autolamp mirror retrofit

[jjstanza]

Has anyone added the autolamp mirror feature to a vehicle that didn't have it from the factory?

 

[TedJ]

I haven't done it yet.. but I'm planning to do it in the future. I got an overhead console and autolamp / autotint mirror sitting here, I just don't have the time to get it all installed right now (pulling down headliner etc..)

Once you have it physically in place, it's not that hard to set up if you can do some wiring, basically the mirror has to be hooked to switched power, constant power, and then it has an +12v trigger for a relay that turns the lights on. If you are ripping out the stuff at the junkyard, look for the autolamp relays, or else you can just use some regular automotive relays. It takes two relays, one on the park light circuit and one on the headlamp circuit.

Also the mirror I have seems to have the GM style mounting base, which means some creativity in removing the factory mount on the windshield will be needed and then the new one will need to be glued on.

 

[CDW6212R]

"...GM style mounting base..." what is that? The 91-94's have a set screw, later Fords press on. I have my old 93 Limited mirror in my 99 Limited, on a 91-94 windshield. They have the same wiring and the older type have buttons instead of sliding controls.

 

[Sbyrne97]

Dude use the search i think this question has been asked 988 times but just to help ya out here some links

Search Link
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//search.php

Mirror Links
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...7&pp=20&highlight=auto+dimming+mirror+install
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84968
There are more probably just search "auto lamp"

 

[TedJ]

My 94 sport, with the factory manual mirror has the slide on type base (not the same as the snap on), no setscrew. (it has the channel in the bottom where you stick that special tool in)

I have an autolamp mirror (sliding control) that came from a 2nd gen I believe. It has no setscrew, and it has the snap on base.

The Ford base has sides that have like a tab so it sticks out on the mirror side then goes right in, but the GM style ones have sides that are smoothly tapered... I don't know if this makes sense the way I am explaining it, if not I can get some pictures of it, they are different enough that the GM style mirror wont stay on the Ford base...

 

[CDW6212R]

Ted, it sounds like there is a third kind of mirror mount, that which you have. Does it take a special tool, how does that work? If so can you jump on the other thread close to this one about a 95 Explorer mirror that won't come off? Maybe his issue is that his mirror does need a special tool for removal.

 

[jjstanza]

person21 I searched using the term "autolamp mirror" didn't get anything useful so I thought I would ask the question. Perhaps I should have tried more search terms, shame on me for bothering you but I am still new to this type of stuff. I am not a "dude" and did not think your comment "Dude use the search i think this question has been asked 988 times" was useful. But the rest was. Thank you for your help but if it comes with attitude, next time keep it to yourself.

 

[CDW6212R]

jj, I think that Ted above covered most of the needs for you. I haven't added that, but I did go through my OEM light circuit to make my lights come on automatically with oil pressure.

Ted, try this thread, maybe you have this kind of mirror mount, there is a tool for some with a tiny notch in the bottom of them. Regards,
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=216193

 

[TedJ]

CDW, I just posted to the other thread you talked about...

What do you mean "come on with oil pressure"? I suppose this is to disable the autolamps while cranking / starting, but I see no reference to that in the schematics for the '94 Limited. I Just figured the mirror had a few second delay built in...

 

[CDW6212R]

My 99 Limited is my mail vehicle. I wired the power to the mirror from a pressure sensor at the engine. With the light sensor covered(RTV), my lights come on automatically all of the time. I don't forget to turn them off this way either.

 

[TedJ]

Ah so you are doing your own thing to keep the headlights on all the time once there is oil pressure. I thought it was related to the autolamp install...