Heated Mirror Operation

[Cooker]

I'm in the process of installing the newer heated/power mirrors on my '96. As I understand the heated part of the mirror runs for a timed interval after being activated. How long to they operate. I'm thinking of wiring in a time delay relay to make them function properly.

Or maybe I'm completely wrong, do they run all the time.

Thanks again,
Ryan

 

[Justbeamn]

I havn't timed mine but after warming up they do turn off on their own.

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98. 5 3500 SLT Quad Dually 4x4. 3:54 Auto, Waterfall Blk on red. Custom dually flaps, Rhino lining, All acc's w/leather, Muth signal mirrors, Catz MSC's, 55watt back up lights, Optima Red Tops,
BD exhaust brake, Banks EGT/Boost/Temp gauges, Mag-Hytec DC&TP, SS bug screen and fender trim,SS Stull diamond line running boards, SS 4" turn down.
My Dually

 

[DRT]

It is between 10 and 15 minutes that I have noticed. That is just to burn the fog off. Not sure if they stay on longer in cold weather.

 

[Alan Reagan]

The computer controls the time and it is 15 minutes.

 

[JJW_ND]

Ryan:

I added the heated mirrors to my 96 last summer. I just ran through a simple switch. I once left them on for several hours. Still work fine.

I have found that I hardly every use them but a glad I have the option if I need them. I would have no reason to get any fancier in the connection for as little as I use them.

I used a lighted switch BTW!

jjw
ND

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Cooker- I think you are correct, the heater circuit doesn't run all the time. I had the PC card out of the heater control subpanel from the dash months ago to install MY switch for washer heater. As I recall its a hybrid IC chip that's a bistable switch and a 15 minute timer. The bistable switch allows push on/push off (whoopee!) BUT also resets to off when the ignition bus goes off. You might be able to retrofit this subpanel (mine is a '98) as a repair part. Or- with about 6 parts from Radio Shack you can wire up a digital [bistable] switch which would ensure the truck never started with the mirrors on unless by choice.