Mirrors: Description and Operation
Rear View MirrorsREAR VIEW MIRRORS
The rear view mirrors consists of the following components:
- exterior rear view mirror motor
- exterior mirror control switch
- exterior rear view mirror glass
- electrochromic interior rear view mirror (optional)
- interior rear view mirror
- exterior rear view mirror
Exterior Mirrors
The exterior rear view mirrors are controlled by the exterior mirror control switch. The exterior mirror control switch:
- is located on the driver front door trim panel.
- operates both the driver side and passenger side exterior rear view mirrors.
- selects the driver side or passenger side exterior rear view mirror for adjustment.
- adjusts the exterior rear view mirrors by moving the knob in the direction of the arrow on the exterior mirror control switch.
Heated Exterior Rear View Mirror with Turn Signal
The heated exterior rear view mirror with turn signal:
- operate any time the heated back window system is turned on.
- heating function is an integral part of the exterior rear view mirror glass.
- utilize a separate fuse from the heated back window system.
- has a removable turn signal module, which is a separate component from the exterior rear view mirror glass.
Memory Exterior Rear View Mirror
The memory exterior rear view mirror:
- is controlled by the driver seat module (DSM).
- is programmed by using the memory mirror set switch.
- can recall personalized positions either by using the memory mirror set switch or by using the remote transmitter.
- can store up to two positions.
Electrochromic Interior Rear View Mirror
The optional electrochromic interior rear view mirror:
- is equipped with an automatic dimming feature that controls the interior rear view mirror reflecting surface to reduce glare caused by headlamps reflecting in the mirror.
- has two integral sensors to control dimming functions.
- defaults to normal setting when the transmission is shifted to REVERSE to allow a bright view for backing up.
- can be switched off by pressing the MODE switch to the OFF position.
Principles of Operation (How Does It Work?)
Exterior Mirrors
The exterior mirrors are controlled by the exterior rear view mirror control switch. The switch supplies power and ground to the selected exterior rear view mirror motor in order to adjust the mirror to the desired position.
Memory Exterior Rear View Mirrors
The memory exterior rear view mirrors are controlled by the exterior rear view mirror control switch. The switch supplies power to the driver seat module (DSM). The DSM supplies power and ground to the selected exterior rear view mirror motor in order to adjust the mirror to the desired position. The DSM will store two positions of the exterior mirror and the position is recalled using the memory set switch or remote transmitter.
Heated Exterior Rear View Mirrors with Turn Signal
The heated exterior rear view mirrors will only function when the heated back glass is operating. There is no separate control for heated exterior rear view mirrors. They function anytime the heated back window is ON.
The heated exterior rear view mirror power is supplied through the heated back window relay. A separate central junction box (CJB) fuse isolates the heated exterior rear view mirrors from the heated back window in the event of a concern.
Electrochromic Interior Rear View Mirror
The automatic dimming feature darkens the electrochromic interior rear view mirror whenever the front ambient light sensor detects low outside light and glare reaches the light sensor (photo cell) located inside the mirror. The electrochromic interior rear view mirror starts to return to the normal view once the glare goes away.
The electrochromic interior rear view mirror reverse input is supplied by a hard-wired circuit to the rear electronic module (REM). When REVERSE is selected the REM will receive the PRNDL message over the network from the PCM stating reverse has been selected. The REM will then supply a power signal to the electrochromic interior rear view mirror causing the mirror to cancel any dimming function currently operating and return to a full bright status. When the gear selector is moved out of REVERSE the mirror returns to normal operation and resumes any interrupted dimming functions.
If the REM does not receive the PRNDL information from the PCM, a communication DTC will be logged. As a default, the REM will supply power to the dimming circuit preventing the automatic dimming function from operating until the message and communication is restored.
The reverse message supplied to the REM has a time delay before the message is sent by the PCM. This delay allows for the gear selector to be moved through REVERSE without canceling dimming operations.
This feature is configurable. Make sure the vehicle was built with this function enabled before diagnosing.