Principles of Operation

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

NOTE: The smart junction box (SJB) may also be identified as the generic electronic module (GEM).

Adjusting the exterior mirror control switch to the LH or RH position determines which power mirror glass will be controlled. If equipped with power folding mirrors, the center position of the exterior mirror control switch controls the power folding mirrors. If equipped with power telescoping mirrors, the telescoping mirror control switch, which is located on the LH door trim panel, allows the power telescoping mirrors to be extended or retracted. Only vehicles equipped with memory exterior rear view mirrors are capable of setting DTCs.

Heated Exterior Rear View Mirror
The heated mirror switch controls the operation of the heated exterior rear view mirrors. The heated mirror switch is an integral part of the HVAC - electronic automatic temperature control (EATC) module or the HVAC - electronic manual temperature control (EMTC) module and cannot be replaced separately. The heated mirrors power is supplied by the heated mirror relay through battery junction box (BJB) fuse 23. The heated mirrors are heated for a period of 10 minutes when the engine is running and the heated mirror switch is pressed.

Interior Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror
The interior auto-dimming rear view mirror automatically reduces the glare caused by headlamps reflecting in the interior rear view mirror. The auto-dimming feature is disabled when the vehicle is in REVERSE. Power is supplied to the interior auto-dimming mirror when the ignition is in the RUN position or the accessory delay is active.

The interior auto-dimming rear view mirror has 2 photoelectric sensors 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 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 will automatically return to a high reflectance mode whenever the vehicle is in REVERSE.

If the forward or rearward sensors are blocked, the automatic dimming interior mirror might not work correctly.

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 information on the rear-mounted object detection system, refer to Collision Avoidance and Parking Assist Systems.

Memory Exterior Mirrors
The memory mirror function recalls the preferred positioning of the exterior mirrors 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 driver seat module (DSM) constantly tracks the exterior mirror position by using the potentiometers in the exterior mirror assembly. The positions remain in memory as long as the DSM retains power. When a memory position is recalled by the operator, the DSM powers the exterior mirror motors simultaneously and monitors the potentiometer circuits. When the stored memory position is reached, the DSM removes the voltage from the 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 may need to be synchronized when the RH, LH or both power folding mirrors are partially folded in toward the door manually, and then folded inward using the power folding mirror control switch. Refer to Exterior Mirror Motor Synchronization - Power Folding. Programming and Relearning

The power folding mirror option allows both power exterior rear view mirrors to be folded or unfolded from the exterior mirror control switch. The power folding mirrors are controlled by the power folding mirror module. When the exterior mirror control switch is set to the center position and pressed rearward to the FOLD/UNFOLD position, the mirrors will fold inward towards the door if they are folded out, or unfold outward if they are folded in. The RH and LH power folding mirrors will fold and unfold at the same time and cannot be controlled independently. The power folding mirrors contain a drive motor which is not replaceable. If a power folding mirror motor is found to be inoperative, a new power folding exterior rear view mirror assembly must be installed. The mirror glass motors, mirror glass, turn signal indicator, side marker lens and if equipped, the exterior mirror cover, are the only replaceable components in a power folding mirror. If the power folding mirrors are folded or unfolded continuously for 10 cycles, the power lockout feature will disable the system for approximately 3-1/2 minutes to prevent damage to the power fold motors. After 3-1/2 minutes have elapsed, normal operation will resume.

Power Telescoping Mirrors
The power telescoping mirror option allows both power exterior rear view mirrors to be extended or retracted electronically from the telescoping rear view mirror control switch. When the telescoping rear view mirror control switch is pressed to the outward position, the exterior rear view mirrors will extend. When the telescoping rear view mirror control switch is pressed to the inward position, the exterior rear view mirrors will retract. The RH and LH power telescoping mirrors can be adjusted inward or outward to a desired position by momentarily pressing and releasing the power telescoping mirror control switch. The RH and LH power telescoping mirrors will extend and retract at the same time and cannot be controlled independently. The power telescoping mirrors contain a drive motor which is not replaceable. If a power telescoping motor is found to be inoperative, a new power telescoping exterior rear view mirror assembly must be installed. The mirror glass motors, mirror glass, turn signal indicator, side marker lens and if equipped, the exterior mirror cover, are the only replaceable components in a power telescoping mirror.