Auto-dimming Side Mirror

[Omega_5]

Hi guys,
New member here. My wife is looking to buy a new SUV, and is torn between the Explorer Sport and a close competitor.
What she is hung up on, is auto-dimming side mirrors.

In my searches, I've happened across two posts where owners of Canadian Explorers mentioned they had the option of auto-dimming side mirrors.
Post by Sgt1411 (2014 Sport)
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3365694&postcount=28
Post by Mikepaul (2013 Limited)
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3200768&postcount=4

Of course none of the Ford documentation states anything on the matter, and the dealership has no clue. We tried to check when we went on a test drive, but couldn't figure out how. (Does any one know how?)

If there are any Canadian Explorer owners out here, can they help me out? I'd just like a few extra confirmations to give me piece of mind.

Thanks!

 

[adamjeeps]

If it matters that much to her, take a test drive at night to verify one way or the other. The driver side auto dim was not working on my MKT and it was blinding. They fixed it and now there is a huge difference. You will see the outer edge of the mirror will be lighter than the rest of the mirror when it is working properly. Keep in mind there will need to be a car with its lights on behind you at night for it to work.

 

[Omega_5]

Easier said than done; we live in a rural area about 1hr from the nearest dealership. To top it off, that dealership doesn't exactly have the greatest reputation for caring about sales, go good luck getting them to hang around after hours.

If I can get a confirmation that it even exists or what package it's part of, I'll make the longer trip in to the city and talk to some of the guys at a more reputable dealer.

A few years ago this wouldn't have been such an issue, but my wife had Lasik recently. Apparently night driving is a big issue with sensitive eyes. It seems like a petty option to some, but to her it's a big deal.

 

[peterk9]

From what I can tell, the Explorer does not have auto dimming side view mirrors. I have checked the online website as well as the brochure for the 2015 and have not found that option. My MKT has the auto dimming feature but only on the driver's side.

Peter

 

[Ben Diss]

My 2013 Sport definitely does not.

 

[japes]

2015 does not have one, the 2016 gains an optional/std. Driver side one depending on trim level.

 

[jmr061]

I checked the 2014 dealer order guide and no mention of auto dimming side mirror for any level of Explorer

 

[omar302]

Like what other have said, the 2011-2015 does not have a driver's side dimming mirror.

One way to test if the driver side is a dimming mirror during daylight is to cover the light sensor on the back of the interior rear view mirror while ignition or engine is on. Given that there is enough light in the car (since it is daytime) the interior & outside mirror(s) will dim, if equipped.

 

[Fpo]

So can this be added Easily?

 

[omar302]

So can this be added Easily?

Since no other vehicle has the same Explorer mirror with the dimming feature, I guess it'll be very difficult.

 

[Fpo]

Since no other vehicle has the same Explorer mirror with the dimming feature, I guess it'll be very difficult.

Is the glass on the Lincoln a different size than the one on the Ford?

 

[peterk9]

Here are pics of the mirror from my 2011 Limited (top) and my current 2014 MKT. Not sure if the MKX is the same as the MKT.

Peter

 

[CDW6212R]

FYI, the auto dimming glass itself has a shorter lifespan when it gets a lot of sunlight. Cars 10-15 years old with the feature begin to have those mirrors discolor and eventually fail.

I'm working to install some 95-97 Lincoln mirrors on my 91, but the mirrors have been obsolete for many years.

It's a great feature, I too had Lasik done long ago, but try to protect those mirrors from the sun. Park them always shaded or away from the sunlight, even just cover the things when you aren't in it driving. I might try a window tint if I thought it could survive outside, but of course that is tough to remove as well when it goes bad.

 

[Tony407]

FYI, the auto dimming glass itself has a shorter lifespan when it gets a lot of sunlight. Cars 10-15 years old with the feature begin to have those mirrors discolor and eventually fail.

Is this a real issue? I've never heard of that.

Tony

 

[CDW6212R]

Is this a real issue? I've never heard of that.

Tony

It is, but how many people keep their car for that long, and the manufacturers are counting on that. Ask people who own a high end 95-97 Town Car, if they'd pay for a new mirror for a fair price.

 

[japes]

If you really wanted to add one you could get a '16 mirror that has the auto dimming when they come out. Then you'd then need to run a wire from the back of the interior mirror over to the door mirror for it to run. You'd only need to run 1 wire as you could use the common ground. It would be very complicated to get a wire though the door pins as well as up to the interior mirror.

 

[CDW6212R]

If there is a model of mirror that will bolt on, and an empty space in the mirror wire connector, then it would be reasonable to make it happen.

 

[sheltonfilms]

FYI, the auto dimming glass itself has a shorter lifespan when it gets a lot of sunlight. Cars 10-15 years old with the feature begin to have those mirrors discolor and eventually fail.

Gentex the supplier of 99% of the auto-dimming mirrors to OEMs, changes their formula for the chemical between the lens constantly. The chemical in a 10 year old car is different from ones today.

The chemical only reacts with electricity and I believe air intrusion. 0V-2 to 3 volts

When you see a brown one it is usually due to an impact that causes the seal around the two plates (one clear one mirror finish) to break. Because there is a vacuum in the glass assembly air is sucked in.

 

[CDW6212R]

Gentex the supplier of 99% of the auto-dimming mirrors to OEMs, changes their formula for the chemical between the lens constantly. The chemical in a 10 year old car is different from ones today.

The chemical only reacts with electricity and I believe air intrusion. 0V-2 to 3 volts

When you see a brown one it is usually due to an impact that causes the seal around the two plates (one clear one mirror finish) to break. Because there is a vacuum in the glass assembly air is sucked in.

Thanks, that's good to know. Find one that is still in fine shape, and take good care of it.