Folding mirrors on a ŠKODA Octavia A7: complete instructions with photos and tips

Rear view mirrors ŠKODA Octavia A7 (2013–2020) is not just a design element, but also an important functional detail on which the safety and convenience of parking depends. Many owners are faced with questions: how to correctly fold mirrors manually or with a button, why they do not fold automatically when setting the alarm, and what to do if the mechanism is jammed. In this article we will analyze all the nuances - from basic instructions to solving emergency situations.

Feature Octavia A7 is that the mirror folding system may differ depending on the configuration and year of manufacture. For example, in basic versions Ambition and Active often installed a manual mechanism, whereas in Style and RS — electric drive with position memory. We have taken into account all options, so the instructions are suitable for any modifications, including restyled models from 2017–2020.

Before you start practicing, remember: on Octavia A7 with electric mirrors, you cannot hold the folding button for more than 5 seconds - this may trigger the motor overheating protection and block the mechanism. Now let's get down to the details.

1. Types of mirror folding mechanisms on Octavia A7

On ŠKODA Octavia A7 Three types of mirror folding systems were installed:

• 🔧 Manual mechanism — the mirrors are folded manually by physically pressing the housing. Found in basic trim levels and on models up to 2015.
• ⚡ Electric drive without memory — the mirrors fold with a button on the driver’s door, but do not remember the position. Typical for configurations Ambition and Elegance.
• 🧠 Electric drive with memory — the mirrors fold automatically when the alarm is set and return to their original position after unlocking. Installed on top versions Style, RS and Scout.

To determine your system type, check:

1. The presence of a button with a mirror icon on the driver's door panel (to the left of the glass regulator).
2. The reaction of the mirrors to arming/disarming the alarm (if they fold themselves, you have a system with memory).
3. On-board computer settings menu: path CAR → Mirror Folding (if there is such an item, then automatic folding is supported).

If you have manual mechanism, go to section 3. For electric drive, read on.

2. Folding mirrors with a button: step-by-step instructions

For models with electric drive, the process of folding the mirrors takes no more than 3 seconds. Here's how to do it right:

1. Make sure the ignition is on (enough position ACC or ON).
2. Find the mirror folding button on the driver's door panel - it is usually located under the mirror adjustment control and has a “↖↘” icon (two diagonal arrows).
3. Press the button once. The mirrors will begin to fold at the same time. Do not hold the button for more than 1 second - this may trigger the protection.
4. To return the mirrors to their original position, press the button again.

If the mirrors do not respond to touch, check:

• 🔋 Fuse status F37 (10A) in the fuse box under the steering wheel - it is responsible for powering the mirror drive.
• 🔌 Connecting the connectors to the mirror motors (they can be accessed by removing the door trim).
• 📱 On-board computer settings: in the menu CAR → Comfort item must be activated Mirror Folding.

On restyled models Octavia A7 (2017–2020) The folding button can be combined with the mirror adjustment control. In this case:

1. Pull the regulator lever towards you (towards the passenger compartment).
2. Hold it for 1-2 seconds - the mirrors will begin to fold.
3. To return, pull the lever again.

3. Manually folding mirrors: features and risks

If your Octavia A7 equipped with a manual mechanism, the process of folding the mirrors requires caution. Incorrect handling may cause the plastic clips to break or the mirror housing to deform.

How to fold a mirror manually:

1. Go to the mirror and grab it outer edge (not by the body, but by the reflective surface itself).
2. Gently pull the mirror on yourself (towards the body) until a characteristic click is heard. Don't use excessive force!
3. To return to its original position, pull the mirror on my own behalf (away from the body) until it clicks.

General rules:

• ❄️ In frost below -10°C, do not fold mirrors by hand - the plastic parts become fragile.
• 🧴 Once every 3 months, treat the mirror hinges with silicone lubricant (for example, WD-40 Specialist).
• 🚫 Do not press on the mirror from above or below - this may bend the mount.

On some copies Octavia A7 (especially early releases) hand mirrors can “sag” over time. This is due to wear and tear on the spring mechanism. Solution:

1. Remove the plastic mirror cover (by carefully prying it off with a flathead screwdriver).
2. Tighten the hinge fixing screw (usually a Phillips screwdriver).
3. If the spring is weakened, replace it with a new one (the article number of the original spring is 5E2857515).

4. Automatic folding mirrors: settings and problems

On Octavia A7 with electric drive and memory, the mirrors can be folded automatically when:

• 🔑 Setting the alarm (from a key fob or a button on the door).
• 🚗 Turning off the ignition (if the function is activated in the settings).
• 📱 Remotely lock the machine using a mobile application ŠKODA Connect (on models from 2018).

To set up automatic folding:

1. Turn on the ignition.
2. Go to the on-board computer menu: CAR → Comfort → Mirror Folding.
3. Activate the item Auto Fold with Remote (for folding from a key fob) or Auto Fold when Locking (whenever the machine is closed).
4. Save your settings by pressing and holding the button OK on the steering switch.

If the mirrors do not fold automatically, check:

Problem	Possible reason	Solution
Mirrors do not respond to key fob	Feature disabled in settings	Activate Auto Fold with Remote in the menu CAR
Mirrors fold only with a button	Door closing sensor faulty	Check the microswitch in the driver's door lock
Mirrors fold every other time	Weak key fob signal	Replace the battery in the remote control or reprogram it
Mirrors fold but don't return	Position memory failure	Reset the mirrors (see section 6)

On models with KESSY (keyless entry) automatic folding can be delayed by up to 3 seconds. This is normal - the system waits for confirmation that all doors are closed.

How to reprogram the key fob for automatic folding?

If after replacing the key fob battery the mirrors no longer fold automatically, perform synchronization:

1. Close all doors.

2. Insert the key into the ignition and turn to the ON position.

3. Press and hold the close button on the key fob for 10 seconds until you hear a beep.

4. Release the button - synchronization is complete.

5. Typical faults and their elimination

Even with careful use, the mirror folding mechanism is Octavia A7 may fail. Let's look at the most common problems and ways to solve them.

The mirror only folds in one direction

Reason: broken cable or broken gear in the drive. Solution:

1. Remove the door trim (by unscrewing 2 screws under the handle and 1 screw in the door pocket).
2. Disconnect the mirror motor connector (white 6-pin connector).
3. Check the integrity of the cable connecting the motor to the folding mechanism. If it is torn, replace the drive assembly (part number 5E1857501/5E1857502 for left/right mirror).

The mirror is stuck in the folded position

Reasons:

• 🧊 Freezing of the mechanism (important in winter).
• 🔩 Dirt gets into the hinge.
• ⚡ Drive motor failure.

Solution:

1. If the problem is in winter, point the hairdryer at the mirror (temperature no higher than 60°C) for 2-3 minutes.
2. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (for example, PB Blaster) and gently shake the mirror with your hand.
3. If the motor does not work, check the fuse F37 and voltage on the connector (should be 12V on pins 1 and 2).

The mirror vibrates or does not lock in the folded position

Reason: wear of the locking spring or play in the hinge. Solution:

• 🔧 Tighten the mirror mounting screws (accessible after removing the plastic casing).
• 🛠️ Replace the retainer spring (part no. 5E2857515).
• 🔄 If play remains, replace the hinge mechanism assembly.

To diagnose the electrical part of the mirror drive, you can use a multimeter. Check procedure:

1. Remove the door trim.
2. Disconnect the mirror motor connector.
3. Turn on the ignition and press the folding button.
4. Check the voltage on pins 1 (+12V) and 2 (ground) of the connector.
- If there is no voltage, the problem is in the wiring or control unit.
- If there is voltage, but the motor does not work, replace the drive.

6. Reset settings and mirror calibration

If the mirrors are on Octavia A7 start to work incorrectly (for example, they do not fold completely or return to the wrong position), you may need to reset the settings. Here's how to do it:

Resetting position memory:

1. Turn on the ignition.
2. Press and hold the mirror fold button for 10 seconds until you hear a double beep.
3. Release the button - the position memory is reset.
4. Program the new position: fold the mirrors with the button, then return them to their working position and hold the mirror adjustment button for 3 seconds.

Position Sensor Calibration (if the mirrors do not go all the way):

1. Fold the mirrors in by hand until they stop.
2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for 5 minutes.
3. Reconnect the terminal and turn on the ignition.
4. Press the fold button and the mirrors should return to their calibrated position.

On models with virtual dashboard (Digital Cockpit) mirror settings can be reset via the menu:

1. Go to Settings → Car → Mirrors.
2. Select an item Reset positions.
3. Confirm the action by pressing and holding the button OK on the steering wheel.

After a reset, the mirrors may move more slowly for the first 2-3 cycles - this is normal, as the system “learns” the extreme positions again.

7. Care and prevention: how to extend the life of the mechanism

To avoid problems with folding mirrors on Octavia A7, follow these guidelines:

• 🧴 Lubrication: Once every 6 months, treat the mirror hinges with silicone lubricant (for example, CRC 5-56). Do not use graphite or lithium grease - they attract dirt.
• 🚿 Washing: When washing your car, avoid directing a stream of water under pressure onto the mirrors. Water can get into the mechanism and cause corrosion.
• ❄️ Winter operation:
  • Before folding the mirrors in cold weather, warm up the car for 2-3 minutes.
  • Do not knock ice off the mirrors with your hands - use a plastic scraper.
  • Treat the mirror seals with glycerin to prevent them from freezing.
• 🔧 Diagnostics: once a year, check the condition of the drive cables and gears (especially if the mirrors begin to creak).

For electric models:

• ⚡ Check the condition of the fuse once a year F37 (10A) - it is responsible for powering the mirror motors.
• 🔌 Clean the contacts of the mirror motor connectors with alcohol to prevent oxidation.
• 📊 After replacing the battery, reset the mirror position memory (see section 6).

If you often park in tight spaces (such as a garage), install protective covers for mirrors (article 5E0857701). They will prevent scratches and reduce the load on the folding mechanism.

8. Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to install an electric drive on an Octavia A7 with manual mirrors?

Yes, but this will require replacing the mirror assembly, wiring and firmware of the comfort unit. The average cost of service work is 15–20 thousand rubles (excluding spare parts). An alternative is to purchase electric mirrors from Octavia A7 disassembled (articles: left - 5E1857007, right - 5E1857008) and installing them yourself.

Why do the mirrors on the Octavia A7 fold by themselves?

This is a common problem with auto-folding models. Reasons:

• Short circuit in the wiring (check the mirror motor connectors).
• Comfort unit failure (re-flashing or replacement required).
• Malfunction of the door closing sensor (the system “thinks” that the car is closed).

Workaround: Disable the auto fold feature in the menu CAR → Comfort.

How to remove a mirror on an Octavia A7 for repair?

Instructions:

1. Remove the plastic mirror cover (pry it off with a flathead screwdriver).
2. Unscrew the 3 screws securing the mirror to the door (using a Phillips screwdriver).
3. Carefully disconnect the wiring connector (if the mirror is electric).
4. Remove the mirror from the door by pulling it towards you.

When installing a new mirror, make sure that the sealing rubber is in place - it prevents water from entering the interior.

What oil should I use to lubricate the mirror mechanism?

Recommended lubricants:

• Silicone grease (for example, CRC 5-56) - for hinges and cables.
• Penetrating lubricant (for example, Liqui Moly LM-40) - if the mechanism is jammed.
• Lithium grease (for example, Molykote G-4500) - for drive gears (applied pointwise).

Do not use WD-40 in its pure form - it washes out the factory lubricant and attracts dust.

What to do if the mirror does not fold after an accident?

After impact, check:

1. The integrity of the attachment of the mirror to the door (cracks in the metal are possible).
2. The condition of the drive cable - it could break or jump off the guides.
3. Motor performance (when 12V is supplied to pins 1 and 2, it should rotate).

If the folding mechanism itself is damaged, it is cheaper to buy a complete mirror than to repair it. The cost of a new electric mirror is from 8 to 15 thousand rubles (depending on the side and the presence of heating).