2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission auto-dim mirror?

[bayvalve]

Hey there guys (and gals) I'm a new member, but not new to this great website. Just a quick question. My trucks auto-dim rear view mirror doesn't work, and apparently hasn't worked for a while, I checked the fuse, it's ok. I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas... thanks guys...

 

[C. Harlan]

have you mashed the button on it?? it does have an on/off switch. . if there is no power, work your way from the mirror to the fuse panel. . This way, you may catch a snagged, cut or frayed wire.



-Chris-

 

[mediccummin]

First post welcome

I know mine does'nt work unless the headlights hit it just right, I think it is because the trip computer console blocks the sensor. Does yours have the trip comp? The lights behind me have to be pretty much right on my @$$ to trigger it. Good luck... ... .

 

[klenger]

Does the green light on the mirror come on when you press the on/off button? If so, it's obviously getting power. If you have a tinted rear window (only available with a slider I think), the mirror does not dim much because the light from the headlights is dimmed by the tinting.



Set up you signature so we know more about your truck. This will help in future questions.

 

[bayvalve]

The green light doesn't come on, and the rear window is tinted, so maybe that's the problem. The truck has the compass, so maybe that's blocking it... . Another thing is that the backup lights don't work either, and I know that the fuse that controls them, also controls the mirror. . hmm... I think I'll check that fuse again.

 

[JStemann]

tip for those with auto-dim mirror. I hated mine when I got it, light were always too bright.



There is a sensor on the back of the mirror (windshield side) that detects day/night. I covered mine with some electrical tape. Makes the mirror dim always. Kind of like having a tinted rear window (before I got mine tinted).



If I remember right, it will dim a little more when the headlights hit the sensor on the mirrored part. With the cap and tinted window I don't even turn mine on any more.



jeff

 

[BNH4221]

Hey Bayvalve,



Try moving the mirror over to the left or right a little. The sensor has a tendency to line up with the seam in the middle of the rear window, you know, where the latch is. This blocks headlights from directly hitting the sensor.

I have the same problem and have found that the best solution is to tape over the front light sensor as others have.



I am assuming you have a sliding rear window.





Steve

98 QC 12v

151000 happy miles.

 

[LHartman]

Mine has never worked since I got it. I have traced just about everything. What I did find is that I have a bad neutral/reverse switch in my transmission and I have no back up lights. I was looking at the schematic for the wiring and, as I recall, that dimmer is somehow tied into that. I may be way off base, but I'll double check it.



Loren

 

[Gifford]

dimmer

I have always felt, since I bought my 97 new in 96, that the auto-dim feature is totally useless if you have tinted rear windows. Interestingly enough, my back-up lights have been blowing fuses since the day I bought the truck (yes I told them that day, but they were sure it "was just a fuse") Never could duplicate the failure for them under warranty, seems to take a couple days before it blows, but I never noticed that it took out the mirror power before, now I've gotta check!

 

[dsather]

Sensor

Another mirror tip. Turn the mirror upside down so that the sensor is on the bottom instead of near the top where it is partially blocked. Works better as long as it's working.



Dennis

 

[LHartman]

Similar discussion here.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=81165&highlight=mirror

 

[EagleEye]

Mine works NOW...

I never could figure out if it worked or didn't. Just before going on another trip (last week), I'd finally had it and decided to find out if it worked or not.



I tested with a flashlight and blocked the front sensor. I saw no difference



So having enough, I took the mirror off and opened it up to BOMB it. I found an adjustable 'pot' in there and gave it a crank. BINGO... the mirror dims like I thought it should. I drilled a hole in the cover right above the 'pot' in case I have it too dark or too light. It can be adjusted with the mirror in place and is easy.



'Cracking' the case is pretty straightforward also. Go slow and start at the bottom near the button.



This BOMB is easy and do-able by anyone. I should have gotten ****** off at the mirror earlier!



No need to turn the mirror upside down or adjust it 'just so'. I also have a really dark rear mirror, but since the mirror is adjustable, all is good!

 

[bayvalve]

Eagle Eye,

Do you have a sliding rear window? Tinted? I have a solid rear rear window that's tinted. I'll have to try the new Bomb... I never thought I'd be bombing my rear window... wow. . haha.

Thanks for the tip,

Kevin.

 

[EagleEye]

Yep...Got a slider...

And extra tint. Just wasn't dark enough for me, so made a minor addition to the back, rear quarters, and went fairly heavy on the driver and passanger.



The BOMB for the mirror will work wonders for ya. Happy hunting.