what is this behind the rear view mirror?

[MrAce87]

don't know what it is. theres a button on the left side and some sort of connector thing on the right. I've pressed it but it doesn't seem to do anything. any ideas?

 

[BradR]

Looks like something aftermarket, did you get anything installed? alarm, remote start, navigation, etc? maybe even a radar detector?

 

[tabezic]

its not after market... my mounty and all of the other explorer based vehicles have it... i think its for the compas buld into ur truck. and the button is to reset the compas.... just my gues

 

[MrAce87]

that could be it

 

[BradR]

My trucks have a compass too but they don't have modules like that showing..

 

[MrAce87]

its not after market... my mounty and all of the other explorer based vehicles have it... i think its for the compas buld into ur truck. and the button is to reset the compas.... just my gues

does yours look exactly the same as mine?

 

[inh]

Pretty sure that's the compass for the newer trucks. I took one apart in an '08 F150 and that's what I think it was.

 

[BradR]

is your compass above the rear view on the over head console?

 

[MrAce87]

its right above or below the odometer. theres nothing on my rear view mirror

 

[BrianDye]

I believe it is tied into the compass somehow. The same module is on my moms 07 Escape.

 

[NHarris]

My X has the same "compass" thingy there. I was always wondering what it was. Now I think I know (from reading this thread).

 

[OneLever]

Disconnect it and see if the compass stops working. Or if some warning light comes on at the dash. Harmless and quick.

 

[NHarris]

Disconnect it and see if the compass stops working. Or if some warning light comes on at the dash. Harmless and quick.

Hmm...good idea. I'm going to try that tomorrow. See what happens.
EDIT: Looked it up on fordparts.com here's the part description:
PART NUMBER: 17700
PART DESCRIPTION:
Inside Rear View Mirror
Accessory ; With HomeLink, Electrochromic With Compass, Installation Instructions Available At ( FMCDealer.com ), 1.28 LBS, For Use On Vehicles With Manual Day/Night Rear View Mirrors Only

 

[waskly]

don't know what it is. theres a button on the left side and some sort of connector thing on the right. I've pressed it but it doesn't seem to do anything. any ideas?

its your compass.

 

[MrAce87]

question answered. thanks guys