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

[MadeInJapan]

Another satisfied customer!
It's posts like this and members like vegasjetskier that makes MVS world famous.

[2000s80]

Been living with my lava lamp mirror for two years, daughter just started driving so I have to fix.

Ordered a mirror from strandbergauto in WI today- will update on quality and service of this used volvo parts supplier.

Will up date on my success with following these instructions.

Thanks for the detail and pictures, had read about doing this on another forum some time ago but there was never any report out from the poster

[2000s80]

Two things:

1. Followed instructions and it worked, have new mirror in car now. My central locking doesn't work but I think that crapped out before the mirror did two years ago. Thanks for the great instructions and pictures.

2. Strandbergauto in WI delivered great mirror at great price quickly with PayPal.

Thanks to all. Replacing the top engine mount (again) this weeken.

Sure would like to be able to figure out where all that oil comes from under the car. Oh well, one thing at a time.

[S80willie]

Wow, thanks for the great post w/ pictures. I suppose this would work for other models as well.

Dave, this should work for any car with the Magna Donnelly UEM mirror (all P1 cars through MY 2008, except C70, S40 (-04), and C30 [Delphi UEM]; and all P2 cars through MY 2008.

vegasjetskier and MadeInJapan, I’m a relative newbie to your forum, although I’m a seasoned Volvo owner, as I’ve had 6 of them through the years starting with a mid-80s 244 tank and having just bought a 2009 S-80 for the wife. My immediate concern is replacing the lava light self dimming mirror in my 2000 S-80 T6 (American market).

My first question is what is the root cause of the mirrors demise when this happens? Is it accumulated vibration over time? Heat – Cold cycles? Or just random failures? One of the reasons I ask is when looking for a used mirror as the donor for the new glass should I be looking for the latest year junked mirror or should I go for another 2000 vintage to make sure it fits?

I confess I don’t understand the P-1 and P-2 references in the above response. Am I interpreting it correctly that any S-80 auto dimming mirror up through 2008 will fit? The instruction contained in the forum seem straight forward and I believe I should be able to do it. Thanks for the posting. I’m just interested in shading my chances of not having to do it again as much as I can. Any advice or knowledge you may have would be appreciated!

For reference I’m an engineer by education so although I’m not a gear head I’m usually a quick study if you tell me what it does and why! Thanks again for any help you might offer.

[vegasjetskier]

vegasjetskier and MadeInJapan, I’m a relative newbie to your forum, although I’m a seasoned Volvo owner, as I’ve had 6 of them through the years starting with a mid-80s 244 tank and having just bought a 2009 S-80 for the wife. My immediate concern is replacing the lava light self dimming mirror in my 2000 S-80 T6 (American market).

My first question is what is the root cause of the mirrors demise when this happens? Is it accumulated vibration over time? Heat – Cold cycles? Or just random failures? One of the reasons I ask is when looking for a used mirror as the donor for the new glass should I be looking for the latest year junked mirror or should I go for another 2000 vintage to make sure it fits?

I confess I don’t understand the P-1 and P-2 references in the above response. Am I interpreting it correctly that any S-80 auto dimming mirror up through 2008 will fit? The instruction contained in the forum seem straight forward and I believe I should be able to do it. Thanks for the posting. I’m just interested in shading my chances of not having to do it again as much as I can. Any advice or knowledge you may have would be appreciated!

For reference I’m an engineer by education so although I’m not a gear head I’m usually a quick study if you tell me what it does and why! Thanks again for any help you might offer.

I don't know what causes the failures. I bought a used one from the same year just to make sure it would work. I don't know if any improvements were made over the years, so subsequent years may not work properly. I figure for the money I saved over buying a new one, if my replacement glass goes bad I'll just fix it again.

P-1 and P-2 refers to Platform 1 and Platform 2. The newer models designed around 1999-2001 were designated as Platform 2 or P-2. Some parts are interchangeable between the different car models.

[S80willie]

Decided to "delay" tackling the mirror rework. While I've been researching the mirror has gone back to "day" mode. At least mostly since there is still a small "oil" mark in the lower right corner. Since I'm a big believer in not doing today what can be put off till tomorrow I will not do the repair yet, but will probably buy the salvage mirror to inventory until the time is right. Thanks again for the posting of the repair I'm sure I'll need it eventually with my 2000.

[rliss]

Thanks for the great post. I followed your instructions and it worked perfectly saving me a pile of cash. There is only one hitch. The security system alarm is activated for no reason after the car has been sitting for a while. The message center says 'alarm activated check car' and the security light is flashing. Any suggestions how to fix this other then take it to the dealer for a computer reset?

[vegasjetskier]

Thanks for the great post. I followed your instructions and it worked perfectly saving me a pile of cash. There is only one hitch. The security system alarm is activated for no reason after the car has been sitting for a while. The message center says 'alarm activated check car' and the security light is flashing. Any suggestions how to fix this other then take it to the dealer for a computer reset?

You can try resetting the upper electronic module by using the keyfob remote to "lock-unlock" the car three times in a row. If that doesn't fix it, you might need a new siren module. There's a writeup on how to fix that in the repair database.

[ktp]

Wow, thanks for the great post w/ pictures. I suppose this would work for other models as well.

Dave, this should work for any car with the Magna Donnelly UEM mirror (all P1 cars through MY 2008, except C70, S40 (-04), and C30 [Delphi UEM]; and all P2 cars through MY 2008.

What is the exception for the C70?

You can source replacement mirrors through Sybesma's Electronics for $75 - they ask that you return the core so I am assuming these are new or remanufactured mirrors - ie: haven't been installed on a vehicle before.

That said - would you have the same issues with the interlock/security system? And would those apply to the C70?

Thanks

J

[danborrego]

Thanks for the fantastic detailed instructions. I've been driving around with a big black oval on my rear view mirror for at least two years because the $700 to fix it was too much. I bought a used mirror at "Volvo and Saab Auto Dismantlers", used your post, and now I can see what is behind me again. Thank you!
By the way, for any of you out there that thinks the soldering is too difficult, let me tell you, it's absolutely is not. I didn't think I could solder two things together to save my life but I was able to do this. Just put a little heat on the joint while tugging gently on the wire to unsolder the old joint. And hold the wire to the connector then apply a little heat at a time until you've created the new connection. Easy.

Dan

PS: In case anybody wants the name of the yard I got the mirror at: Volvo and Saab Auto Dismantlers, 3539 Recycle Rd., Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
I have no affiliation with these guys, but they have good service.