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Auto dimming mirror: When does it come on?

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Old Sep 20, 2004 | 10:37 PM
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Auto dimming mirror: When does it come on?

When does the auto dimming mirror get power? On ACC? On Engine run?

I miss the auto dimming rear view mirror I had in my 03 EB. I wish I had kept it when I traded it in for a Mustang. Now I'm considering buying one to install in my Mustang.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2004 | 09:44 AM
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I'm not sure, but if you need the auto-dim feature, you are almost assuredly driving the vehicle, correct?
 
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Old Sep 22, 2004 | 09:38 PM
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Thank you so much for your reply.

Does it only activate with the headlights? Or just anytime the car is on, even in broad daylight?
 
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Old Sep 22, 2004 | 10:59 PM
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It comes on when the vehicle headlights behind you hit the mirror and goes off when the vehicle moves further behind. There is a switch on the mirror the shuts off the auto feature. Yes it seems to get power when your lights are on.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2004 | 07:21 AM
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Originally Posted by MNExpedition
Yes it seems to get power when your lights are on.
Can you (or someone) confirm this? It makes a big difference on where I wire the power lead for the mirror.

Thanks.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2004 | 07:53 AM
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On my 2001 EB expy, the green light on the auto-dim mirror is on all of the time the key is on. Not accessory, just on. It doesn't matter whether the headlights are on or not. Pressing the off switch, or turning the key to off, are the only things that cut power to it.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2004 | 07:56 AM
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My 04 is the same way. It's on when the key is in the run position.

Bob
 
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Old Sep 23, 2004 | 08:50 AM
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Thank you, gentlemen.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2004 | 10:18 AM
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The auto mirrow in my 02 had a problem with where it attached to the w/shield. Its still under warranty, so I had the dealer replace it. The new mirrow does not have the switch, it is auto all of the time if the key is on and lights hit it. This is not a problem as I never turned it off.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2004 | 01:42 PM
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Thank you I never paid that much attention. Yes it does come on when your ignition is in the on position. Dimming when lights from car behind hit it. Unless one cancels it with the switch. Looks like on the newer models they left the off switch behind. I never turn mine off either. Just purchased my expediton this August.
 

Last edited by MNExpedition; Sep 23, 2004 at 01:45 PM.
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Old Sep 23, 2004 | 11:05 PM
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I think I might have something to add. Although the power is on when the key is in the run position, the autodimming only occurs when it is dark, that is when the autolamp feature is registering that it is dark. Also, when the gear shift lever is placed in Reverse, the autodimming is turned off.

Hence, if you are looking to wire one up, you are going to need to make two connections; one to power and the other to 'signal'. I have the wiring diagrams but am too lazy to look them up.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2004 | 12:26 AM
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Originally Posted by hkiefus
I think I might have something to add. Although the power is on when the key is in the run position, the autodimming only occurs when it is dark, that is when the autolamp feature is registering that it is dark. Also, when the gear shift lever is placed in Reverse, the autodimming is turned off.

Hence, if you are looking to wire one up, you are going to need to make two connections; one to power and the other to 'signal'. I have the wiring diagrams but am too lazy to look them up.
Wow! That does put a twist to it. Ford didn't put any of the nice features like autolamps on the Mustang so I'm not sure where I would get the 'signal'. I guess I could find a live/active signal somewhere.

Also, shouldn't there be a ground wire too? A friend of mine found one on ebay and it showed only two wires.

*shrug*
 
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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 09:52 AM
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Anyone ever wonder if we really need the AutoDim mirror? Especially if your Expy has the factory tint. It does look so much better than the plain long ones. But just wondering.

I don't remember but I think it's standard with no extra cost.

I'll drive with it off and see if there is much difference.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2004 | 08:12 AM
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Yes, there is a difference. I hate bright lights behind me when I'm driving the Mustang.

hkiefus: Did you ever find the wiring diagram?
 
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