Power mirror switches

[Astrodokk]

Both switches on my 1992 300LE do not work. They've been tested and now I need two new ones. The ones I have are a 5 connector "ik" brand made in Holland.
Where can I find replacements? I may not need the exact duplicate but at least something that will work to control the Ramcos I have.

[bkahler]

I did some research several years ago comparing the Ramco mirror controls to the Velvac controls and determined they were the basically the same. I ended up buying this Velvac mirror switch. I've tested it with my Ramco mirrors and it works fine.

I realize this switch likely won't fit in the same location as your two switches but it does give you an option if nothing else is available.

Brad

[Astrodokk]

I took them both apart and cleaned all the crud from the contacts.
They still don't work. I think it may be electrical in nature.
I'll post photos but I was told that there are two positives connected to each switch.
The pics will show it soon.

[Astrodokk]

Here are the pics. There are 5 wires to each switch. The green, red, and brown/purple ones go with the same colors to the mirrors. The black and white ones are the ones the mechanic said both are positives! He would disconnect a wire and add his negative to a terminal and the mirrors would work.

I may just have to go to an automotive electrical guy to fix this, as I don't know crap about auto electric wiring. Maybe someone here can recognize the problem before I do.

[masseyfarm]

For electrical problem contacts, before you throw it away, try soaking in baking soda overnight, and then rinse and blow dry. If possible, then apply some dielectric grease to the contact section.

Dave

[Astrodokk]

Thanks, I will try that.
Does anyone see a problem with the way the black and white wires are wired together?

[bobmiller1]

Oddly enough Airstream usually uses white as ground and black as a hot as if it was AC wiring in a house. I would check to see where the mirror black and white wires come from and you will probably find your problem. Regards, Bob

[Astrodokk]

Thank you.

I traced the two wires (black and white) as far as I could, and ended up finding that the black ones are mated to a large diameter yellow wire, and the white ones are mated to a small black wire. Further back is impossible since they are wrapped in a harness.

So I'll bet that if I test those two originating wires, they'll both be positive as the mechanic described. I may try disconnecting one or the other and see if the mirrors work that way.

[bobmiller1]

I would use a test light and inspect both inputs where the yellow butt connectors are to check for either power or ground....my guess is that you have power but no ground and that your switches are OK. Regards, Bob

[Astrodokk]

If that's the case, how would I wire it correctly?

I'm guessing here, but if power is black (hence large yellow wire), then I should wire the white ones to ground...would that be right?

Would it be to a ground wire or to metal ground?

[bobmiller1]

That is correct...if you test that smal lblack ground wire that the two white wires are connected to I bet you will see that you have lost your ground. I would cut the two white wires and ground them one at a time and test the mirrors individually. If your mirrors then work, I would find a suitable metal ground under the dash and you should be all set. Regards, Bob

[Astrodokk]

Bob, you so much!
I cut the white wires from that single flimsy black one and wired to a confirmed ground outside the dash. The mirrors work perfectly!!!
I'm wondering why it didn't ground from where it was soldered to...a large black wire with three others soldered to it. I tried connecting to it to test ground and the mirrors did not work with that. Maybe dirty or corroded. I'll clean it off with electrical cleaner spray and see if I can connect back to that site, because I don't see a good ground point behind the dash.
Thanks again!