Mirror Controls in the Dark?
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 16,305
Likes: 402
From: Odessa, Delaware
Mirror Controls in the Dark?
Driving my new to me 2010 Super Duty this morning in the dark and noticed that the mirror controls are not illuminated. Is this normal or are they suppose to have illumination?
Thread Starter
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 16,305
Likes: 402
From: Odessa, Delaware
Still think they could have been illuminated. Also wish it had a glove box light along with footwell lights.
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,133
Likes: 665
From: NH
I'm totally with you. The cheap mirror switch Ford uses is not illuminated, even on my 2012. In fact, it is the same switch used in my dad's Land Rover LR3 (from when Ford owned them), also not illuminated. This is a ridiculous oversight on an expensive vehicle. Then again, many new vehicles still do not even light up all the power window switches (i.e. Mazda, Subaru). Notice that the truck's power window rear cutoff switch is also not illuminated. Not lighting the glovebox is ridiculous as well.
My last VW, a 2012, had fabulous interior illumination. Mirror switch was lit, rear cutoff switch was not only lit, it changed color when activated. Even the individual map light switches in the roof were lit! And yet there are cars with even better lighting than this, i.e. my parent's older Audi A8, which illuminates even the dashboard HVAC vent louver controls, in the front and the rear. Plus a footwell light in each footwell, a puddle lamp and separate red door ajar lamp in each door, and there is a small ashtray in each rear door armrest...all illuminated with a small red LED. Ford could go way above and beyond what they do, but I guess they don't want to spend the money.
My last VW, a 2012, had fabulous interior illumination. Mirror switch was lit, rear cutoff switch was not only lit, it changed color when activated. Even the individual map light switches in the roof were lit! And yet there are cars with even better lighting than this, i.e. my parent's older Audi A8, which illuminates even the dashboard HVAC vent louver controls, in the front and the rear. Plus a footwell light in each footwell, a puddle lamp and separate red door ajar lamp in each door, and there is a small ashtray in each rear door armrest...all illuminated with a small red LED. Ford could go way above and beyond what they do, but I guess they don't want to spend the money.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 172
Likes: 3
From: Chesterfield, VA
Interior Lighting
I'm totally with you. The cheap mirror switch Ford uses is not illuminated, even on my 2012. In fact, it is the same switch used in my dad's Land Rover LR3 (from when Ford owned them), also not illuminated. This is a ridiculous oversight on an expensive vehicle. Then again, many new vehicles still do not even light up all the power window switches (i.e. Mazda, Subaru). Notice that the truck's power window rear cutoff switch is also not illuminated. Not lighting the glovebox is ridiculous as well.
My last VW, a 2012, had fabulous interior illumination. Mirror switch was lit, rear cutoff switch was not only lit, it changed color when activated. Even the individual map light switches in the roof were lit! And yet there are cars with even better lighting than this, i.e. my parent's older Audi A8, which illuminates even the dashboard HVAC vent louver controls, in the front and the rear. Plus a footwell light in each footwell, a puddle lamp and separate red door ajar lamp in each door, and there is a small ashtray in each rear door armrest...all illuminated with a small red LED. Ford could go way above and beyond what they do, but I guess they don't want to spend the money.
My last VW, a 2012, had fabulous interior illumination. Mirror switch was lit, rear cutoff switch was not only lit, it changed color when activated. Even the individual map light switches in the roof were lit! And yet there are cars with even better lighting than this, i.e. my parent's older Audi A8, which illuminates even the dashboard HVAC vent louver controls, in the front and the rear. Plus a footwell light in each footwell, a puddle lamp and separate red door ajar lamp in each door, and there is a small ashtray in each rear door armrest...all illuminated with a small red LED. Ford could go way above and beyond what they do, but I guess they don't want to spend the money.
My Ridgeline has a small amber light in the overhead unit which shines down onto the center console so you see the shifter, the cupholders, etc without feeling around in the dark.<o
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,133
Likes: 665
From: NH
My GTI had two red LED's in the roof for this same purpose, my folk's 2005 Land Rover has a single white LED, and they also have a 2002 Mercedes E-Class with one in the roof as well (and the interior door handles have hidden LED lighting behind them, very classy at night. Ford could have easily done something like this. But you are right, I still really like the truck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
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FTE Remembers
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
My Mom's new Mini has lights all over the place and
they even can cycle the color or lock on one.
My 2006 F350 had lights in the window and door switches
but not the mirror control. Also I think I have an LED out in the
headlamp control. It's dark all the time.
Sean
they even can cycle the color or lock on one.
My 2006 F350 had lights in the window and door switches
but not the mirror control. Also I think I have an LED out in the
headlamp control. It's dark all the time.
Sean
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,133
Likes: 665
From: NH
Its not a big deal, but having more switchgear illuminated contributes to a more premium vehicle feel. Ford doesn't do too bad, but it could certainly do better. I realize the expensive price of these vehicles is due to their heavy-duty capabilities, but a few more pennies of LEDs or other lights wouldn't have hurt profits much.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
Its not a big deal, but having more switchgear illuminated contributes to a more premium vehicle feel. Ford doesn't do too bad, but it could certainly do better. I realize the expensive price of these vehicles is due to their heavy-duty capabilities, but a few more pennies of LEDs or other lights wouldn't have hurt profits much.
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