Electrochromatic Mirror

[Flounder]

What would be needed to install one of those stock Ford "fancy" mirrors? What changes would be made to the Explorer? I have only a regular one in my car, and would like to install a "fancy" one that came from a 1998 Explorer. Is there wiring already there I can tap into? Thanks.

By the way, I didn't feel like writing elect.. so I used fancy instead.

 

[mmpc]

Sure you REALLY want one?

You like electrochromatic mirrors? I can't stand them! Every one I've ever used has either vibrated terribly or just didn't work right (i.e., won't dim when you want it to). My folks have one in their '99 XLT and have had it replaced 3 times - yet it still vibrates!

Hope you get one that works - good luck...

 

[Flounder]

Well, like not necessarily, I never had a chance to try one. But I found one for a decent price and wanted to give it a whirl.

 

[Stephen]

I love them. The first car I had with one was an 87 Aerostar. That one was slightly annoying in that it didn't darken, but the glass actually tilted. It made a buzzing sound when it tilted that I never got used to. The only problems I've ever had with them were on a Lincoln. It kept coming unglued from the windshield. Got so bad that I finally just replaced it with a regular mirror. Never had any other problems with it. I'm so used to it now that when I have a rental or something without one, I forget to dim it. On my Lexus the outside mirrors also dim. I really like that feature as well and wish I could find an aftermarket kit for the Explorer.

Well, to answer your question, I think the wiring harness is part of the overhead console. If you have the overhead console I think the mirror's harness is included.

 

[Flounder]

Headlamps however

Stephen,

Does the wiring harness in the overhead console also have the necessary wires to control the headlight autolamp? The factory ford electrochromatic mirrors have the sensor I believe...

Adam

 

[Stephen]

I'm sure it does.

 

[Flounder]

Last, but not least, does the mirror itself have any wires or is that contained in the harness? The mirror I am eyeing has no wires included...

 

[Stephen]

On my Lincoln the wires came from above and snapped into the back of the mirror.

 

[Flounder]

You guessed it, it's me again. I forgot two things actually: (1) Does the mirror use the same attachment on the windshield as my regular mirror (that little steel thing stuck to the glass) (2) Is this a do it yourself thing (getting the wires out) or should I take it to the dealer?

 

[Stephen]

Myself personally, I would take it to the dealer. I;m sure you can do it yourself though. Yes, it does stick to the same mount.

 

[Flounder]

Thanks Stephen, you've helped me (again). I appreciate it!

 

[Paul Gagnon]

I have one of these on my Crown Vic. At first I wasn't sure if I liked it or not but now I think I do. Also the compass comes in handy. I am thinking of finding one of these mirrors to put in my Explorer. From looking at it all that it needs is juice. My guess is that all the electronics required to make it work are inside the mirror so it would be a simple two wire 12V hook up. If not it can't be all that complicated anyway.

 

[fastcougar]

Just purchased this!

I just purchased this mirror from Atascadero Ford Outlet (800) 549-2005, ask for Gary Starr and tell him Trevor sent you ... Cost was $225 + $10 S&H. I have yet to install the mirror, but the install instructions are very detailed and look quite easy. The mirror comes with a wiring harness that plugs into the back of the mirror, a temp probe with wiring to plug into the back of the above mentioned harness, straps, and misc. hardware (fuse adapter, elec spades, etc.).

Install looks pretty straight forward: mount temp sensor to radiator mounting bracket, run senor wire through firewall into cabin, run sensor wire up A-Pillar and plug into rear view mirror wiring harness. Then, run the wiring harness accross the headliner, down the A-Pillar and to the fuse box. Ground one wire (wire type coded, one copper color, one silver), and tap the electral system via fuse adapter and fit the other wire with the proper spade and plug in.

You will need some tools for the job like a circuit tester to see what fuses are hot in the 'On' and 'Acc' settings, and you will need some Blue RTV to seal you hole in the firewall/brake boot. Trust me, this is my recollection from reading the install instructions ... VERY DETAILED STEP-BY-STEP. I can not comment on anything until I have the unit installed, which I will be doing next weekend.

 

[Flounder]

My Explorer has the overhead console with compass and thermometer readout. I am hoping that all wiring is all ready in the console and all that is needed is to hook it up.

[Edited by AdamCKach on 08-07-2000 at 10:19 AM]

 

[fastcougar]

That being the case, call Gary Starr at Atascadero anyways and see what he can do for you ... he is a great guy that is always willing to offer Great Customer Service! Maybe FORD has just the mirror without the temp and compass the will simply need to be pluged in to a 12v source. Doesn't hurt to ask, and the call is toll free

 

[kilroy]

Hmm, with the tinted windows in the back, why would you need an autodim mirror? I don't think I have ever dimmed mine since I got it. Now the side mirrors are a whole different story!

 

[Flounder]

Well, I'm sure when you were young there was that kid with the Schwinn Bike, just like yours. But! His had a bell! Well, you wanted that bell, didn't you.

A friend of mine has an IDENTICAL Explorer, except the lucky dog has a Moonroof. Also the electrochromic mirror. I found a mirror (actual Ford part) for $25 (sure beats the $210) from a person who had one extra they bought for theirs at a Junkyard. Works perfectly and all. So, therefore, I want to install it.

I am happy though, I have leather while he has cloth. It's like 6 of one, a half dozen of the other.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Originally posted by AdamCKach
Well, I'm sure when you were young there was that kid with the Schwinn Bike, just like yours. But! His had a bell! Well, you wanted that bell, didn't you.

A friend of mine has an IDENTICAL Explorer, except the lucky dog has a Moonroof. Also the electrochromic mirror. I found a mirror (actual Ford part) for $25 (sure beats the $210) from a person who had one extra they bought for theirs at a Junkyard. Works perfectly and all. So, therefore, I want to install it.

I am happy though, I have leather while he has cloth. It's like 6 of one, a half dozen of the other.

Have you installed the mirror yet?? I'm pretty interested because I saw one on ebay for $30. Was the installation easy?? Thanks

 

[IntrepidSE]

electrochromic mirror

hey, can anyone out there help me find an electrochromic mirror for my new 2001 XLT Sport package. My 99 Sport had one but I couldnt get it in my new one because when you;re buying a leftover, you can't be too choosy. I called up a few dealers about buying one, but they want around $230 for it. I'm hoping I can find one at a junkyard somewhere.....anyone out there that can help a fellow Explorer owner out?? Thanks......

Joe

 

[IntrepidSE]

ok, just got one of those electrochromic mirrors for my 2001 XLT Sport from a parts recycler. Only thing is, I don't know how to wire it up ti get it to work. Anyone out there alreayd done this and can explain to me what wires to tap into to get it to work?
thanks

Joe