2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission heated mirror won't heat

[dresslered]

Just noticed this morning on my way into work that the passenger side mirror wouldn't heat when I hit the defroster (driver's side cleared instantly). I haven't had a chance to look at the shop manual but was wondering if anyone else has had this problem and what the cure was. I would imagine that it is a simple circuit and it is probably just a connection problem or fuse? Thanks in advance.

 

[JR2]

Well it just so happens that I had that problem with both of my mirors. One went out last spring and then one this fall. When I looked in the service manual I found lots of info about checking fuses and relays and such, but the fuses and relays do not exist in the fuse box or under the hook in the PDC. So I decided to bite the bullet and go to the dealer. The service writer told me all the fuses and relays are in the AC control module in your dash and they are not serviceable. I ended up with two new mirrors (complete meaning the entire unit black plastic housing etc) and all is better. The service manager (who is very good and a nice guy) told me that if one is not working the heater grid is out, if both stop at the same time then its the controler.



Hope that helps.



John aka JR2

 

[dresslered]

Thanks for the info, John. I can't imagine that a heater grid actually wears out but I do use them quite a bit. I've been meaning to get a couple of spare mirrors since my wife's Durango has the same. I think that I should first see if I am getting voltage to them and then attempt to repair.

 

[Dane]

Hey David! I'd try and get some spares from a wrecking yard to save some $$$ if possible. Maybe someone around here knows what a good mirror heater wire ohms value is so you can check for good ones in the yard with a meter?



Did you you install those injectors or box yet? I wanna go for a test ride!

 

[dresslered]

Hey Dane-



I'm still a virgin when it comes to injectors and/or box. I'm guessing that the resistance would be anywhere from 10-100 ohms (still haven't checked my shop manual) but a bad one would probably just read as an open. I now have a new thought: awhile back I saw a thread for converting to the '03 towing mirrors which are both electric and heated (features that I won't give up). This would be cool for seeing around my camper rather than the little fisheye lenses that I am currently using. Now I just have to find the thread and a reasonable price for the new mirrors.



How tall is your truck now?

 

[Dane]

David,

Right now I'm playing tag with Skyjacker customer service trying to get all the corrects parts. Should be 2. 5" taller and level with a Cadillac ride when all is done.



I say go for the 03s. I have the extensions from Genos which allow me to see around the cabover, but the vibration makes it all a blur. Having heated and movable tow mirrors whould be great if you can get em.

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Originally posted by dresslered

Just noticed this morning on my way into work that the passenger side mirror wouldn't heat when I hit the defroster (driver's side cleared instantly).

David, just be grateful you don't really have a good reason to use them in the People's Republic of California. So your neighbors collectively get some more time to recognise their CTD wakeup-call during these cold and frosty California mornings :{



Interim solution perhaps? Borrow the wife's hairdryer and plug it into an extension cord to thaw out that passenger mirror!

Hmmmm. it's 12 days into your alcohol-based Advent Calendar, could that be a factor, I wonder?..... :--)



Did you see the last issue of the TDR magazine (Earthroamer article) and the new mirrors - perhaps if the magazine was accidentally left open at the appropriate page at home, Santa might come through for you ?

 

[dresslered]

John, do you suggest I run the extension cord for my entire commute? I've had some other goofy ideas suggested (names withheld) such as a "piddle pack/pump" and such to correct the problem.



The problem does not occur when my Ram is snug in its garage, but when I start my 2000ft climb over the moisture packed rain forrest that obstructs my commute. Like clockwork, both mirrors fog up every morning. So coming from the other side of the pond, have a good day!

 

[RustyJC]

Ummmm... . drop me a PM if you need some power adjustable, heated mirrors from a 2002. I replaced mine with PowerVisions at about 2000 miles and have the factory mirrors out in the garage.



Rusty

 

[dresslered]

Solved! Thanks Rusty.