Discolored Outside Passenger Mirror

[RX in NC]

Has anyone out there had an outside mirror turn discolored and hazy? I assume there is a fluid inside the mirror that is the culprit in the situation. Just noticed it today. The passenger side outside mirror is affected, but the driver side outside mirror appears normal. I searched this forum using "discolored mirrors", but no matches were found. Hoping someone has experienced this issue and can shed some light on the topic....

The affected vehicle is my wife's 2004 RX330 AWD which has been reasonably trouble-free during the not-quite four years that we've owned it. Just turned 107,000 miles this morning....

[intakerGS]

I've seen this issue before (mercedes), but then the stuff leaked out. Didn't know lexus used it...

Anyway, it's an electrochromic gel between two pieces of glass (anti-glare mirror). One side treated with a electrically conductive coating, the other with a reflector. I suspect there's a leak in the seal. If it's really that, it can't be repaired.

[pj8708]

I've seen this issue before (mercedes), but then the stuff leaked out. Didn't know lexus used it...

Anyway, it's an electrochromic gel between two pieces of glass (anti-glare mirror). One side treated with a electrically conductive coating, the other with a reflector. I suspect there's a leak in the seal. If it's really that, it can't be repaired.

Intaker is correct. My wife has a 07' S80 Volvo, and with the late model Volvo's the aberration is called "Lava Mirror" as the liquid literally runs down the inside of the mirror just like a lava lamp from the 60's ( like, wow man!). However, it usually happens most frequently to the interior mirror.

There is no fix just replacement, and unfortunately, no matter who you order from, there are only a couple of manufacturers that make the things.

Paul

[1990LS400]

This seems to be a common problem with the auto-dimming outside mirrors. Both of the ones on my 00 LS have similar spots of discoloration. The mirror glass assembly is available separately but is quite expensive - about $274.27 from http://lexus.sewellparts.com/ with a forum discount if I got the correct part number for the passenger side mirror on an 04 RX = 87901-48040

I have not replaced one myself but the replacement procedure sounds tricky -- one has to pop out the plastic clips holding the mirror glass in place without breaking the clips and without really being able to see what is happening behind the glass. The procedure I read said to use a shop towel if I remember correctly.

[SW03ES]

This happened to the '98 LS my Dad had...the passenger mirror. It was actually a little discolored from new and got worse over time, he finally had it replaced under warranty.

Here's the part:

http://www.mylexparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&siteid=214992&chapter=&sectionids=0,2732&groupid=2740&subgroupid=3742&make=20&model=Rx330&year=2004&catalogid=2&displayCatalogid=0

These guys have about the best prices I've found on the net and the glass is still $300. I might try a wrecking yard...

[RX in NC]

Thanks for all the responses, guys. The mirror is still functional, just discolored. No way am I paying new retail prices for a new mirror. I'll wait to see if it worsens to the point where the mirror becomes useless. If it does, I'll attempt to source one from a salvage place....

Think I'll also contact my local Lexus service manager. She was very good to us over the years with "goodwill" repairs to my wife's previous 2000 RX300. Worth a conversation with her to see what she can do....

Thanks again, and happy holidays to all....

[SW03ES]

You never know, if anybody can get them to cover it you can!

Happy Holidays to you too!

[plexus914]

Causes for discoloration on electrochromic mirrors....

When the wrong type of cleaning products are used on a mirror, it can cause discoloration. It is generally a bad idea to use products

that are not designed for glass and mirrors on these items, because if the cleaner happens to get to the back of the mirror, it can damage

the backing and lead to some of the spotting you see.

Chemical Reactions
It is possible that some brown spots on mirrors are due to a chemical reaction that occurs over time when chemical
components of the backing and the glass undergo prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight. In other words, the mirror backing
may become discolored and cause the spots. A common cause of this can be the adhesive used to hold the backing to the mirror.

[Returnguru]

Lexus should be standing up for this known defect. The seal between the two layers of glass is somehow failing. In my area (Northeast) the RX 330 is very popular and 8 out of 10 have a discolored passenger side mirror. Lexus "claims" that there are no know issues about this problem. Poppycock!

The quick fix is a sick on mirrow which you can buy on Amazon. Of course it will not be heated or dimming but for $8 how can you go wrong? I was insulted when the dealer quoted me a price to fix my with OEM parts.

Thankfully they have finally recalled the cracked dashboard at almost every 330 has sustained.

[coppens1]

Dear fellow Lexus Owners,

My 2001 Lexus ES300 has a cloudy driver side mirror. It looks like the reflective material on the inside of the mirror is peeling off. It appears to be the same problem the participants above have experienced. So far, Lexus has not admitted to me that there is a history to this problem.

I have exactly the same model 1998 Lexus, and it doesn't appear to have the problem. Must be that the 98 does not have the auto dimming outside mirrors. I am disappointed, because I bought the same model 01 because the 98 was so trouble free.

[VBdenny]

Cloudy is different from the darkening problem. Strange but my ES330 did the darkening thing for awhile then has been fine. Cold weather seemed to cause it to be worse but now it's been fine for several years. Haven't ever seen many things fix themselves but...

[coppens1]

Dear VBdenny, I am posting a photo of the problem. JC

[Jacqueline Stewart]

My sideview passenger mirror has tuned odd colors.  What can I do to repair it.  I have a Lexus 2004 RX 330.  I only have 98534 miles on it.  Can someone tell me what I should do.  I have found a mirror film on eBay for 2004 Lexus.  Please let me hear of your experience.

 Thank you

Nanajac

[millbon]

I think you can replace the mirrors and reuse the old frames.