Automatic Day/Night Mirror

The content of this article reflects changes called for in TSB 26-11-98.

INTRODUCTION

An automatic dimming inside day/night rear view mirror and an automatic dimming driver side outside rear view mirror are available factory-installed options on this model. Following is a general description of this optional equipment.

AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR

The automatic day/night mirror is able to automatically change its reflectance. A thin layer of electrochromic material between two pieces of conductive glass make up the face of the mirror. Two photocell sensors are used to monitor light levels and adjust the reflectance of the mirror to reduce the glare of headlamps approaching the vehicle from the rear.

The ambient photocell sensor faces forward, to detect the outside light levels. A second sensor faces rearward to detect the light level received through the vehicles back window. when the difference between the two light levels becomes too great (the light level received at the rear of the mirror is much higher than that at the front of the mirror), the mirror begins to darken.

The mirror switch allows the driver a manual control of whether the automatic dimming feature is operational. When AUTO is selected a small Light-Emitting Diode (LED), to the right of the mirror switch, is illuminated. The automatic dimming feature will only operate when the ignition switch is in the On position. The mirror also senses the backup lamp circuit, and will automatically disable its self-dimming feature whenever the transmission gear selector is in the Reverse position.

NOTE: The mirror always defaults to an ON state upon ignition.

The driver side automatic mirror is standard with the automatic inside mirror. The signal to control the dimming of that mirror is generated by the automatic day/night inside rear view mirror circuitry. That signal is then delivered to the driver side outside rear view mirror on a hard wired circuit.

The automatic day/night mirror cannot be repaired. If faulty or damaged, the entire inside rear view mirror assembly must be replaced.