Leaking mirror!

[blackflash]

My auto-dim rear view mirror has sprung a leak! The photo-sensitive liquid has dripped out onto the gear lever (spotted it in time so no damage and as it is a very thin layer there is not more than a few drops to deal with).

I take it the mirror is beyond repair and will need replacing and am about to get a quote for doing so. But if anyone has experienced this and knows how to sort it with sellotape and fairy dust then let me know... I will of course update you all on the quote I get.

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HA Fox in Nottingham have quoted for the rear view mirror. Whilst I was not surprised that the mirror itself is £170 inc VAT, it was a pleasant surprise that the labour would only be another £33. I know that's probbly because it's a simple job but I half-expected to trip over some sort of minimum charge clause...

Correspondence closed, I guess.

[Brakebuster]

get one from ebay m8, thare are plenty available, all around the £60 mark

fitting can be a little tricky , but can be done if you take your time,

hope this helps

BB

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get one from ebay m8
BB

Yeah, good suggestion. I did see one on ebay but (a) I wasn't sure about fitting it and (b) the ad is loaded with warnings to check your wiring is the right layout/number of wires. I didn't want to get landed with a mirror which either was the wrong one or I needed a special tool to fit it, hence taking the easy option.

I'll have another look first though.

In same situation with driver's door control panel which main dealer is saying is a while-you-wait job too but even with the chassis number they are not sure which of two panels it is so I've had to send them a photo.

[Brakebuster]

the main precaution is that you dont 'pull' the mirror off the screen mounted base,
this WILL break the glass beyond repair

the mirror detaches by sliding it on the screen mounted bracket,

as for wires, take out your overhead console, and see what you have got, they are either yellow or white plugs, the white plug is for the auto wiper screen sensor version

BB

[blackflash]

Cheers, BB, that's really helpful.

I didn't even realise I had an overhead console - which must sound daft to people who know their way around the car. Is that the bit with all the interior light switches etc? Is it easy to get to the wiring?

I have seen two mirrors on eBay, one from jojags with little info and one from someone else who raises the point about wiring compatibility. I have the auto-headlamps so I need to ensure I get this right.

The jojags one has a rain detector which apparently drives the wipers but otherwise is the same. Would I need anything else at the wiper end to add this feature to my car or would having the extra detector be all I need.

Apologies if any of these questions are daft... and thanks for your patience.

[Brakebuster]

yup, the overhead console is the part with the courtesy lights in, its really easy to remove,

drop down the sunglasses holder and get out a 2pence coin , then turn the fixing half way round and the console will drop out, be careful it doesn't drop too far and break anything,

the wiring connector can then be seen up inside the roof section , but i will lay odds on it being a yellow plug

as to the retro fitting of the auto wash/wipe sensor, i have been told all you need do is fit the mirror with the sensor, and the wiper arm with the auto setting , but they are hard to find,

BB

[blackflash]

Just thought I'd close this off by letting you know that I bought a new photochromic mirror from eBay from a liquidation stock guy who at last look had two more left. He might be a generalist but he gave an excellent description of how to check your car would be right for what he was/is selling.

Removing old mirror required gentle grunt and patience but after a couple of minutes of gentle turning left to right it gave in and came off cleanly. Installing new one took two minutes max including wiring, console re-fit etc.

Job done, happy bunny. Thanks to BB for advice.

[ColinE]

Hi Guys
Have I not read some where that you can sent the mirrors back to the manufacture in the States for a free replacement as I understand these mirrors have a for lifelong guarantee, check out Jag-loves .org.

Colin

[joejag308]

All the information re spurious dealings for parts that are either non Jaguar or other makes from abroad, i wish you all well in your searches as we know the cost of the real thing.
But please when recommending these sites ect, please make sure you yourself have actually done the deed or have proof of the transactions before recommending the item to the BB........we cant be held responsible for any information given out by members to other members.
If in doubt check then check again before you actually commit your hard earned cash to these sites.
There is a scheme called Heritage Parts done by Jaguar dealers that will guarantee the parts you need are ok and in some cases using your JEC membership can get good discounts,a replacement or faulty Heritage part is also guaranteed for fitment costs if the parts are proven to be genuinely faulty..........be careful.........Joe

[ColinE]

Hi Joejag.
If I read your post correct, it appears you think I am recommending the site, what I was saying, is some of the guys on the forum have written on the site what they have done about the mirrors, its nothing to do with the site its self, just information from some site members to other members.
Why buy new when they can be replaced free of charge.
I understand these are om parts Not after market parts.

[joejag308]

Colin no personal jibes at anyone or any specific dealings really, im just generalising on behalf of the forum..........but we do always ask if any info on any subject involving making purchases related to information given on any problems on the BB, please make sure of the details.
Any personal experiences of service and cheaper parts and labour you have personally had, are the items we do need for members on the BB.
Joe

[BrianG]

Hello folks,

DON'T mess about with dubious stuff on E-bay! As someone who has replaced his mirror about a year ago FREE, I would recommend going directly to the people that make these mirrors in the USA, Magna Donnelly.

As I say, I got one absolutley free, after following a thread on the Jag-Lovers site. Unfortunatley it now appears that MD stopped providing totally free mirrors - including shipping - but I understand they will send you a new one for $50 - that's only £25!!!

All you had to do originally was send them an email with your car VIN details plus digital photos of the mirror front, back, fixing bracket and the wiring connector, to ensure you got the right model. After that it comes by Fedex in a couple of days. I suggest you check with Jag-Lovers site and see the latest contact info and terms that MD want - at least you will get the mirror right first time.