9-3SS Mirror Glass

[sgould]

I took the opportunity to take the pictures while I had the mirror glass off to refix the cover that had popped off after being clipped by a passing car.

Really just to show how the retaining spring/wire sits.  Also shows the clip that retains the wire ends.  These have to be released from the hooks to get the glass off.



Mirror clips to the round ring face of the motor.  Note glass heater wires disconnected:






The retaining spring:





Retaining spring in place ready to clip back on.  Note that the upper wire is close to the heater connector which gets in the way of releasing it:





I use the suction foot of my Tomtom satnav to hold the glass while taking it off and putting it on.  If you press on the edges of the mirror, it will break.





Back in place with a firm push and the suction foot removed:

[welshwizard]

Will!

Disappointed!  you should have cleaned the inside of the housing before putting the glass back....

 

[sgould]

It was so cold I couldn't feel my fingers.  So I just put it back quickly.

[Max Headroom]

Will!

Disappointed!  you should have cleaned the inside of the housing before putting the glass back....

 

I was thinking it, but didn't want to say it 

[nigsy]

Neat trick with the TomTom suction pad...have to remember that one!

[Mr Linear]

My fine motor skills need enhancing!!!!!!

Spent the last 1/2 hour trying to release the clips to take the glass out....

Can anyone help??

How can I tell when the spring is released?

 

[sgould]

I had the same trouble at first.  In the end I released the wire with a wide blade screwdriver. Slide it between the wire and the mirror, then twist.  The two plastic hooks point together.  You need to move the wire toward the other then away from the mirror.

When putting it back the wires can be put in place and the mirror pushed and clicked into place. I used a touch of lube.

[Geoff1951]

Will, do you know if the procedure the same for 9-5 (pre-Edna)?

TIA.

[sgould]

The 1998-2002 9-5 has a different fixing.  The motor still has a circular face, but the mirror fixes to the circle with a ring of 8 plastic hooks around the edge.

I still used the Tomtom suction foot for support in the centre as the mirror is still fragile and will break if it's pressed at the edges.

To remove the glass you need a small thin screwdriver.  Turn the mirror fully inwards.  Look behind and you will see the edge of the ring.  If you then try to move the mirror further inwards (gently) you should be able to see the join between the mirror and motor open slightly. Stick the screwdriver into the gap an twist. The fixing hooks should release.

[Geoff1951]

Thanks Will - it's a '54 reg, Jan. 05 9-5, last update before Edna. I know the glass is a different shape from 2003 cars , I've tried the glass Halfords sells.
I'm hoping to just replace the glass onto the shiny black dried out adhesive surface, just getting the glass is tricky, I'm using online breaker searches first. Audax said that 9-3SS mirrors are the same as later 9-5s, I'll see what comes up. Thanks anyway.

(Sorry - off topic from a 9-3SS thread)

G.

[sgould]

The car you have will be the same as the Dame Edna/9-3SS.  Mirror changed for 2003 on both Saab models.

[Audax]

I'm hoping to just replace the glass onto the shiny black dried out adhesive surface, just getting the glass is tricky,

The glass is the glass and the black plastic too. You can get a brand new one for about £15 on ebay from neo brothers (and others) that are identical to the glass Saab supply.

[Geoff1951]

Thanks Audax - I presume fitting involves a process along the lines described by sgould?

TIA

[Audax]

Yes, exactly the same procedure as given above (although I fiddle the clips slightly differently), should maybe create a post in the 9-5 forum pointing here for 03 onwards cars.

[Geoff1951]

Thanks Audax.