Automatic Day/Night Mirror System

INTRODUCTION
An automatic dimming inside day/night rear view mirror is an available factory-installed option on this model.

Automatic Day/Night Mirror System
The automatic day/night mirror system is able to automatically change the reflectance of the inside rear view mirror in order to reduce the glare of head- lamps approaching the vehicle from the rear. The automatic day/night rear view mirror receives battery current through a fuse in the junction block only when the ignition switch is in the On position.

A switch located on the bottom of the automatic day/night mirror housing allows the vehicle operator to select whether the automatic dimming feature is operational. When the automatic day/night mirror is turned on, the mirror switch is lighted by an integral Light-Emitting Diode (LED). The mirror will automatically disable its self-dimming feature whenever the vehicle is being driven in reverse.

Following is a general description of the automatic day/night mirror. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the automatic day/night mirror system.

SYSTEM OPERATION
Automatic Day/Night Mirror
The automatic day/night mirror uses a thin layer of electrochromic material between two pieces of conductive glass to make up the face of the mirror. When the mirror switch is in the On position, two photocell sensors are used by the mirror circuitry to monitor external light levels and adjust the reflectance of the mirror.

The ambient photocell sensor is located on the forward-facing (windshield side) of the rear view mirror housing, and detects the ambient light levels outside of the vehicle. The headlamp photocell sensor is located inside the rear view mirror housing behind the mirror glass and faces rearward, to detect the level of the light being received at the rear window side of the mirror. When the circuitry of the automatic day/night mirror detects that the difference between the two light levels is too great (the light level received at the rear of the mirror is much higher than that at the front of the mirror), it begins to darken the mirror.

The automatic day/night mirror circuitry also monitors the transmission using an input from me backup lamp circuit. The mirror circuitry is programmed to automatically disable its self-dimming feature whenever it senses that the transmission backup lamp circuit is energized.

The automatic day/night mirror is a completely self-contained unit and cannot be repaired. If faulty or damaged, the entire mirror assembly must be replaced.