Newbie with a 2002 Explorer mirror switch failure

[pwallace]

Hello fellow Explorer owners. I'm Pete from the middle of nowhere SWVA. I was wondering if anyone on the site has had to replace the door mirror switch on a 2002 or later Explorer Limited? My switch has ceased to function on raising and lowering, still works in and out though. Is this another one of those relatively common Explorer problems or is my luck holding as "if it can happen it will happen to me"?
Any chance that might be the connector that the switch plugs into that might be causing the problem instead of the switch?
Does the entire door panel need to be removed to gain access to the switch or will it pop out through the mounting hole? Looks to me like it would just pop out but I don't want to break anything prying around on a piece of plastic. Any suggestions, hints on how I might go about checking the switch for proper functions to see if that is where the problem is? Yes I am aware that diagnosing a switch problem over the internet is impossible but maybe someone else has had this problem.
THANKS in advance to anyone who has time to read and answer my questions.

Pete

 

[1Aauto]

welcome to the site

 

[BigRondo]

Hello fellow Explorer owners. I'm Pete from the middle of nowhere SWVA. I was wondering if anyone on the site has had to replace the door mirror switch on a 2002 or later Explorer Limited? My switch has ceased to function on raising and lowering, still works in and out though. Is this another one of those relatively common Explorer problems or is my luck holding as "if it can happen it will happen to me"?
Any chance that might be the connector that the switch plugs into that might be causing the problem instead of the switch?
Does the entire door panel need to be removed to gain access to the switch or will it pop out through the mounting hole? Looks to me like it would just pop out but I don't want to break anything prying around on a piece of plastic. Any suggestions, hints on how I might go about checking the switch for proper functions to see if that is where the problem is? Yes I am aware that diagnosing a switch problem over the internet is impossible but maybe someone else has had this problem.
THANKS in advance to anyone who has time to read and answer my questions.

Pete

Welcome aboard!!

You do have to remove the door panel to gain access to the switch. once you remove the door panel, it will be clear on how to remove the switch. I find that it is easier to "pop" the switch out before trying to remove the connector.

Here is a good thread for you to check out: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=303524

Hope this helps out!

 

[pwallace]

Thanks guys. Looks like a pretty good link, all the needed info about removing the door panel is there and there are pictures, I love pictures! Can't mess up the instructions when they are pictures, not too often anyway!
Still hoping for a yes or no to the question if this is a common failure or isolated to me?
BTW does anyone know if the switches sold at LMC parts are a good quality switch or would I be better off going FOMOCO OEM?
THANKS AGAIN
Pete

 

[pwallace]

Thanks big rondo!

Finally I was able to purchase and install the Mirror switch. Much THANKS to BIG RONDO for posting the link to the info about the removal of the door panel. Only one thing I would add or clarify to the info. I am old school and used to the type of panel connectors that pushed into holes in the door frame. When the author stated "pull up on the door panel" my mind converted pull up to pull out I guess and I tried and tried to gently pry out on the panel to pop loose what I assumed were the push in connectors with no luck obiviously. My bad for not understanding up means up and does not mean pry out but to clarify this for anyone else "up means up." The door panel has downwarrd facing L shaped hook fasteners that slide down into slots in the door frame so don't attempt to pry outward, just lift the panel straight up toward the top of the door frame, out of the slots and window frame. It is actually much easier than the old push in type fasteners that used to be the norm. Other than that the info in here is spot on every step of the way.
BTW the engineer that designed the way that the switch for the door lock installs in the panel with the window controls must have never removed or installed an electrical connector in his life or he wouldn't have placed the locking tab between the switch and the connector tab that holds the panel in the arm rest. It is extremely hard to release the lock on that conector but with patience it will release just take your time and remember it is plastic do not force it!