It has been a while since I was here, but I need some help with my DD6’s left side mirror (driver side on this DD6). I took it to a cars and coffee meet yesterday and the left side mirror was loose and shifting around on its own. I can hear the motors run when I try to adjust it with the mirror control, but the mirror seems unattached from the adjustment mechanism. I could adjust it manually, but it was very easy to move and would not stay where I set it. Are there any videos or instructions on re-attaching or dismantling the mirror glass to fix this problem?
The mirror is attached to the motors with clips.
One, or both, must have detached.
Try pushing the edges of glass all around with the hope that the clips will re-attach.
Otherwise, something might be broken inside.
I don’t remember if you can remove the glass by prying it out.
If you need a new one, I think I have a spare in my parts bin.
Phil,
Attached is a picture of a power mirror from a 1985 Series III XJ6 parts car that should help explain how to fix your mirror problem. The mirror in my 1990 V12 Vanden Plas (a DD6 badged as a VdP for the North American market) is exactly the same, although the early cars (1979-1984?) have a slightly different design.
The angle of power mirror surface is controlled through the use of two small electric motors and three balls and sockets as shown in the attached picture. The center ball (#1) always remains stationary, the left/right ball (#2) is moved in and out by one motor to control the left/right motion of the mirror, and the up/down ball (#3) is moved in and out by the second motor to control the up/down motion of the mirror.
It is likely that your problem is caused by one or more of the balls coming out of their sockets. I have had this happen to me before and all that I needed to do was gently push the ball back into its socket after lining it up properly.
The mirror surface can be completely removed from the mirror housing by carefully lifting on the edges of the mirror to pop the balls out of their sockets one by one. The mirror glass can be fragile so don’t pull too hard otherwise you might break the glass.
Paul
Thanks for the photo, Paul. It explains it perfectly. I think mine is on the stationary middle ball and I’ll try carefully pushing it back onto the others. I do have an 86 parts Sovereign from which I can try salvaging a mirror if this doesn’t work, but I hope I can restore the DD6 mirror because it is a 65 K example that is totally original down to the Steel Metallic Thermoplastic paint that is still decent for its age.
Phil,
Please post back with your results when you get your power mirror working again. This will add to the collective knowledge.
We are both very lucky to own these XJ12/DD6 cars. I have owned some XJ6s and XJ6 Vanden Plas cars, but the smoothness of the 5.3 V12 engine and the upscale trim takes the Daimler Double Six and V12 Vanden Plas Series III saloons to a new level.
Paul
Success, I think, Paul. I pushed on the inside edge of the mirror and felt a slight soft pop as it went into place on the ball and the same soft pop pushing the bottom of the mirror. I didn’t have to push very hard at all. The battery is disconnected right now so I’ll try adjusting the mirror with the joy stick the next time I take it for a drive, but I think the wagging mirror problem is solved and your advice made it easy…
BTW, I agree on the smoothness of the V12 when it is right. I went through a period of frustration when it did not run well chasing sensor after sensor and finally in the process of elimination solved the problem with a replacement ECU from a breaker yard in England. Now she fires right up with an ignition-on fuel rail prime or three if she has been sitting awhile, and seems eager to go. The one thing with which I might take issue is the VDP seats which look very nice but are a bit firm and not quite as comfortable as those in my 87 XJ6. Everything else is a joy.
Update on the left mirror flop. On 4/6/23 I connected the battery and was able to adjust the mirror. Left and right worked right away but up did not work until I pressed the joy stick to down and heard the motor run and then up worked. So nice to have mirror adjustment again. Thanks for the help and advice.
Phil,
I am very glad to help and pleased that your mirror is working properly again.
Paul