Here's a breakdown of the process, but remember that this is a general guide. Consult a repair manual specific to your 1996 Pontiac Grand Am GT for detailed instructions and diagrams. These manuals often show exploded diagrams of the door panel and mirror assembly which are invaluable for this type of repair.
1. Assessing the Damage:
* Visual Inspection: Before you start, carefully inspect the mirror. Look for obvious signs of damage to the cables themselves (broken strands, fraying). Try gently moving the mirror by hand – excessive looseness suggests cable issues.
* Testing the Motor: With the door panel off (see step 2), check the motor directly with a 12V power source (be extremely careful!). If the motor runs, the problem likely lies in the cables or their connection. If the motor doesn't run, it's a more significant problem that may involve replacing the motor.
* Switch Check (Advanced): Use a multimeter to test the switch. This requires more advanced electrical knowledge and may involve tracing wires.
2. Removing the Door Panel:
* Consult a Repair Manual: This step is crucial. The exact procedure for removing the door panel varies between car models. A repair manual will show you where the screws and clips are located, and how to avoid damage.
* Disconnect Battery: Disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery before starting any electrical work.
* Remove screws and clips: Carefully remove the screws and clips securing the door panel. These are often hidden under trim pieces or inside the door handles.
* Disconnect Electrical Connectors: Unplug all electrical connectors leading to the door panel, including the one for the power mirror.
3. Accessing and Repairing the Cables:
* Locate the Mirror Assembly: Once the door panel is removed, you'll see the mirror assembly.
* Inspect the Cables: Examine the cables carefully for breaks, kinks, or disconnections.
* Repairing the Cables: This is the most challenging part. If the cables are broken, soldering them is possible but requires fine soldering skills. You might be able to splice in new cable sections, but getting the correct tension and routing is critical. This is often best left to someone experienced in cable repair.
* Replacing the Cables (Likely Necessary): In many cases, replacing the entire cable assembly is more practical than repairing individual cables. Finding replacement cables for an older car might require a salvage yard or an online parts supplier.
* Lubrication: Once you've repaired or replaced the cables, lightly lubricate the moving parts of the mechanism to ensure smooth operation.
4. Reassembly:
* Reconnect Electrical Connectors: Carefully reconnect all electrical connectors to the door panel.
* Reinstall Door Panel: Securely reattach the door panel, ensuring all screws and clips are properly fastened.
* Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
* Test the Mirrors: Test the mirror operation to ensure proper functionality.
Important Considerations:
* Repair Manual: This is crucial. Without a repair manual specific to your 1996 Pontiac Grand Am GT, you risk damaging your door panel or other components.
* Safety: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on electrical components.
* Complexity: This is not a simple repair and may require significant mechanical aptitude. If you're not comfortable working on car mechanics, it's best to take your car to a qualified mechanic.
If you're not mechanically inclined, consider taking your car to a qualified mechanic. The labor cost of repair might be less than the cost of damaging components trying to fix it yourself.
