem to be a quality product, but when I finally got around to install them, the screws seem to be too short to attach the nuts to when using the support brackets supplied. The brackets are labelled L and R. I confirmed the correct part number from a couple of sites. Any ideas what silly thing I'm doing wrong?
Of course customer service shut down today at noon - Eastern Time... :{

Thanks!
[SIZE=+0][/SIZE]

 

[Silver Ratler]

Installed the same mirrors to my '01 about a month ago... . everything fit just fine. When I installed them I had to push firmly to get the first nut started, but had plenty of stud length.

 

[toms73novass]

I had the same experience as Silver Ratler on my 98. Just make sure that you are routing the electrical wire properly. If it gets in the the way it will not allow the mirror to get close enough to the door to start the nut, it will also cut the wires when tightened down.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

I had the same experience as Silver Ratler on my 98. Just make sure that you are routing the electrical wire properly. If it gets in the the way it will not allow the mirror to get close enough to the door to start the nut, it will also cut the wires when tightened down.

That was one of my first thoughts. I taped the wiring in the routing channel per the instructions. I verified everything several times to no avail. Driver's side went in without a hitch, other than the power mirror switch/stud clearance issue. A little hacking and filing resolved that issue. Thanks for the input.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Installed the same mirrors to my '01 about a month ago... . everything fit just fine. When I installed them I had to push firmly to get the first nut started, but had plenty of stud length.

Silver Ratler - Thanks for your input.

One of my sons came over yesterday afternoon and gave me hand. We huffed and puffed; pushed, pulled and twisted; checked the dictionary to see if we were using appropriate verbiage and adjectives... #@$%!... no darned good.

What we ended up doing was to pull one of the studs out of the mirror to see how many threads were holding it - about 13 to 14 turns. Pulled the remaining two studs then put them all in 7 or 8 turns. This gave barely enough threads to get the nuts started. Lightly tightened the nuts and it drew everything together very nicely. I removed the nuts, one at a time, and turned the studs in 3 0r 4 turns for a better grip and re-installed the nut.

The driver's side went in without a hitch... except for the power mirror switch... probably why the power option is not available from Dodge.
Everything works well. No difference noticed in vibration between the standard factory and Kool Vue mirrors, and a much improved view of where I've been.

I figure without the problems of the passenger side mounting issue and the driver's side power mirror switch hitting the stud, the job should have taken about an hour total to do both sides. I was able to re-use the door panel fasteners. They looked real ugly, but still held the panel on. I think I'll order some new ones anyway, but not from the dealer at $7. 39 each x 13 per door. I can get a 50 count bag for a $10. 99 plus shipping - Trim Panel Retainers

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I replaced the drivers side mirror on my '06 with a Kool Vue after my wife busted it up backing into our garage. The fit was perfect and the install was a snap, but it does vibrate more than the stock passenger side mirror.

 

[rolltideram]

I finally got these mirrors and after installing the drivers side, I found a problem that I can't remember hearing about. I bought the mirror switch off ebay and it will not work. My truck has a white plug with five prongs on one side and three or four prongs on the other. The switch I bought is black and takes four prongs on each side. Oh well found another for $25 and it should work. JC

 

[SRath]

Hey Bruce, Thanks for the lead on where to buy trim panel retainers. Do you have the part number for the correct ones to order from them? Mine are so shot they barely work and I have to take the door panels off again; probably a couple more times. The little assortment package at OReilly's only have a couple of the right ones per. Too expensive that way.



And do Dodge dealers actually sell any parts? I mean they charge such a ridiculous amount for everything that I cannot imagine anyone actually paying their prices and buying from them...

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Hey Bruce, Thanks for the lead on where to buy trim panel retainers. Do you have the part number for the correct ones to order from them? Mine are so shot they barely work and I have to take the door panels off again; probably a couple more times. The little assortment package at OReilly's only have a couple of the right ones per. Too expensive that way.

And do Dodge dealers actually sell any parts? I mean they charge such a ridiculous amount for everything that I cannot imagine anyone actually paying their prices and buying from them...

Scott,

Thanks for the reminder. We got so busy moving my son's family to their new house before the lovely wife & I went on a three week vacation, that I totally forgot to put them on order.
I just now placed an order for the A19213 clips that are supposed to be for the 94-up Dodges according to the catalog.
The local Dodge dealer couldn't "come up with a part number" and wanted me to bring one in so they could match it up. My inside source at the dealer said it was because they buy in bulk and as such, there are so many different ones they don't cross them to the Dodge numbers.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Received the door trim panel retainers today (#19213 for the '94 - up gen 2 Rams). That was some fast shipping. Ordered 2 boxes late on the 25th, shipped on the 26th, and received today, 28th.
Works great! They aren't "ya need sunglasses yellow" like the original ones were (they're white nylon), but who's gonna see them. The fit, finish and price are top notch.


Follow-up on the Kool-Vue mirrors:

Wish I would have installed them on my '02 years ago, as well as my previous 98. 5.
Installed them just before a three week vacation, and gave them a good workout; especially on the CA Hwy 49 hairpins between Mariposa and Columbia. That road reminded us of Nicky & Tacie (Desi & Lucy) in The Long, Long Trailer, passing only inches from mountainside to trailer on the narrow roadway, more like a goat path. Must have blinked when we passed the BIG yellow sign stating "... not recommended for vehicles with more than three axles. " Sure beats the ol' strap-on mirrors. There was some very limited vibration, barely noticeable with these old eyes. Well worth the invested $$ and time though.