Power Fold mirrors -- how do they work?

[star-art]

OK, this may sound like a really stupid question to ask. I did look though and I could not find the answer -- even in the owner's manual.

My '17 XLT does not have power-fold mirrors but I want to add this option. I'm curious to know exactly how the power fold switch works. I know you first place the mirror switch in the "neutral" position, then pull back on the switch to fold the mirrors in.

My question is, once the mirrors have been folded, do you pull back on the switch again to "un-fold" them? Or, do you push forward on the switch to un-fold?

The factory wiring diagram is a bit confusing. There's one input line to the Driver Door Module for power-fold activation. The diagram appears to show the switch internally connects this input to +12V when you pull back on the knob (i.e. "up"). That makes sense. But, the diagram also appears to show that the switch internally connects this same input to ground if you push forward on the knob (i.e. "down"). That's why I was confused about the operation of the switch.

Thanks for your help and for putting up with such a seemingly silly question!

EDIT: The owner's manual does say to pull back to fold or un-fold. So I guess I answered my own question. Again, just wanting to confirm. . . Thanks!

 

[oldpaddy]

Yup. Pull back to close and open. I'm a big fan of the power windows. Makes parking better. I wish they auto folded.

 

[star-art]

Thank you!

 

[Gary Waugh]

As stated, you pull back on the switch to make them retract/fold-in and you pull back on the switch again to make them come out.. I also wish they automatically folded in when you locked the car, I use the feature every time I park the truck.

Gary

 

[RogerD1959]

I have not done this yet, but am considering it. With the FORScan app, a laptop, and a GOOD OBDII bluetooth interface, some have said this is possible via the BCM module. The F-150 allows for it in its electronic stuff, and I read some of the Expeditions can be programmed to, 2017 and up. When you look the doors with the remote they fold in, unlock they fold out.

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[JExpedition07]

I’m not sure if you can add the power fold mirrors if you don’t already have the heated/memory turn signal mirrors with the right harness. Unless it’s all the same one or this was an option on later XLTs? Originally it was only the upper trims. I’ve found my loaded up Eddie Bauer has a lot more to the wiring harnesses and a lot more Canbus involvement than my previous XLT. Lots of the options would have been a nightmare to add to my XLT...although you’ve always been good with this stuff so maybe. Would be cool if you get it to work.

 

[TXFRDOwner]

If you don’t have memory seats (i.e. a DSM) ..... You can still add power fold mirrors ... the old way with the powerfold relay.

That’s how I added PF mirrors to my 07 F-150 and Expedition


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[JExpedition07]

If you don’t have memory seats (i.e. a DSM) ..... You can still add power fold mirrors ... the old way with the powerfold relay.

That’s how I added PF mirrors to my 07 F-150 and Expedition


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What’s the difference in procedure if you DO have the Memory function seats/power pedals/heated&turn signal mirrors? My Eddie Bauer has all of the above except power-fold function.

 

[TXFRDOwner]

I’d start with confirming whether or not the wiring is already there

Mirror Switch Connector C527 - Pin 4 / wire color GY-BN, which goes to DSM - Connector C341C / Pin 18.

Then from DSM to LH Mirror:
C341C pin 1 (GN-VT) to C516 pin 16
C341C pin 2 (VT-BN) to C516 pin 7

Then from DSM to RH Mirror:
C341C pin 1 (GN-VT) to C622 pin 16
C341C pin 2 (VT-BN) to C622 pin 7










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[TXFRDOwner]

 

[TXFRDOwner]

I have not done this yet, but am considering it. With the FORScan app, a laptop, and a GOOD OBDII bluetooth interface, some have said this is possible via the BCM module. The F-150 allows for it in its electronic stuff, and I read some of the Expeditions can be programmed to, 2017 and up. When you look the doors with the remote they fold in, unlock they fold out.

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

I could be wrong but because Expeditions don't have Door Modules, that feature (Fold & unfold on on lock & unlock) can't be done in 07-17 year models.

However they do sell these Universal Auto Fold (Chinese) modules (for ~$10) that can be spliced in to achieve that goal.

 

[star-art]

All great info. Thanks guys!

With the FORScan app ... some have said this is possible via the BCM module ... and I read some of the Expeditions can be programmed to, 2017 and up. When you look the doors with the remote they fold in, unlock they fold out.

I really hope you are right! But, as the previous post stated, this is done at least in part via a "door module" in the F150 and we don't have those in our trucks. I'm pretty sure this only applies to 2015 and newer F150 trucks. Our 2015-17 Expeditions are based on the 2014 F150.

What’s the difference in procedure if you DO have the Memory function seats/power pedals/heated&turn signal mirrors? My Eddie Bauer has all of the above except power-fold function.

It's much easier to upgrade to power-fold if you have memory mirrors as this function is controlled by the Driver Seat Module (DSM). If you don't have one, you would need to control the folding function another way such as with an aftermarket module. You could also wire up the folding motors directly via a switch and install that on the dash somewhere. You'd have to push and hold the switch until the mirrors finished folding/unfolding. (The switch would need to be a DPDT momentary with center "off" position.)

However they do sell these Universal Auto Fold (Chinese) modules (for ~$10) that can be spliced in to achieve that goal.

I didn't know about those modules before. Thanks! The real trick is if you want the mirrors to fold automatically when you lock the truck with the keypad or remote (but not the interior door lock switch) or unfold automatically when you unlock the truck with the keypad or remote (but not the interior door lock switch). There doesn't seem to be any discrete output by any of the modules that could be used to control this feature. We are discussing that issue in this thread:

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/programming-mirrors.25322/

Also, where do you get those wonderful full-color wire diagrams? I have the printed manual and it's all B&W.

You know, with all the efforts by companies these days to consolidate things and save $$ it's rather strange that so many different mirrors came in our trucks. In 2015-17 you had:

• Power mirror with no frills
• Memory/heated/turn signal/puddle lamps mirror
• Memory/heated/turn signal/puddle lamps/power-fold/auto-dim mirror
• Memory/heated//turn signal/puddle lamps/power-fold/auto-dim + BLIS

In addition, they made several different plastic covers for the front of each mirror, to include textured black, painted-to-match the body color, and chrome!

 

[JExpedition07]

Yep, in 2007-2014 you had (with a few alterations and add ons over the model years listed at end)

XLT:
Standard- Black power mirrors plus security lamps

Eddie Bauer/Premium Edition:
Standard- Black power mirrors with Memory function, Heat function, and Turn signal function, plus security lamps.

Limited/King Ranch:
Standard- Body color (Limited) Chrome (King Ranch) Power mirrors with Memory function, Heat function, and Turn signal function, plus security lamps. Power Fold design.

From 2007 Brochure:
Mirrors — Power sideview with security approach lamps and fold-away design (includes heat, turn signals and memory on Eddie Bauer and Limited; power-folding on Limited)

From 2012 Brochure (Limited):
Body-color, power-adjustable/-folding, heated sideview mirrors with auto-dimming driver’s side, memory, blind spot mirrors, security approach lamps and integrated turn signal indicators

 

[JollyRoger]

Don't want to hijack this thread, but what would it take to replace my 2010 limited mirrors (Power mirrors with Memory function, Heat function, and Turn signal function, plus security lamps. Power Fold design) with the 2012 limited mirror that includes auto-dimming? Is the wiring harness different? Or is the auto-dimming feature local to the mirror and utilize power that the mirror may already have? Hope that made sense....

Thanks

 

[JExpedition07]

Don't want to hijack this thread, but what would it take to replace my 2010 limited mirrors (Power mirrors with Memory function, Heat function, and Turn signal function, plus security lamps. Power Fold design) with the 2012 limited mirror that includes auto-dimming? Is the wiring harness different? Or is the auto-dimming feature local to the mirror and utilize power that the mirror may already have? Hope that made sense....

Thanks

Only one way to find out....I would think the added auto dim feature in 2011 is localized to the mirror itself kind of like the auto-dimming rear view mirrors.

 

[JollyRoger]

Spent a few minutes researching and it appears that its utilizing the sensors on the interior mirror to figure out when to dim. So I'm betting the wiring harness to the drivers door was changed in 2011. Does appear to use the same connector, though. I'm not motivated enough to run new wire to get that feature. Oh well...I'll live.

 

[star-art]

Yes, the interior rearview mirror is auto-dim and it has an output that is fed to the driver's side mirror to dim that. This is a variable voltage signal ranging from a few millivolts to just under 1.5 volts. Assuming the connector at the driver's side mirror is the same you will be missing two pins for the auto-dim feed and return.

 

[The Wiped Cam]

Spent a few minutes researching and it appears that its utilizing the sensors on the interior mirror to figure out when to dim. So I'm betting the wiring harness to the drivers door was changed in 2011. Does appear to use the same connector, though. I'm not motivated enough to run new wire to get that feature. Oh well...I'll live.

Were you able to figure out for sure if the 2011 and up have the right wiring to run an auto dimming side mirror if the vehicle was already equipped with memory mirrors?

All great info. Thanks guys!


It's much easier to upgrade to power-fold if you have memory mirrors as this function is controlled by the Driver Seat Module (DSM). If you don't have one, you would need to control the folding function another way such as with an aftermarket module. You could also wire up the folding motors directly via a switch and install that on the dash somewhere. You'd have to push and hold the switch until the mirrors finished folding/unfolding. (The switch would need to be a DPDT momentary with center "off" position.)

If my 2011-up Expedition had memory mirrors, would the power fold installation only require mirrors from KR/Limited and the OEM power fold mirror switch? Thanks!


This is one interesting thread!

 

[JollyRoger]

.

 

[JollyRoger]

If my 2011-up Expedition had memory mirrors, would the power fold installation only require mirrors from KR/Limited and the OEM power fold mirror switch? Thanks!

I have no idea, but i'd start by figuring out if the wiring was there. That's detailed on page 1 of this thread although it looks like a considerable amount of things to take apart just to find out. There's a good chance...