99 Explorer XLT Mirrors.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
99 Explorer XLT Mirrors.
I was a victim of some vandals, thankfully police caught them in the act before they did more damage. They managed to smash front passenger and driver window, windshield, and break the mirrors. Well I have the windows replaced, but then I was wondering about my mirrors. Mine were standard issued mirrors underside illuminated, and I was wondering if I bought heated mirrors would they work or would I have to do something. I was wondering since it's winter and I don't want to have to scrape snow off my car or mirrors and thought I'd ask.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,815
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
The connectors are probably sized for the heater wires, but the wires may not be routed/connected. That's something you'll need to check. According to the factory wiring diagram, the wires you'll be interested in checking for are the Dark Green/Violet and for 2 black wires (versus just one). Another item of interest is according to the wiring diagram, if your mirrors have the puddle lamp it also has the heat element.
The heating elements activate though when the rear window defroster is activated, they are not heated all the time. Therefore, unless you start your vehicle in the winter and turn on the rear window defrost several minutes before you plan to drive it, the heated mirrors may not do you much good anyway.
-Rod
The heating elements activate though when the rear window defroster is activated, they are not heated all the time. Therefore, unless you start your vehicle in the winter and turn on the rear window defrost several minutes before you plan to drive it, the heated mirrors may not do you much good anyway.
-Rod
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Well my mirrors are just shattered but still usable for the time being, yeah I think it's the puddle lamps I have. All I know is when I open my doors the lights on the mirrors come on, so I'd think so. Is it possible that they would've damaged the heating elements when they did that and that's why it's not working? Could you also send me the link to the wiring harness thing so I can get a better look?
With winter I always start my vehicle before driving, my mom blew one up because she never used to do that. So yeah I run out there and start the defrosters before I drive and I'll let it warm up.
With winter I always start my vehicle before driving, my mom blew one up because she never used to do that. So yeah I run out there and start the defrosters before I drive and I'll let it warm up.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,815
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
There's a good chance if the mirror is shattered the heating element is open circuit and therefore not working. What you describe would be puddle lamps. Usually the heated mirrors will also have a little "sizzle" icon etched in to the glass in one of the upper corners. Do you see such an icon?
There's no "link" to the wiring diagram, I have the manual on DVD. But if you send me a Private Message with the request and an e-mail address for you, I can make a PDF of the diagram and e-mail it to you.
I'm not sure how your mom "blew up" a vehicle by not warming it up. If the block was full of water instead of anti-freeze/coolant and it froze that would have caused issues before the engine were even started, but may not have been apparent until the block got some heat in it.
With a properly maintained modern vehicle there is no mechanical benefit to warming up the engine before driving it (assuming you don't start hammering the throttle from the start), but a warm vehicle is certainly more comfortable to get in and drive.
-Rod
There's no "link" to the wiring diagram, I have the manual on DVD. But if you send me a Private Message with the request and an e-mail address for you, I can make a PDF of the diagram and e-mail it to you.
I'm not sure how your mom "blew up" a vehicle by not warming it up. If the block was full of water instead of anti-freeze/coolant and it froze that would have caused issues before the engine were even started, but may not have been apparent until the block got some heat in it.
With a properly maintained modern vehicle there is no mechanical benefit to warming up the engine before driving it (assuming you don't start hammering the throttle from the start), but a warm vehicle is certainly more comfortable to get in and drive.
-Rod
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
No there is no such icon on the mirror, as far as I can tell.
I am new to this, so please forgive me as I figure the private messaging out.
I honestly don't know either, this was when I was three and it was a snowstorm with a -20 windchill.
I am new to this, so please forgive me as I figure the private messaging out.
I honestly don't know either, this was when I was three and it was a snowstorm with a -20 windchill.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,815
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
-Rod
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
plumbergeek
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
8
Jul 11, 2006 07:58 AM
snoVVman
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
6
Sep 26, 2005 11:45 AM
