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I installed new 08+ tow mirrors well over a year ago. Got them wired in to the parking and turn signals lights but left the heated mirror function wired loosely behind the dash ready for a switch one day.
Like I mentioned in my post yesterday, I don't like aftermarket switches but this was something I did not want wired to my wireless fob without a led indicator since you don't really know if it's on or not by easy visual inspection. So it took me months to find something I liked and months more trying to visualize it on the dash before pulling the trigger.
I inserted a hyperlink in my OP. Hopefully that took care of it. It's listed on amazon too, which is where I bought it. It was the same price after shipping. Here's that link:
I installed new 08+ tow mirrors well over a year ago. Got them wired in to the parking and turn signals lights but left the heated mirror function wired loosely behind the dash ready for a switch one day.
Like I mentioned in my post yesterday, I don't like aftermarket switches but this was something I did not want wired to my wireless fob without a led indicator since you don't really know if it's on or not by easy visual inspection. So it took me months to find something I liked and months more trying to visualize it on the dash before pulling the trigger.
Did you use a relay in that mirror heater circuit...or just a switch and fuse?
The reason I ask is that I have to wire my mirror heat....I'm using a dedicated timer that Noob so graciously programmed for me. On with key on for 15 minutes...then off.
So does the switch come with a “housing” like the hydra or did you manage to cut the switch hole perfectly?
I should have snapped a pic of the rear. Its a 7/16 hole per the instructions and then cut to fit the square size of the rear of the switch, which is considerably smaller that what you see in the picture. I just used a dremel trimming and sanding a little at a time until it fit perfectly. 3m tape seats the switch bezel flush to the dash. It's a ethernet style wire that easily disconnects for future removal of the dash panel.
Did you use a relay in that mirror heater circuit...or just a switch and fuse?
The reason I ask is that I have to wire my mirror heat....I'm using a dedicated timer that Noob so graciously programmed for me. On with key on for 15 minutes...then off.
The relay is in the kit I bought. I have a 15a fuse inline. I was debating only going with a 5a but I read on another FTE thread Ford used 15a fuse for the heated mirrors. I would think 5a would be sufficient
That's a very clean install, Carl. I'm curious, though.... Why not wire it into the existing Defrost circuit for the windshield, which is the way most heated mirrors operate. Are there times when you need the outside mirror heat without the windshield defrost running?
That's a very clean install, Carl. I'm curious, though.... Why not wire it into the existing Defrost circuit for the windshield, which is the way most heated mirrors operate. Are there times when you need the outside mirror heat without the windshield defrost running?
I remember trying to look into doing this to avoid a switch all together, but did not find much in terms of someone attempting this nor a clear wiring diagram to know which wire to splice into. Do you run it on the wire for defrost only or defrost/floor heat setting or is it just 1 wire for both switch settings? I'd like to know myself (or maybe I wouldn't due to fear of remorse lol) how easy that would have been and if it would be more preferable to a switch. I would think having the switch would allow you to run the heat to wick the rain droplets off the mirrors if windshield defrost was not necessary or wanted. Is rain heated off the mirrors even a thing or just some Chevy-guy talk I overheard? I don't get much use out of heated mirrors in North Texas but a few times a year - this Wednesday we are forecasted for snow so maybe they'll come in handy sooner than later.
Yeah, I haven't dug in far enough to know the wire connection point myself yet. I also don't really need it often here in the Charlotte, NC area, but there have been some times when I wished I had it.
Nice! I replaced my '01 power mirrors with the same style ones that have the turn signals and heat in them. I have the signals hooked up but the wires for the heat are still dangling, I didn't like the idea of the heat being on all the time. I had contemplated using a Crown Victoria rear defroster switch to control them and install it in the same place that you have. This post gives me a bit more motivation to do it. The Crown Victoria switch is timed and will keep the factory green back lighting.
Nice! I replaced my '01 power mirrors with the same style ones that have the turn signals and heat in them. I have the signals hooked up but the wires for the heat are still dangling, I didn't like the idea of the heat being on all the time. I had contemplated using a Crown Victoria rear defroster switch to control them and install it in the same place that you have. This post gives me a bit more motivation to do it. The Crown Victoria switch is timed and will keep the factory green back lighting.
Nice! I've seen some people do old Explorer defrost switch also. Would love to see the crown vic switch when you finish.
