Blurry Side View Mirror

slamkeys · October 20, 2008

I noticed last week that my side mirror looks blurry. The movable mirror piece appears to be protruding beyond the housing a bit more than the passenger side mirror, but it still moves fine with the interior mirror controller. I did see something coming out from the bottom of the mirror, which looked like grease, and the plastic surround may have a small melted spot on the bottom where the greasy drip spot is.

The mirrors on my Yukon have the auto-dimming functionality (they change color at night), but I don't know if that has anything to do with the blurring.

Has anyone had this problem?

DofD · October 20, 2008

Are your mirrors heated? It may be that the heating element has malfunctioned and has damaged the back of the mirror causing the distortions.

Zembonez · October 20, 2008

The mirror on the driver's side will always be at a different angle than the other side so that you can see out of it. This is probably why is appears to stick out further.

As far as a blurry image, I'd find a vehicle like yours and sneak a peek at theirs. If it's not the same, a dealer trip might be in order. Mine are clear on both sides.

BlackSilver · October 20, 2008

Has anyone had this problem?

Sometimes, after a party, or when the old lady leans over the console in my direction.......

mcobb2 · October 20, 2008

My sub shakes the sh*t outta mine the whole time so I don't really know... all the mirrors look blurry in fact...

slamkeys · October 21, 2008

Are your mirrors heated? It may be that the heating element has malfunctioned and has damaged the back of the mirror causing the distortions.

They are heated, but I don't use the defroster here in Houston - it's always hot! I looked at the mirror tonight on the way home from work, before the sun went down, and it looked OK. When it got darker and the mirror color changed to the 'chromatic' color , then it looked blurry. The passenger mirror looks clear as can be.

How do the chromatic mirrors work?

minibike132 · October 21, 2008

Are your mirrors heated? It may be that the heating element has malfunctioned and has damaged the back of the mirror causing the distortions.

They are heated, but I don't use the defroster here in Houston - it's always hot! I looked at the mirror tonight on the way home from work, before the sun went down, and it looked OK. When it got darker and the mirror color changed to the 'chromatic' color , then it looked blurry. The passenger mirror looks clear as can be.

How do the chromatic mirrors work?

How do they work? Magic? There is a photo cell in your interior mirror, different light conditions change the resistance in the cell. A voltage is applied to the cell circuit and the varying resistance changes the output voltage. That voltage is applied to a fluid in all of the mirrors that changes from transparent to semi-transparent in response to minor voltage changes to make the mirror image appear to dim.

Usually if the mirror is cloudy it is because of a problem with the fluid, I don't know what that problem is, all I know is if you replace the mirror glass you should take care of your problem.

slamkeys · October 30, 2008

Usually if the mirror is cloudy it is because of a problem with the fluid, I don't know what that problem is, all I know is if you replace the mirror glass you should take care of your problem.

That makes sense - I saw some kind of greasy fluid drip at the bottom of the mirror; it wasn't much, but could be an indication of a leak. How can I remove the mirror? Do I have to remove the entire housing to get the mirror out?

BTW - how can I get email notifications for this forum? I couldn't find a way to set that up on my profile page.

txab · October 31, 2008

BTW - how can I get email notifications for this forum? I couldn't find a way to set that up on my profile page.

Click on "options" button on the right-side, title bar of your opening post. You can then select to track this thread with notifications. Also go to "My Controls" at the top of the page. Then look for options to set there as well.