Defrost Side View Mirrors

[JJM#RD]

I have a 2002 VW Beetle 1.8 turbo, the manual says that I have heated side view mirrors. I see the control for the side view mirrors and it works in moving the mirrors to proper position. I was wanting to know how your turn on the defroster for the side view mirrors. Their is a indicator in mid position that indicates heater, but do I push, pull or what? I appreciate your help. Thanks. JJM

[Billsbug]

Why, is it snowing there right now?

U just move it to the defroster position and it automatically starts. DON'T leave it in that position if not in use, it will burn out.

[JJM#RD]

Boy that sounds odd! Maybe I am not thinking like a Engineer, but one would think that if the switch is in a particular position, whether it be left mirror, right mirror or defrost, that it would take a push up, down, in, or out as it does for the mirrors to operate, why would they not have the defroster not require a push left, right or up down.

The rear window defroster requires that it be activated to work.

If I am wrong, I would appreciate knowing their LOGIC for the way it operates. Any ideas? Thanks John

[Billsbug]

It's a VW thing.

[Grover]

They changed it on the 06 models. The mirrors turn on with the rear window defroster now. The little heat icon on the mirror control is not there either. It is just kind of an off position now.

[GatorBeetle]

Logic?? We don't need no stinkin' logic!!

[HudsonValleyVDub]

I replaced my power mirror switch and checked the fuse and I still have no heated mirrors. Any suggestions? BTW, yes I have heated mirrors and yes I used the correct replacement switch. Thanks

[Grover]

Originally Posted by HudsonValleyVDub

I replaced my power mirror switch and checked the fuse and I still have no heated mirrors. Any suggestions? BTW, yes I have heated mirrors and yes I used the correct replacement switch. Thanks

The element in the mirrors themselves are probably burnt out. You would need to replace the entire mirror or the heating element behind the glass(dont know if that is possible)

[HudsonValleyVDub]

Originally Posted by Grover

The element in the mirrors themselves are probably burnt out. You would need to replace the entire mirror or the heating element behind the glass(dont know if that is possible)

Is this a common problem with VWs? The fact that they stay on without being n a some sort of timer is Hyundai-ish to me.

[GatorBeetle]

Hyundai-ish...

Yes, it is common, mine are both burned out. They can be turned off, if you turn the switch to L or R...although, I have to admit, even the rear defroster on my Ford Escort would turn off when the window was defogged...but not my NB....

[HudsonValleyVDub]

Originally Posted by GatorBeetle

Hyundai-ish...

Yes, it is common, mine are both burned out. They can be turned off, if you turn the switch to L or R...although, I have to admit, even the rear defroster on my Ford Escort would turn off when the window was defogged...but not my NB....

Thanks. I guess I'll be calling the dealer I bought it from. It's a 2001 with 35k miles on it with a 60 day/ 3000 mile warranty so.....I'm sure it's covered. Only problem is.....it's a 1 1/2 hr drive from here! I still prefer the way all my Nissans heated mirrors work. They go on with the rear window defroster...which have a 15 minute timer in them! I think the new 06 Bugs do the same thing.

[Grover]

Originally Posted by HudsonValleyVDub

Thanks. I guess I'll be calling the dealer I bought it from. It's a 2001 with 35k miles on it with a 60 day/ 3000 mile warranty so.....I'm sure it's covered. Only problem is.....it's a 1 1/2 hr drive from here! I still prefer the way all my Nissans heated mirrors work. They go on with the rear window defroster...which have a 15 minute timer in them! I think the new 06 Bugs do the same thing.

Yep- VW finally got smart this year and that is how the 06 model mirrors work. They only turn on with the rear window defrost. YOu can leave the mirror switch in any position now....