Body - Exterior Mirror Glass/Motor Service Tips
Article No.03-23-2
11/24/03
BODY - MIRROR - EXTERIOR MIRROR GLASS AND
MOTOR REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIPS
FORD:
1994-2004 MUSTANG
1998-2004 CROWN VICTORIA, TAURUS
2000-2002 ESCORT
2000-2003 ESCORT ZX2
2000-2004 FOCUS
2002-2003 THUNDERBIRD
1997-2004 EXPEDITION
2000-2003 EXPLORER SPORT
2000-2004 EXCURSION, F SUPER DUTY
2001-2003 WINDSTAR
2001-2004 ESCAPE, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, RANGER
2002-2004 EXPLORER
2003-2004 E SERIES
2004 FREESTAR
1997-2004 F SERIES
LINCOLN:
1994-2002 CONTINENTAL
1998-2004 TOWN CAR
2000-2004 LS
1998-2004 NAVIGATOR
2002-2003 BLACKWOOD
2003-2004 AVIATOR
MERCURY:
1998-2004 GRAND MARQUIS, SABLE
1999-2002 COUGAR
1998-2002 VILLAGER
2002-2004 MOUNTAINEER
2004 MONTEREY
This article supersedes TSB 98-09-14 to update the vehicle lines, model years and service procedures.
ISSUE
When servicing an exterior mirror, service kits are available which enable repairs without replacement of the entire mirror assembly.
ACTION
Prior to replacing an. entire exterior mirror assembly, examine the mirror closely and determine if repairs can be made utilizing a service kit or other serviceable components such as mirror glass, mirror motors, bulbs, etc. Determine also whether the mirror's complaint condition may be the result of an impact or add-on accessory, as repairs for these reasons may not be covered under warranty. Diagnose the condition using the Workshop Manual. Refer to the following Service Procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
CAUTION
ALWAYS USE GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES WHEN WORKING WITH GLASS.
Inspect the mirror for signs of an impact or damage due to add-on accessory, using the following guidelines as an aid.
1. The mirror plastic housing is very robust and can withstand moderate to severe impacts and remain intact. The glass, ball studs, and/or backing plate could still be broken or damaged. Inspect the housing for scuffs, scrapes, paint residue, and/or cracks, which are signs of an impact.
2. Broken or missing glass is most often caused by impacts. Some heated glass can be susceptible to cracks due to overheating caused by high resistance or shorts in the heating element or wiring.
3. Loose or misaligned mirrors are often caused by bent or deformed mounting studs due to an impact. In some cases, loose mirrors are due to weakly torqued mounting nuts that can be re-torqued without replacing the mirror.
4. Mirror vibration is rarely due to the mirror and is most often due to some other driveline problem. Determine the root cause of the vibration and eliminate it first. The addition of front air deflectors can cause vibration which can easily be verified by road testing the vehicle without the deflector.
5. Scrapes and scratches to the glass or housing can be caused by installation of add-on accessories such as spotter mirrors, antennas, trailer tow mirrors, etc. and are not covered by warranty.
6. Diagnose and repair the condition using section 501-00 of the appropriate model year Workshop Manual. Utilize service parts such as mirror glass and mirror motors listed in this TSB whenever possible to make the repair.
NOTE
FOR MODEL YEARS OR VEHICLES NOT INCLUDED ON THIS LIST, PLEASE REFERENCE THE MOST RECENT PARTS CATALOG.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
SUPERSEDES: 98-09-14
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
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