Mirrors: Description and Operation

The AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR automatically changes its reflectiveness to maximize rear vision by minimizing glare in all types of driving conditions. A thin layer of electrochromic material between two pieces of conductive glass make up the face of the mirror. As light conditions change, two photocell sensors adjust the reflectiveness of the mirror to retain maximum reflectiveness while reducing glare from headlamps approaching from the rear. The AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR has three settings ("OFF"/"MIN"/"MAX") that adjust the sensitivity of the mirror or turn off the automatic feature entirely.
With the ignition switch in "RUN," battery voltage is applied to the mirror through the B/U Fuse, DK BLU (75) wire and PNK (39) wire to terminal 3 of the MIRROR. The MIRROR is permanently grounded at G265. With the Mirror Switch in "MIN," battery voltage is applied to the mirror's solid state unit. This acts as a power supply and also sets the mirror's sensitivity to a low level. This setting is best suited for city driving conditions. With the Mirror Switch in the "MAX" position, the mirror adjusts to a high sensitivity level. This causes the mirror to darken at a lower glare level (highway driving conditions).
Terminal 1 is used to reset the mirror to clear when the transmission is in reverse. When the GEAR SELECTOR SWITCH is moved to "R," voltage is applied to terminal 1 through LT GRN (24) wire causing the mirror to change to clear state (high reflectivity) for maximum visibility while backing.

Ambient And Headlamp Sensors

The MIRROR incorporates two sensors. The Ambient Sensor detects normal outside light levels. The Headlamp Sensor detects light levels received at the rear window side of the MIRROR, When the difference between the two levels becomes too great (when the light level received at the rear side of the MIRROR is significantly higher than normal outside light level), the MIRROR begins to darken. The level of light required to darken the MIRROR is controlled by the Mirror Switch.

Mirror Switch

The Mirror Switch allows the driver to adjust the sensitivity of the AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR. In the "MIN" position, the MIRROR is less sensitive to change while the "MAX" position causes the MIRROR to darken at a lower glare level.