Exterior Mirror Glass And Motor Replacement (98-9-14)

Publication date: 2003-11-24
Reference number: 98-9-14
Supersedes refnos: 03-23-2

EXTERIOR MIRROR GLASS AND MOTOR REPLACEMENT

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 03-23-2, Date of Issue: November 24, 2003

FORD:	1994-2004 MUSTANG; 1998-2004 CROWN VICTORIA, TAURUS; 2000-2002 ESCORT; 2000-2003 ESCORT ZX2; 2000-2004 FOCUS; 2002-2003 THUNDERBIRD; 1997-2004 EXPEDITION; 2000-2003 EXPLORER SPORT; 2000-2004 EXCURSION, F SUPER DUTY; 2001-2003 WINDSTAR; 2001-2004 ESCAPE, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, RANGER; 2002-2004 EXPLORER; 2003-2004 E SERIES; 2004 FREESTAR; 1997-2004 F SERIES
LINCOLN:	1994-2002 CONTINENTAL; 1998-2004 TOWN CAR; 2000-2004 LS; 1998-2004 NAVIGATOR; 2002-2003 BLACKWOOD; 2003-2004 AVIATOR
MERCURY:	1998-2004 GRAND MARQUIS, SABLE; 1999-2002 COUGAR; 1998-2002 VILLAGER; 2002-2004 MOUNTAINEER; 2004 MONTEREY

Superceded Bulletin(s): 98-9-14, Date of Issue: May 11, 1998

NOTE: This article supersedes TSB 98-9-14 to update the vehicle lines, model years and service procedures.

DESCRIPTION

BODY - MIRROR - EXTERIOR MIRROR GLASS AND MOTOR REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIPS

ISSUE

When servicing an exterior mirror, service kits are available which enable repairs without replacement of the entire mirror assembly.

ACTION

Prior to replacing an entire exterior mirror assembly, examine the mirror closely and determine if repairs can be made utilizing a service kit or other serviceable components such as mirror glass, mirror motors, bulbs, etc. Determine also whether the mirror's complaint condition may be the result of an impact or add-on accessory, as repairs for these reasons may not be covered under warranty. Diagnose the condition using the Workshop Manual. Refer to the following Service Procedure.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

CAUTION: ALWAYS USE GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES WHEN WORKING WITH GLASS.

Inspect the mirror for signs of an impact or damage due to add-on accessory, using the following guidelines as an aid.

The mirror plastic housing is very robust and can withstand moderate to severe impacts and remain intact. The glass, ball studs, and/or backing plate could still be broken or damaged. Inspect the housing for scuffs, scrapes, paint residue, and/or cracks, which are signs of an impact.
Broken or missing glass is most often caused by impacts. Some heated glass can be susceptible to cracks due to overheating caused by high resistance or shorts in the heating element or wiring.
Loose or misaligned mirrors are often caused by bent or deformed mounting studs due to an impact. In some cases, loose mirrors are due to weakly torqued mounting nuts that can be re-torqued without replacing the mirror.
Mirror vibration is rarely due to the mirror and is most often due to some other driveline problem. Determine the root cause of the vibration and eliminate it first. The addition of front air deflectors can cause vibration which can easily be verified by road testing the vehicle without the deflector.
Scrapes and scratches to the glass or housing can be caused by installation of add-on accessories such as spotter mirrors, antennas, trailer tow mirrors, etc. and are not covered by warranty.
Diagnose and repair the condition using section 501-00 of the appropriate model year Workshop Manual. Utilize service parts such as mirror glass and mirror motors listed in this TSB whenever possible to make the repair.

NOTE: FOR MODEL YEARS OR VEHICLES NOT INCLUDED ON THIS LIST, PLEASE REFERENCE THE MOST RECENT PARTS CATALOG.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage.

Fig 1: Parts Information Table - Part 1 Of 4

Fig 2: Parts Information Table - Part 2 Of 4

Fig 3: Parts Information Table - Part 3 Of 4

Fig 4: Parts Information Table - Part 4 Of 4