VW T6 Power Fold Mirror Retrofit — Fold on Lock

The Problem

The van had standard electric heated mirrors with no power folding function. You want mirrors that fold and unfold automatically via the remote central locking.

Solution

1. Source a T5 power fold mirror kit with control module, and buy the OEM T6 door mirror switch separately from a VW dealer — 2010-onward T5 mirrors are the same physical fit on a T6. Kits are sold by VW conversion specialists (for example Vanstyle, T6Tuning, or similar T5/T6 parts suppliers); confirm the kit includes the fold control module, as this is the part that makes the fold-on-lock function work. (Verify the control module and door switch part numbers with the supplier and your dealer before ordering.)
2. Remove all lower dash trim and both front door cards to access the wiring runs.
3. Transfer the electrical connector plugs from the old mirror bodies into the new power fold mirror bodies before fitting. These are the wiring plugs for the mirror functions — typically the heated-glass element connector and the adjustment/fold-motor connectors. (Confirm the exact connector layout against your old mirrors, as it varies between mirror types — match each plug to the same position on the new body.)
4. Transfer the mirror caps from the old mirrors to the new ones — this is the most fragile step and the two tabs at the top of the rear cover are particularly prone to snapping.
   • Remove the glass first, then the top cover, then unscrew the lower cover from the front before the rest disassembles.
5. Wire the control module per the wiring instructions supplied with the kit. In summary: feed the module a permanent 12V supply and an earth, take a switched ignition live to trigger the unfold-on-ignition function, connect the LOCK and UNLOCK trigger inputs (see step 6), and run the motor wires out to each mirror. The wire colours are the same on the T6 as on the T5. (If your kit ships without instructions, ask the supplier for the module's wiring diagram before starting — do not guess the pin assignments.)
   • Do not disconnect the passenger airbag connector when removing the left-hand dash trim or a fault will be stored that requires professional clearing.
6. Tap the fold-on-lock signal from the purple wire in the driver's door lock loom.
   • The LOCK and UNLOCK inputs on the control module are disabled while the ignition live is present, so always test folding with the ignition fully off.
7. No VCDS or dealer coding is required for the mirrors to function.