Principles of Operation

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

The exterior mirror control switch is located on the LH door trim panel. Adjusting the exterior rear view mirror control switch to the LH or RH position determines which exterior mirror will be controlled. Power is supplied to the exterior mirror switch from the central junction box (CJB). If equipped with power folding mirrors, the center position of the exterior mirror control switch controls the power folding mirrors. The exterior mirrors use a jumper harness between the vehicle wire harness connector and the exterior mirror motor. The exterior mirror jumper harness is integral to the exterior mirror. If a concern with the exterior mirror jumper harness exists and cannot be repaired, a new exterior mirror must be installed. Only vehicles equipped with memory exterior mirrors are capable of setting DTCs.

Heated Exterior Mirrors
On vehicles equipped with optional rear window defrost, the rear window defrost switch controls the operation of the heated exterior mirrors. The heated exterior mirrors will only operate when the rear window defrost system is ON.

On vehicles equipped with heated exterior mirrors only, the heated exterior mirror switch controls the operation of the heated exterior mirrors.

The heated exterior mirror power is supplied by the rear window defrost relay through CJB fuse 8 (10A), which isolates the heated exterior mirror system from the rear window defrost system in the event of a concern.

Memory Exterior Mirrors
The memory exterior mirror feature is controlled by the driver seat module (DSM). The power driver seat positions are also stored and recalled with the memory exterior mirror positions. The memory exterior mirror function recalls the preferred positioning of the LH and RH exterior mirror motors when the transmission is in the PARK or NEUTRAL position and the door mounted switches or the remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter are activated. The DSM constantly tracks the position of the LH and RH exterior mirror motors by using the potentiometers in the LH and RH exterior mirror motors. The position of the LH and RH exterior mirror motors are stored in the DSM memory as long as the DSM retains power. When a memory position is recalled by the operator, the DSM powers the LH and RH exterior mirror motors simultaneously and monitors the LH and RH potentiometer circuits. When the stored memory position is reached, the DSM removes the voltage from the LH and RH exterior mirror motors. If the exterior mirror control switch is operated during a memory recall, the DSM stops the recall and responds to the exterior mirror control switch command. The DSM is capable of setting a DTC for the memory mirror system when a system concern exists.

For information on the DSM and memory position programming, refer to Seats.

Power Folding Mirrors

NOTE: The power folding mirrors must be synchronized anytime the mirrors are folded or unfolded without using the exterior mirror control switch, or if a new power folding mirror is installed. Refer to Exterior Mirror Motor Synchronization - Power Folding. Programming and Relearning

The RH and LH power folding exterior mirrors are controlled by the DSM. The power folding exterior mirror feature allows both exterior mirrors to be folded or unfolded from the exterior mirror control switch. When the exterior mirror control switch is set to the center position and pressed rearward to the FOLD/UNFOLD position, the exterior mirror control switch sends a signal to the DSM which then supplies power and ground to the power folding exterior mirror motors to fold or unfold the mirrors. The RH and LH power folding mirrors will fold or unfold at the same time and cannot be controlled independently. The power folding mirrors contain a drive motor that is not replaceable. If a power folding mirror drive motor is found to be inoperative, a new power folding exterior rear view mirror assembly must be installed.

If the power folding mirrors are folded or unfolded continuously (6 to 10 cycles), the power lockout feature will disable the system for approximately 2 minutes to prevent damage to the power folding mirror drive motors. After 2 minutes have elapsed, normal operation will resume. Before running a self-test or retrieving codes, the power fold switch must be inactive for at least 30 seconds.

Auto-Dimming Mirrors
The interior rear view and LH exterior mirror may be equipped with an auto-dimming feature. This feature automatically reduces the glare caused by headlamps reflecting in the mirror. The auto-dimming feature is disabled when the vehicle is in REVERSE. Power is supplied to the auto-dimming interior mirror when the ignition is in the RUN or ACC position.

The interior auto-dimming rear view mirror has 2 photoelectric sensors, a forward facing sensor and a rearward facing sensor, that detect forward and rearward light conditions. Based on these inputs, the automatic dimming feature adjusts the reflectance level of the interior rear view mirror glass and LH exterior mirror glass to eliminate unwanted glare. The reflectance level of the mirror glass is variable and depends on the amount of rear glare in relation to ambient light conditions in front of the interior mirror.

When the forward sensor detects daytime conditions, the rearward sensor is inactive and the interior rear view mirror stays in a high reflectance mode. When the forward sensor detects nighttime conditions, the rearward sensor is active and detects glare from the headlights of vehicles approaching from the rear or other glare-producing light sources. To provide increased visibility when backing up, the interior rear view mirror and LH exterior mirror will automatically return to a high reflectance mode whenever the vehicle is in REVERSE.

If the forward or rearward sensors are blocked, the interior auto-dimming rear view mirror may not work correctly.

Turn Signal Mirror
The LH and RH exterior mirrors may be equipped with a mirror-mounted turn signal assembly. For service procedures and additional information on the mirror-mounted turn signals, refer to Lighting and Horns.

Puddle/Approach Lamps
The LH and RH exterior mirrors may be equipped with approach or puddle lamps, which will illuminate when the interior lights are turned on by opening a door or by pressing the unlock button on the RKE transmitter, if equipped. For service procedures and additional information on the mirror-mounted puddle lamps, refer to Lighting and Horns.

Interior Rear View Mirror With Video Display
For vehicles that are equipped with a rear-mounted object detection camera, a video image will be displayed on the LH side of the interior rear view mirror glass when the transmission is in the REVERSE position. For service procedures and additional information on the rear-mounted object detection system, refer to Collision Avoidance and Parking Assist Systems.