Answer
Sep 13, 2025 - 06:42 PM
If your power mirrors and defroster aren't working but fuses check out, and it's been sitting for a while, here's where I'd start digging:
- Mirror Control Relay — There's a relay under the dash or near the junction block that controls the mirrors and sometimes shares power with the defroster circuit. If it's stuck or corroded from sitting, it could block both features. Try swapping it with another same-type relay as a quick test.
- Mirror/Defroster Switches — Sitting for years? The switches could have corroded contacts or dead internals. Pull 'em and check for continuity or give 'em a quick spray with contact cleaner.
- Ground Connections — Look behind the kick panel and under the dash for loose or corroded grounds — especially the ones tied to the power accessories. Clean and tighten any sketchy-looking grounds.
- Wiring Connectors — Rodents love chewing on wires when cars sit. Look at the harness running to the driver’s door (where mirror controls live) and check connectors under the dash for corrosion or damage.
- Accessory Relay / ACC Power Circuit — If your radio also isn’t working, it’s likely tied to the Accessory (ACC) relay or circuit. That’d point to a shared power feed issue, not separate component failures. Trace power from the ignition switch — it might not be sending power to the accessory system.
If you want to save yourself from endless guesswork, this manual goes deep into the wiring diagrams and fuse/relay locations. It'll show you how these circuits are tied together, so you can pinpoint where the power drops off.
