Here are some simple troubleshooting procedures for your Moto Mirror.

IMPORTANT: Before performing any other troubleshooting work, check to see that the unpinned nuts locking the mirror to the mirror bracket are tightened to 15 foot pounds of torque, plus or minus 2 pounds. Mirrors that are loose in the bracket are the most common cause of reported Moto Mirror failures.

Most reported problems with Moto Mirror and Road Scan remote control mirrors can be resolved with simple troubleshooting procedures while the mirror is still on the truck. Listed below are the basic troubleshooting procedures that should be followed if your Moto Mirror or Road Scan product fails to operate properly. Following these simple procedures will save time, unnecessary removal of a mirror from the truck or a rejected warranty claim on a mirror that is operating properly.

IF THE MIRROR WILL NOT ROTATE

Check to see whether the problem is with:

  • Transmission (motor runs but mirror won’t rotate)
  • Motor

TO FIND A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM

If the mirror’s motor can be heard operating inside the mirror case, but the mirror will not rotate, perform the transmission troubleshooting procedures in the order listed below.

  1. Is the motor working?

    Listen for the sound of the motor turning when the mirror switch is activated. If the motor does not work, refer to the ”TO FIND A MOTOR PROBLEM” section of your Moto Mirror Manual.

  2. Is the mirror’s transmission shaft tightly locked to the truck’s mirror bracket?

    The majority of reported mirror problems are the result of loose mirror locking nuts.

    Make certain that:

    1. The unpinned lock nuts securing the top and bottom of the mirror to the brackets are tightened to 15 foot pounds of torque, plus or minus 2 foot pounds. Refer to drawings of the proper lock nut installation on pages 6 and 7 of this Manual.
    2. If a convex mirror must be mounted to the Moto Mirror’s transmission shaft, ii must be installed on the shaft below the bottom tightening nut. If the convex bracket is mounted next to the truck bracket’s mirror shaft attachment point, and the convex bracket is mounted next to the truck bracket’s mirror shaft attachment point, and tightened with the same nut that tightens the Moto Mirror, rotation of the Moto Mirror will cause the nuts to loosen and stop mirror rotation. Bracket is mounted next to the truck bracket’s mirror shaft attachment point, and tightened with the same nut that tightens the Moto Mirror, rotation of the Moto Mirror will cause the nuts to loosen and stop mirror rotation.

      If the mirror’s motor is working and the mirror is tight in the truck’s mirror bracket make certain that the transmission shaft is turning.

  3. Is the transmission shaft turning?
    1. Remove all mounting hardware from the bottom shaft and mark a spot on the thread of the bottom shaft (transmission) of the mirror. Activate the mirror motor switch to see if the bottom shaft moves. The shaft will turn very slowly at about 1/2 RPM.

      If the transmission shaft turns, properly reattach the mirror in the bracket and test for blockage of the mirror’s rotation pathway.

  4. Make certain that nothing is blocking the Moto Mirror’s rotation pathway.
    1. Check to see that no part of the mirror bracket is blocking the mirror’s rotation once the mirror is in the normal “rear view” position. (Freightliner outside “C” brackets can be a problem.)
    2. Check to see that the truck’s convex mirror does not block the mirror’s rotation path. If it does, readjust the convex mounting point or eye position to reduce Moto Mirror blockage.
  5. Is all Moto Mirror hardware correctly installed?
    1. On certain older model Moto Mirror units pinned upper transmission lock nuts were not used. If the upper transmission lock nut (closest to the base of the transmission) is not pinned, make certain that it has not been jammed up against the base of the transmission case. This condition will cause the transmission to bind, run slowly and, eventually, wear out.
    2. Is the top plate of the Moto Mirror pulled up out of flatness because of being tightened in an improperly spaced bracket? This condition will cause the mirror to operate erratically and may contribute to vibration when the truck idles.
    3. Is the mirror mounted straight up and down in the bracket? If the mirror is not straight up and down in the bracket the top or bottom shafts of the mirror may be bent, causing erratic movement and eventual failure.

Aftermarket Moto Mirror remote control mirrors are available from truck dealers and independent parts distributors. For original equipment quality at lower prices, order standard aftermarket Moto Mirror brand remote control mirrors made with quick-snap connectors. The following installation instructions describe an aftermarket installation that is equal to original equipment quality.

Please refer to the Wiring Diagram when replacing an original equipment mirror with an aftermarket Moto Mirror remote control mirror.

All Moto Mirror products must be mounted so that the wire harness exits the bottom of the mirror. Mounting the mirror upside down can lead to mirror failure and voids the mirror warranty.

Mirror Mounting
  1. Position the mirror in bracket straight up and down as shown in the Installation Diagram. Brackets and convex mirrors should be adjusted so they do not impede rotation of the mirror. OEM mirror brackets that feature a breakaway “C” bracket can cause particular problems if they are pulled back toward the mirror, blocking its rotation. This “C” bracket should be at a 90 degree angle to the side of the truck and tightened sufficiently to prevent “C” bracket movement in the case of a door slam.
  2. Tighten nuts on top and bottom shafts using two 9/16 wrenches. Nuts must be tight for mirror to turn and avoid vibration. Use only hardware provided – Do not use flat washers.
  3. Tighten unpinned hex nuts to 15 ft. lbs. ± 2 lbs.

NOTE: DO NOT USE AN IMPACT WRENCH TO TIGHTEN NUTS

Routing Mirror Cable
  1. Locate the position in the door or cowling for the cable access hole. Remove the interior door panel if needed. Drill a 9/16 inch hole and install one of the supplied grommets.
  2. Pull the mirror cable through the grommet.
  3. If the access hole is in the door, a hole must be drilled in the door and door jam directly across from each other so the cable can be routed through the door jam.
  4. Install the supplied grommets in each hole in the door and door jam.
  5. Remove the dash panel(s) required to rout cable behind dash.
  6. Pull the cable through the grommets in the door jam and continue routing wire behind dash.
  7. Secure the mirror head cable to the truck mirror bracket using the supplied tie wraps. Leave enough slack in cable between mirror head and the first tie wrap on the mirror bracket to allow rotation of mirror without pulling cable.
Installing Switch Assembly
  1. Select a position convenient to driver’s hand to install switches.
  2. Drill two 1/2” holes in dash panel.
  3. Insert switches in holes, place the supplied switch ‘identification plates on switch posts and tighten lock nuts down on both I.D. plates.
  4. Route switch cable to meet mirror cable. Connect like colored wires from, each cable using the snap-on connectors. See Wiring Diagram.
System Power and Ground
  1. Connect the ORANGE system power lead from motor switch to ignition controlled power source
    CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE THE BUILT-IN FUSE
  2. Connect the BLACK system ground lead from motor switch to the ground bar behind dash. See the Wiring Diagram.
  3. Mirror grounded through switch.
Heater

Turn the ignition and heater switch to the “ON” position. The heater switch should be lighted when in the “ON” position. Wait 2 – 3 minutes then touch mirror glass to check for heat.

Mirror Rotation

Turn switch to “OUT” position and mirror should turn right. Turn switch “IN” position and mirror should turn left. Enough slack must be left in the mirror head cable to avoid pulling or binding cable during rotation.

Brackets or convex mirrors should be adjusted so that they do not impede the rotation of the mirror.

Cable Access / Door Jam

Open and close the door to be certain that cable will not bind or be cut in door jam. Check grommets for tight fit. Use silicone if needed to provide weather tight seal.

Moto Mirror attended this year’s Mid-American Trucking Show in Louisville, KY. The attendance in our booth was outstanding, and we enjoyed talking to everyone that stopped by to see us. There were many trucks at the PKY show that had Moto Mirrors on them. Pictured here are a few of the trucks with our mirrors.

To see more pictures of show trucks like these follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We look forward to seeing everyone next year.