S80 2001 Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror Repair How To (long)

vparedes60 · Post by **vparedes60** » 19 Feb 2013, 16:17

To Mr Vegas or to other people with expertise.

I don't know if this is the right way to contact you, but I just wanted to know a few things before replacing the mirror in my Volvo V70 2001 (automated dimming) Can I the take out the mirror from the spare part which is manual and swap it in my automatic dimming mirror? Is there any difference between those mirrors? Should I try to get the same one?

Please let me know. I am almost ready to move forward with your instructions, but I am not sure about this particular point.

Thanks in advance for your support in this matter

vparedes60 · Post by **vparedes60** » 20 Feb 2013, 09:05

ryanwong wrote:Hi vegas,

thanks for the very detailed instructions, it was very helpful indeed. in return, i thought i would contribute my experience with changing the rear view mirror on the family S80.

1. tip! you do not need to remove the whole mirror assembly from the car to change the mirror, this saves a whole lot of time and reduces the risk that you might break or forget something. however you need a little bit more patience and you need to know where the release points of the mirror's casing are. so you only need to release the control cable, then press down on the release points using a mini screw driver and another to keep the casing pried open, then slowly work your way around the whole mirror.

2. there are 2 types of mirrors in the market;
- "clip type" whereby a plastic backing is attached to the mirror using double sided foam tape and the circuit board is attached to it via moulded clips.
- "direct mount" where the circuit board is directly stuck onto the mirror using double sided foam tape.
for the direct mount, you need a very sharp blade preferably a 1" wide pen knife and long enough to reach through the other side of the mirror. unsolder the wires connecting the mirror before cutting through the foam tape, be careful not to cut the mirror's wires or disturb the exposed jagged metal wire surrounding the mirror edges. then apply a good quality adhesive remover to the remaining tape on the mirror, leave for 5 minutes and using a plastic piece, gently scrape off the adhesive.

the rest is pretty much as what vegas has indicated on this post.

hope this helps. i've got some pictures showing the release points and the 2 types of mirrors but i can't figure out how to attach it to the post. but if anyone needs the pics, just let me know and i'll email it to you.

cheers

Thanks for all of these comments. I am almost ready to proceed with this job. However the replacement mirror I bought is manual (with the tab below) and the original one in my car (Volvo V70 2001) is auto dimming. Can I use that one? or should I get an auto dimming replacement? are the actual mirrors the same? I would appreciate your comments in this regard.

Thanks,

Vparedes60

vparedes60 · Post by **vparedes60** » 07 Mar 2013, 08:14

Thanks to all of you for your instructions and tips about this particular issue with the mirror. I replaced mine in the way you guys did, and every thing was perfect. The only ingredient I would add, is that I used a mirror from a 2006 model, and the actual mirror is attached to the card in different way; it does not have the foam, but just some clips that facilitate the replacement. So here we go with a new mirror!!!

Thanks,

Volvo V70 owner

Volvich · Post by **Volvich** » 12 Mar 2013, 15:34

To vparedes60:

Sorry, you can't use manual dimming mirror to replace electronic. Electronic is made of a mirror and another layer of glass with a special fluid between them which darkens when electricity is applied. The manual mirror's construction is different and without the use of electronics. If you're interested, a professor explains how it's made here:

roadtrip71 · Post by **roadtrip71** » 29 Apr 2013, 11:19

Just wanted to say thank you for the fantastically detailed info. My son and I performed this swap yesterday and while I haven't fully tested the auto-dimming functions on the repaired mirror, all of the car electronics are working flawlessly and I have a crystal-clear rear-view for the first time since I bought my 2001 V70! All best!

elc32955 · Post by **elc32955** » 11 Jun 2013, 19:54

I'll second the info on the 2006 mirror. The one I obtained to R&R the lava-light mirror in my 2004 had the 4 small pieces of foam along with 4 small clips securing the UEM to a plastic back which was secured to the mirror glass. Much easier to work with. Considering the 2006 mirrors use the gel instead of the liquid, it's win-win all the way around. Car-part.com will list which salvage yards have the 2006 mirrors. Prices anywhere from $25 (before shipping) up!

loungesurfer · Post by **loungesurfer** » 14 Jul 2013, 23:40

I've been reading this complete thread with MUCH interest...however, for a different reason.

My 2001 V70 T5 has the lava mirror issue, but also the central door lock, sunroof, map lights, alarm and seat belt reminder do not work. As I understand it the UEM or Alarm Module could be bad.

I've tried three lock/unlock sequence using the door lock/unlock switch since I don't have a remote. I've also tried "rebooting" the UEM by disconnecting the battery, setting the ignition switch to position #II and reconnecting the battery and operating the door lock/unlock switch again. No change - everything is still inoperative.

I'd perform the mirror glass replacement, but afraid the UEM is bad, therefore, a waste of time.

Any thoughts on how to determine which is bad - UEM, Alarm, or maybe the cycling the door lock/unlock switch won't reset the UEM and I need to buy a remote!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Denys

jncmd62 · Post by **jncmd62** » 07 Sep 2013, 13:56

THANK YOU!!! YOUR INSTRUCTIONS WERE PERFECT!!! PULLED MIRROR ELEMENT OUT OF JUNKYARD MIRROR, REPLACED THE BAD ELEMENT IN MY REAR VIEW. WORKS PERFECT, SUNROOF, ALL ELECTRONICS CHECK! YOU SAVED ME 600 BUCKS!! THANK BROTHER!!!

clewis · Post by **clewis** » 02 Nov 2013, 10:16

Another satisfied customer here! In my case, on a hot day in July my mirror actually cracked and the chemical started coming out. I bought a used mirror on eBay for $42...that plus about 90 minutes of my time and this guide saved me $600 bucks or so.

To try and pass on the help to others, I shot a video of myself doing the repair...it's not too great but it may help someone out. I put it on YouTube...
http://youtu.be/J-Xh9K_a9mA

300ztt · Post by **300ztt** » 22 May 2014, 00:47

This forum has saved me a lot of money getting my fiancé car running correctly. We bought the car with knowing there was problems. I have been able to read over these forums to save money to learn how to fix these problems. I followed the steps from this forum on fixing the mirror. I got a replacement mirror from Stateline auto parts for $30 USD. I removed the glass and installed it into the original mirror using the circuit board. It took maybe 20 minutes to do. I am experienced when it comes to soldering and electronics. The next repair will be the siren tomorrow that causes the sunroof/siren (alarm message). Thanks for posting this!!!!

S80 2001 Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror Repair How To (long)

Re: S80 2001 Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror Repair How To (lon