MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Modifications & Technical Area => Technical Workshop => Topic started by: Dave J on June 15, 2021, 10:10:54 pm

Title: Query on door mirror glass
Post by: Dave J on June 15, 2021, 10:10:54 pm

Hi all,

Just seeking help - I replaced my drivers door mirror glass recently, but stupidly didn't pay attention to which terminals on the mirror backing the electrics plugged in to. Does it matter which way round they go?

Thanks,
Dave

Title: Re: Query on door mirror glass
Post by: GVK on June 15, 2021, 10:31:17 pm

Yes it does matter, if the wrong way round it can give some weird electrical faults due to back-feeding, there was a post on here ages ago or may have been one of the FB groups...dunno.

Title: Re: Query on door mirror glass
Post by: Dave J on June 17, 2021, 08:18:23 pm

Thank-you - I shall keep searching!

Title: Re: Query on door mirror glass
Post by: Stupots on June 17, 2021, 09:33:50 pm

From what I understand from the simple heater element it wouldn’t matter. I’d definitely want a source other than Facebook to help me understand why it would. VW would surely have made the 2 connectors different sizes if it did, not the same and interchangeable like they are? I’d also say that the reason there’s not much info to be found, is because it doesn’t matter so there’s very few post about it. A mirror glass replacement is quite a common thing.

Thoughts?

Title: Re: Query on door mirror glass
Post by: GVK on June 17, 2021, 10:33:02 pm

I tried to search for the thread on here using Google, no joy. But was sure I'd seen it somewhere?

I agree you would expect the terminals to be different sizes etc.

Title: Re: Query on door mirror glass
Post by: pudding on June 18, 2021, 10:58:02 pm

Doesn't matter.  It's just a basic resistance circuit.  I've replaced both sides on mine (due to the rubbish adhesive backing failing on the OEM glass) and didn't pay attention to the terminal orientation. Not had any issues with deicing or fault codes.

If it was critical, VW almost certainly would have made the terminals different sizes.

Title: Re: Query on door mirror glass
Post by: Dave J on June 19, 2021, 05:54:33 pm

Thank you all for your replies and Pudding for your experience!

I will get it plugged in. I agree with you about the adhesive! Yet more poor design / cost cutting by VW. Never happened on my mkiv of similar miles and older age...

Title: Re: Query on door mirror glass
Post by: pudding on June 30, 2021, 05:36:20 pm

I'm a stuck record when it comes to MK5 construction quality  :grin:  The MK4 was built a LOT better.  I think VW sank too much investment into the PQ35 platform and had to cut corners elsewhere.

When my driver's side glass failed, it fell off at 80mph and shattered on the door, scuffing the paint up good and proper  :doh:  Thanks for that, VW.

The MK5 totally redeems itself in the handling and performance departments, so I can forgive it's shortcomings elsewhere.