Why Aren’t Your Audi Mirrors Folding When Locking? Here’s What to Check

You press the lock button on your Audi key fob, walk away, and turn back to see… your mirrors still sticking out? What gives? Power-folding mirrors should tuck themselves in when you lock your car, providing both protection and that satisfying “my-car-is-properly-secured” feeling.

If your Audi mirrors aren’t folding when locking, don’t worry – you’re not alone. This issue has several potential causes, from simple settings to more complex electrical problems. I’ll walk you through the most common fixes, from easiest to most involved.

Do Your Audi Mirrors Actually Fold Automatically?

Before assuming something’s broken, let’s make sure your Audi actually has power-folding mirrors. Not all models come with this feature as standard.

Check Your Mirror Control Knob

Look at the mirror control knob on your driver’s door. If your Audi has power-folding mirrors, you’ll see a folding mirror icon at the 6 o’clock position (bottom) of the rotary dial. This icon typically shows a mirror with an arrow indicating the folding motion.

No folding icon? Your Audi likely doesn’t have power-folding mirrors, which explains why they don’t fold when locking.

Examine Your Mirror Housing

Power-folding mirrors have a visible seam or joint at the base of the mirror housing where it meets the door. This pivot point allows the mirrors to rotate inward. If your mirror housing looks seamless where it connects to the door, it’s probably not designed to fold automatically.

Consider Your Trim Level

Power-folding mirrors aren’t standard on all Audi models and trim levels. This feature is typically found on higher-end trims like Premium Plus or Prestige, or as part of optional packages like the “Convenience Package.”

For example, on the 2016 Audi A3, power-folding mirrors were only included with the top-tier Prestige trim. On the Q7, they come with the Premium Plus trim and above.

Is the Auto-Fold Feature Enabled in Your MMI?

If you’ve confirmed your Audi has power-folding mirrors, the next step is to check if the auto-fold feature is enabled in your MMI (Multi Media Interface) system.

How to Check and Enable Auto-Folding in MMI

1. Press the MENU button on your center console
2. Navigate to Vehicle or Car
3. Select Vehicle settings
4. Find and select Central locking
5. Look for an option labeled Fold mirrors or Powerfold and make sure it’s enabled (checkbox ticked or toggle set to “On”)

If this option is missing entirely from your MMI menu, it’s another indication that your vehicle may not have power-folding mirrors.

Have You Tried Different Locking Methods?

The way you lock your Audi can affect whether the mirrors fold or not.

Key Fob Lock Button: Short Press vs. Long Press

On many Audi models, a quick press of the lock button simply locks the doors, while a press-and-hold activates the “convenience closing” feature, which includes folding the mirrors. Try holding the lock button for 3-5 seconds and see if that makes a difference.

Door Handle Sensor vs. Key Fob

Some Audi owners report that locking the car using the capacitive sensor on the door handle works more consistently for folding mirrors than using the key fob. Try both methods to see if one works better than the other.

Have You Tried Resetting Your MMI System?

Electronic glitches can sometimes prevent your mirrors from folding. A simple MMI reset might fix the issue.

How to Reset Your Audi MMI

The reset procedure varies depending on your Audi’s MMI generation:

For MMI 3G and 3G+ (2009-2016 models):

• Simultaneously press and hold the control wheel (push down), the upper-right function button, and the MENU button
• Hold for several seconds until the screen goes black and restarts

For MIB 1, MIB 2, and early MIB 3 (2016-2020 models):

• Press and hold the volume knob for 10-15 seconds until the system reboots

For newest MIB 3 with dual touchscreens:

• Press and hold the top-right corner of the upper touchscreen with two fingers for 20-30 seconds
• Use the volume knob to select “reboot to normal mode”

Could There Be an Electrical Issue?

If the above solutions don’t work, you might be dealing with an electrical problem.

Check Your Fuses

A blown fuse could prevent your mirrors from folding. The specific fuse location varies by model, but here’s a general guide:

Check your owner’s manual for the exact location and number for your specific model. A blown fuse will have a broken filament inside.

Inspect the Door Wiring Harness

The wiring harness that runs between your car’s body and the door is constantly flexed every time you open and close the door. Over time, these wires can break.

You can visually inspect this area by carefully peeling back the rubber boot that covers the wires between the door and the car body. Look for any damaged, pinched, or broken wires.

Could the Folding Mirror Motors Be Damaged?

If everything else checks out, you might have a mechanical problem with the mirror motors themselves.

Listen for Motor Sounds

When you manually activate the folding function using the door knob, listen carefully:

• A grinding or clicking sound suggests the motor is running but the gears might be stripped
• Complete silence might indicate a burnt-out motor
• If one mirror works but the other doesn’t, you likely have a problem with just one motor

Common Mechanical Failures

The most common mechanical failures include:

• Stripped plastic gears inside the mirror housing
• Burnt-out motor
• Seized pivot mechanism
• Water damage to electrical components

Using Diagnostic Tools for Advanced Troubleshooting

If you’re comfortable with automotive diagnostics or want to provide specific information to your mechanic, consider using a VAG-compatible scanner like VCDS or OBDeleven.

Common Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

These tools can read error codes stored in your Audi’s computer system:

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow this logical sequence to diagnose your folding mirror issue:

1. Verify your Audi has power-folding mirrors

   • Check for the folding icon on the mirror control knob
   • Look for the pivot seam on the mirror housing
   • Review your vehicle’s trim level and options

2. Ensure the feature is enabled in MMI

   • Navigate through Vehicle > Vehicle settings > Central locking
   • Enable “Fold mirrors” if available

3. Try different locking methods

   • Short press vs. long press on key fob
   • Door handle sensor vs. key fob

4. Reset your MMI system

   • Follow the appropriate procedure for your MMI generation

5. Check for electrical issues

   • Inspect relevant fuses
   • Examine the door wiring harness for damage

6. Test the mirror motors manually

   • Use the door knob to rotate to the folding position
   • Listen for motor sounds that might indicate specific problems

7. Consider professional diagnosis

   • If all else fails, a dealership or Audi specialist can use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the issue

What You Can Fix Yourself vs. When to Seek Help

DIY-Friendly Fixes:

• Checking and changing MMI settings
• Resetting the MMI system
• Checking and replacing fuses
• Visual inspection of wiring (without disassembly)
• Testing different locking methods

Professional Help Recommended For:

• Repairing broken wiring in the door harness
• Replacing failed mirror motors or assemblies
• Addressing control module issues that require programming
• Diagnosing intermittent electrical problems

Remember that power-folding mirrors are a convenience feature rather than a safety-critical system. While it’s annoying when they don’t work properly, you can continue to drive your Audi safely while planning the repair.

By methodically working through these steps, you’ll likely identify why your Audi mirrors aren’t folding when locking, and either fix the issue yourself or provide your mechanic with valuable diagnostic information to expedite the repair process.