System Operation - Exterior, Power Fold

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If the exterior mirrors are folded and unfolded several times consecutively, the power lockout feature disables the system for approximately 3-10 minutes to prevent damage to the power fold motors. After 3-10 minutes have elapsed, normal operation resumes.

NOTE: The power folding mirrors must be synchronized anytime the LH, RH or both power folding mirrors are folded or unfolded without using the power folding mirror control switch, or if a new power folding mirror has been installed. Refer to Power Mirrors Synchronization .

The power folding exterior mirror feature allows both power exterior rear view mirrors to be folded or unfolded using the exterior mirror fold switch (integral to the LH front door window control switch). The LH and RH power folding mirrors fold or unfold at the same time and cannot be controlled independently.

On vehicles equipped with areo mirrors, pushing the power fold button (there is no indicator light) activates the fold function with no additional action required. The power folding mirror mode must be deactivated before going to the LH or RH exterior mirror glass adjust mode. When a left or right mirror adjust mode is active, pressing the folding mirror switch overrides the mirror adjust mode and goes directly to folding mode.

On vehicles equipped with trailer tow mirrors, pushing the power fold mirror button while an LED is lit on the left or right side selection button changes from glass adjustment mode to fold mode. Pushing the left or right side selection button while the power fold button is lit (active) does not change the system to glass adjustment mode. The fold switch must be returned to neutral by pushing the power fold button to deactivate the folding mode or allowing it to time out. Pushing the fold button activates the LED indicator and the function. Pushing the directional control pad up or down initiates the fold function, which folds the mirrors from the deployed or stowed position to the opposite position. The direction (up or down) initiates the fold, but does not control the direction of the fold. The fold mode remains active until the fold button is pushed again to deactivate it or the system times out and returns to neutral.

The DDM monitors the ignition status messages from the BCM, with the GWM acting as a gateway, and when the ignition is on and a mirror fold is initiated, the DDM supplies voltage and ground to the LH exterior mirror folding motor(s) and sends the passenger mirror command message to the PDM. The PDM uses this message to supply voltage and ground to the RH exterior mirror folding motor(s). When the exterior mirror fold switch is utilized again, the DDM reverses the polarity of the voltage supplied to the LH exterior mirror folding motor(s) and sends the passenger mirror command message to the PDM, which reverses the polarity of the voltage supplied to the RH exterior mirror folding motor(s).

The aero power folding mirrors contain one power fold motor in the pivot. The trailer tow power folding mirrors contain two folding motors, one in each arm. The power folding mirror motors are not replaceable. If a power folding mirror motor is found to be inoperative, a new power folding exterior rear view mirror assembly must be installed.