Peugeot 308 Mirrors Not Folding: Causes, Fixes & DIY Solutions

Let’s be honest. Few things feel more annoying than pressing the lock button on your Peugeot 308 and watching… nothing happen. The mirrors just sit there. No graceful fold. No satisfying whirr of the motor. Just silence.

If your Peugeot 308 mirrors are not folding, you’re not alone. It’s a surprisingly common issue across multiple generations, from early T7 models to newer T9 variants. The good news? Most cases are fixable without emptying your wallet.

Let’s break it down together — causes, diagnostics, DIY solutions, costs, and when it’s time to call in the pros.

Why Do Peugeot 308 Mirrors Fold in the First Place?

Before we fix it, let’s understand it.

Electric folding mirrors are designed to:

• Protect mirrors in tight parking spaces
• Prevent accidental knocks
• Improve aerodynamics
• Add that premium “modern car” feel

On many Peugeot 308 models, mirrors fold automatically when you lock the car and unfold when you unlock it. But that convenience depends on small motors, wiring, sensors, and software all working in harmony.

When one piece fails, the system stalls.

Common Symptoms When Mirrors Won’t Fold

Not all failures look the same. You might notice:

• Mirrors don’t fold at all
• Only one mirror folds
• You hear a clicking sound but no movement
• Mirrors fold halfway and stop
• They work manually but not automatically
• They stopped working after battery replacement

Each symptom points toward a slightly different root cause.

Electrical vs Mechanical: Understanding the Difference

We can usually divide the problem into two main categories:

Electrical Issues

• Faulty mirror motor
• Blown fuse
• Door wiring loom damage
• Switch failure
• BSI module glitch

Mechanical Issues

• Seized hinge
• Broken gear inside mirror housing
• Dirt or corrosion buildup
• Previous impact damage

The key is identifying which category your issue belongs to.

Quick First Check: Is the Feature Activated?

It sounds basic — but we’ve seen it happen.

On some Peugeot 308 trims, automatic folding can be toggled in the infotainment settings.

Check:

1. Turn ignition on
2. Access vehicle settings menu
3. Look for “Automatic mirror folding”
4. Ensure it’s activated

If disabled, your mirrors won’t fold when locking.

Simple. Sometimes too simple.

Fuse Problems: The Hidden Culprit

A blown fuse is one of the easiest fixes.

Where Is the Fuse Located?

In most Peugeot 308 models:

• Interior fuse box: Under dashboard
• Engine bay fuse box: Near battery

Your owner’s manual will identify the mirror fuse position.

Signs of a Blown Fuse

• Both mirrors stop working simultaneously
• No motor sound at all
• Other door functions may fail

Replacing a fuse costs almost nothing. If it blows again quickly, though, there’s likely a wiring short.

Faulty Mirror Motor: A Common Failure Point

Inside each mirror is a small electric motor connected to plastic gears.

Over time:

• Gears wear down
• Moisture enters housing
• Motor brushes fail
• Internal resistance increases

If you hear clicking but no movement, the gears may be stripped.

DIY Motor Test

• Press mirror fold switch
• Listen closely
• Compare both sides

If one mirror works and the other doesn’t, it’s likely a motor issue — not electrical supply.

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Wiring Loom Damage in the Door

This is sneakier.

The wiring between the car body and door flexes every time you open it. Over years, wires can crack internally.

Symptoms of Wiring Damage

• Intermittent mirror folding
• Works when door is half-open
• Other door functions glitch

You’ll need to inspect the rubber wiring boot between the door and frame.

Broken wires can be soldered — much cheaper than replacing the entire loom.

Switch Failure Inside the Cabin

If manual fold doesn’t work but automatic does (or vice versa), the switch could be faulty.

Try:

• Pressing fold button multiple times
• Testing mirror adjustment directions
• Checking if switch feels loose

Replacement switches are affordable and usually plug-and-play.

BSI Module Glitch After Battery Replacement

Peugeot vehicles use a central computer called the BSI (Built-in Systems Interface).

After:

• Battery replacement
• Jump starting
• Low voltage event

The BSI can temporarily lose synchronization.

Simple BSI Reset Procedure

1. Turn ignition off
2. Remove key
3. Wait 3–5 minutes
4. Disconnect battery (optional advanced step)
5. Reconnect and restart

Sometimes that’s all it takes.

Mirror Seized from Dirt or Corrosion

Over time, dust and moisture build up in the hinge mechanism.

You might notice:

• Slow folding
• Grinding noise
• Stiff manual movement

Fix

• Spray electrical-safe lubricant into hinge
• Gently move mirror manually
• Avoid forcing aggressively

Think of it like oiling a rusty door hinge — patience matters.

Broken Internal Gears After Impact

Even a light knock in a parking lot can damage mirror gears.

If your mirror:

• Feels loose
• Wobbles while driving
• Folds unevenly

Internal gear teeth may be broken.

In that case, replacing the entire mirror unit is often easier than rebuilding.

Temperature-Related Folding Issues

Cold weather can stiffen internal grease.

If mirrors fail only in winter:

• Warm the car
• Try again
• Avoid forcing them

Repeated forced movement can burn out the motor.

Manual vs Automatic Folding Differences

Not all Peugeot 308 models come with automatic folding mirrors.

Lower trims may require:

• Pressing internal button
• No lock-triggered folding

Check your specific trim level before assuming malfunction.

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Cost Breakdown: Repair vs Replace

Let’s talk numbers.

DIY Fix Costs

• Fuse: $5–$15
• Lubricant: $10
• Replacement motor: $30–$80
• Used mirror unit: $60–$150

Professional Repair

• Wiring repair: $100–$250
• New OEM mirror: $200–$450
• Labour included replacement: $300–$600

Labor varies by region, but diagnosing early saves money.

Step-by-Step DIY Mirror Removal Guide

If replacement is necessary:

1. Remove interior door trim
2. Disconnect wiring harness
3. Unscrew mirror mounting bolts
4. Carefully detach mirror
5. Install new unit
6. Test before reassembling

Take photos during removal — future you will be grateful.

Should You Replace One Mirror or Both?

If only one mirror fails, replacing just that side is fine.

But if:

• Both mirrors are old
• Vehicle has high mileage
• Corrosion is visible

You may consider replacing both for symmetry and reliability.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

We often forget mirrors need care too.

To prevent folding issues:

• Avoid manually forcing folded mirrors
• Wash hinge area regularly
• Apply light lubricant annually
• Avoid pressure washing directly at hinge

Small habits extend motor life dramatically.

When to See a Professional

Call a technician if:

• Multiple electrical systems fail
• Fuse keeps blowing
• BSI errors appear on dashboard
• Airbag warning appears after door work

Electrical gremlins can multiply if misdiagnosed.

Is It Safe to Drive with Mirrors Not Folding?

Yes — folding is convenience, not safety-critical.

However:

• Wide mirrors increase parking damage risk
• Some tight garages become challenging

So while safe, it’s worth fixing.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic, Diagnose

When your Peugeot 308 mirrors stop folding, it feels bigger than it is.

But most causes are:

• Minor electrical glitches
• Worn motors
• Simple lubrication needs

Rarely is it catastrophic.

With a bit of patience, basic tools, and careful testing, we can often fix the issue ourselves — saving hundreds.

Cars speak. We just need to listen closely.

FAQs

1. Why does only one mirror fold on my Peugeot 308?

Most likely a failed motor or broken internal gears on that specific side.

2. Can I manually push the mirror closed?

Yes, but gently. Forcing can strip internal gears.

3. Do all Peugeot 308 models have folding mirrors?

No. Some trims require manual button activation; others lack the feature.

4. Why did mirrors stop working after battery change?

A BSI reset may be required to restore synchronization.

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5. How long do mirror motors last?

Typically 5–10 years, depending on use and climate exposure.

If you want to know other articles similar to Peugeot 308 Mirrors Not Folding: Causes, Fixes & DIY Solutions you can visit the category Common Problems.