Folding Mirrors

Kglenn · Nov 5, 2014

Has anyone found a Mod to get the power mirrors to automatically fold when locking the doors. Can't think of any reason why Toyota hasn't done this as standard! Opening the car door without wing mirrors can cost you a door to a passing car...

Is it possibly an option through tech stream? I think it would probably require a new type of switch though :/

Thanks, Karl

Leonard1818 · Nov 5, 2014

Power folding mirrors? What is this wizardry you speak of?

Veliksam · Nov 5, 2014

Power folding mirrors are a common feature throughout the rest of the world, it's only now catching up in the USA.

Anyways to answer the op's question, you can't get your regular manual folding mirrors to power fold because they lack an additional electric motor that is required for the folding. You'd need to buy new mirrors from Europe or Asia, also the switch as you mentioned, you'll also need to add new wiring from the mirrors to the switch.

Leonard1818 · Nov 6, 2014

Veliksam said:
Power folding mirrors are a common feature throughout the rest of the world, it's only now catching up in the USA.

LOL I know, I was just being silly.

In Japan, they've been around forever because (supposedly, I've never been there) parking spots can be so narrow and tight that it's required to have mirrors fold to be able to get between cars!

I don't see much of a use for them here in 'murica because everything is bigger! We have big enough parking spots that a simple manual folding mirror for use in a pinch is just fine. Now it's SUPER dumb when, say, a 2001 Grand AM mirror doesn't fold AT ALL but rather breaks off.... so let's keep with our happy medium. I don't want to pay even a little more for a "power" folding mirror that I'll never use.

I would think that if the vehicle is equipped with them it's just a matter of programming to get them to behave how you want.

JuneBug · Nov 5, 2014

Even though the original poster did not bother to fill out his profile page, he is indeed posting from the UK, where power folding mirrors are common.

Veliksam · Nov 5, 2014

Oh, ok. Then it should be much easier to get all the required parts.

Kglenn · Nov 6, 2014

Hi Guys,

Sorry about the confusion I didn't realise this wasn't a feature throughout the world.

I am from the UK (Sorry I never updated my profile I didn't realise I needed to) and I do already have power folding mirrors on the Rav, my problem is that they can only be folded from a switch inside the car. However the switch is a on/off style switch rather that a single state return switch.

Anyone from the UK tackled this problem? Or thought about tackling it?

Veliksam · Nov 6, 2014

Are you talking about auto folding with the ignition on/off? If so then that's easy. I'll look for a link for you for the part.

javadoo · Nov 6, 2014

You have power folding mirrors on your RAV?
I am jealous.

Shubukin · Nov 6, 2014

Powered folding side view mirrors, most European cars have them. Its practical, out here parking spaces are getting smaller.

I want one. Where can i get those?

Veliksam · Nov 6, 2014

Here is the kit required to make them auto fold: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=141420912087&alt=web
Just make sure it's ok for right hand steering position.

pico · Nov 6, 2014

Kglenn said:
Has anyone found a Mod to get the power mirrors to automatically fold when locking the doors. Can't think of any reason why Toyota hasn't done this as standard! Opening the car door without wing mirrors can cost you a door to a passing car...

I don't get it. Do you want them to fold in or fold out when locking the door(s)?

Veliksam · Nov 6, 2014

The device in the link I posted will fold the mirrors when car is locked and unfold when unlocked. I think that's what the op wants.

pico · Nov 6, 2014

OK. But with ignition position detected first.

JuneBug · Nov 6, 2014

I know someone who drives an Isuzu Trooper that has power folding mirrors. And it's a '96!

Iron Bender · Nov 8, 2014

Our 2005 Nissan Maxima has power folding mirrors. I never have seen the need for them. I'd rather it have heated mirrors.

Veliksam · Nov 6, 2014

I'm not sure, I didn't really read the whole description but I'm sure it can be wired to work either way by using a desired trigger (ignition or door unlock/lock)

Cat · Nov 8, 2014

Hmmmm..would still be a very nice feature to have..especially in tightly packed parking where some dingbat people forget to look before opening their doors ..wheeling out carts, etc... Would love to have the retract feature totally controlled by switch. I could retract just when needed. I've often wondered why it was never done, but does make sense for folks driving and parking in cities that are far older than US cities. There are some exceptions here though. I'm sure those folks know who they are.

Folding Mirrors

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