Installed Auto Dimming mirror

[Billy Bob]

I installed a Auto Dimming mirror in less than one hour. VERY easy on my SR5 DC.

INSTALLING

Since I have the small over head console I opened up both compartments (sunglass holder and business card holder compartments) and removed the four torx screws. The console will then just fall down but you can just let it hang by the wires for the inside lights.

You will now find two plugs that are not being used. Neither would just plug into the Auto Dimming Mirror I purchased even thought it was for a Toyota vehicle. But anyways it's still very easy from here. The right plug that is just clipped into a holder has only 3 (THREE) wire going into the plug. That is the one you need to tap off using the pinch type clips that were provided. You just have to find which wire is which. One will be CONSTANT power (power without the key in the vehicle), one will be ignition power (power only when the key is turned on) and of course the other is just a ground. Now since I did this two days ago I can't remember which is which but a $3 test light like I used worked to determine which wire is which.

Plug the harness that came with the auto dimming mirror in and mount on windshield. Now run those wires up and under the headliner and next to the 3 wire plug that is already up there. That plug harness that came with the mirror will be labeled GROUND WIRE, CONSTANT POWER WIRE and IGNITION SWITCH POWER WIRE. Now just tap off the 3 wire plug to the correct wires that came with that auto dimming mirror and replace the headliner. A wire cover comes with the auto dimming mirror that covers the wire going from the mirror to the headliner. It is adjustable. The one I got was not long enough. It just barely stay up in place the the seller is sending me a LONG wire cover. So if you order one on the Internet make sure you ask for a LONG wire cover. It's not a real big deal but I want the job to look factory installed. I remember when I purchased the truck the auto dimming mirror with compass was $280 option. I don't think it had Homelink but I could be wrong. Maybe someone here has one and can let me know if Homelink comes with the factory auto dimming mirror. But anyways I snagged mine for only $179.99 and $2.45 shipping.

PROGRAMMING

If the mirror has Homelink like mine does you just follow the instructions to program the Homelink buttons on the mirror to open the garage door or whatever you want like for gates or turning on house lights etc.... pretty much like programing a universal remote.

Now if your auto dimming mirror has a compass like the one I purchased all you need to do is drive around the block or a circle 3 times (I just went around the block once) and it will automatically program the compass.

[nardo1]

Did mine also in same time frame, was a snap! Bought it from Toyota for about $200, have no idea why it's not standard on the SR5 models. "BUTT" I'm on my second tranny!!!!!!!!!! Good luck and enjoy

[slackjaw07]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

I installed a Auto Dimming mirror in less than one hour. VERY easy on my SR5 DC.

INSTALLING

Since I have the small over head console I opened up both compartments (sunglass holder and business card holder compartments) and removed the four torx screws. The console will then just fall down but you can just let it hang by the wires for the inside lights.

You will now find two plugs that are not being used. Neither would just plug into the Auto Dimming Mirror I purchased even thought it was for a Toyota vehicle. But anyways it's still very easy from here. The right plug that is just clipped into a holder has only 3 (THREE) wire going into the plug. That is the one you need to tap off using the pinch type clips that were provided. You just have to find which wire is which. One will be CONSTANT power (power without the key in the vehicle), one will be ignition power (power only when the key is turned on) and of course the other is just a ground. Now since I did this two days ago I can't remember which is which but a $3 test light like I used worked to determine which wire is which.

Plug the harness that came with the auto dimming mirror in and mount on windshield. Now run those wires up and under the headliner and next to the 3 wire plug that is already up there. That plug harness that came with the mirror will be labeled GROUND WIRE, CONSTANT POWER WIRE and IGNITION SWITCH POWER WIRE. Now just tap off the 3 wire plug to the correct wires that came with that auto dimming mirror and replace the headliner. A wire cover comes with the auto dimming mirror that covers the wire going from the mirror to the headliner. It is adjustable. The one I got was not long enough. It just barely stay up in place the the seller is sending me a LONG wire cover. So if you order one on the Internet make sure you ask for a LONG wire cover. It's not a real big deal but I want the job to look factory installed. I remember when I purchased the truck the auto dimming mirror with compass was $280 option. I don't think it had Homelink but I could be wrong. Maybe someone here has one and can let me know if Homelink comes with the factory auto dimming mirror. But anyways I snagged mine for only $179.99 and $2.45 shipping.

PROGRAMMING

If the mirror has Homelink like mine does you just follow the instructions to program the Homelink buttons on the mirror to open the garage door or whatever you want like for gates or turning on house lights etc.... pretty much like programing a universal remote.

Now if your auto dimming mirror has a compass like the one I purchased all you need to do is drive around the block or a circle 3 times (I just went around the block once) and it will automatically program the compass.

I bought one from Sparks for $185 (where did you buy yours, that's a great price!) and put it in myself. My truck was prewired for it so I just plugged it in and put the console back on. It took less than 30 minutes and I think it's a great (affordable and easy) upgrade. It makes a huge difference driving at night, especially with the rear window open.

Note to others: you must have Homelink compatible systems (lighting, opener, gate, etc.) for your mirror to "talk" with.

[smithrob26]

While I appreciate the info on the wiring, (now I know where I can tap into a wire thats on when acc is on) I have never liked the "auto" dimming mirrors. They never seem to dim it enough and the only other option is to turn the mirror so you can't see in it.

I like the old style mirrors where it gets real dark when headlights are in your rearview at night. Just my preference.

Again thanks for the wiring info. I haven't taken the console off yet.