Mr Jones

I have option: 249 INSIDE AND OUTSIDE MIRROR AUTOMATIC DIMMING.
I've noticed that my driver's side ext mirror is automatic dimming but not my passenger side. Is this what everybody else has?

Guilty

Yes. I found out when I had to replace my passenger side mirror.

It doesn't bother me that much though, my windows are tinted so it helps.

abcut973

Same here. Only the driver's side dims.

Mr Jones

I can't see the logic. If someone is behind you on a long dark road with their high beams on you're going to cop it in the eye from your passenger side mirror. Why not autodim both? Anyone?

Diabolis

Probably because the passenger side mirror is convex, unlike the drivers' side which is flat. Seeing as auto-dimming mirrors are all electrochromic, I suspect it has something to do with uneven darkening when you apply current to the gel. Just a guess.

jeffkiser

My center rearview mirror and drivers side mirror vascilate between dark and light for no apparent reason. During the day the mirrors go so dark I can't see behind me. Then, all of a sudden they both get light again. Any solution? I've tried black tape over the sensor in the center rearview but that didn't help.
Jeff

rediesel

I've had cars where both driver's and pass mirrors darken. It doesn't bother me that the pass mirror doesn't, but I find it odd espically considering the beam pattern of modern headlights.

Mr Jones

I think there is more than one light sensor but I'm not sure where the other one is. Covering the sensor will just make the mirror dark. I know when I have my paddleboard on my roof racks it sometimes confuses the sensor because of the shadow. Could there be anything that's creating a shadow over the centre mirror or somewhere else? Are you carrying a bike or something else on the roof?

Diabolis

The mirror dimming sensor works in conjunction with the ambient light sensor in the windshield (the one that turns on your headlights when it gets dark) and is located in the middle of the cabin rearveiw mirror. However - if you cover it up with black tape, the mirrors (that dim) will always stay light, not dark. You'd need to take a flashlight to it to make it darken. Turning on the overhead cabin light at night will have the same effect.

Mr Jones

Okay. So the system must work by a comparison of the 2 sensors. Daytime - both sensors are the same - mirrors don't dim. Night time, no car behind you - both sensors are the same - mirrors don't dim. are dark. Night time with car headlights shining behind you - centre mirror sensor notices light is brighter than windshield sensor and dims the mirrors.

So Jeff, does this help you? Either one of your sensors is not operating properly or perhaps is it masked? Do you have a radar detector or GPS attached to the windscreen?

jeffkiser

Is there any way I can just 'unplug' the auto dim feature. The mirrors are so dark during the day I can't see behind me?

jeffkiser

I have no radar detector or GPS mounted to the windshield so that shouldn't be an issue! Is the driver door mirror sensor in the outside mirror?? If so, is there any way I can tape over that one as well so both inside and side mirrors have sensors blocked?

Mr Jones

Jeff, what vehicle and year are you driving? Can you get it fixed under warranty? Or could you go to a dealer and just ask them to plug it in and tell you what's wrong? Without fixing it.