Auto-Dimming Mirror Installed and Working.

[Duffy]

Just finished installing my auto-dimming mirror (eBay) in my 2009 NBC . It was plug and play. After studying the wiring diagrams (Bentley) led me to believe that the wiring for auto dim mirror functions were not brought up to the mirror connector T8. To my surprise, all wiring was there! It only took me 18 months to find a tan convertible auto-dim mirror.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Duffy

Just finished installing my auto-dimming mirror (eBay) in my 2009 NBC . It was plug and play. After studying the wiring diagrams (Bentley) led me to believe that the wiring for auto dim mirror functions were not brought up to the mirror connector T8. To my surprise, all wiring was there! It only took me 18 months to find a tan convertible auto-dim mirror.

Congratulations!

Here's a tip on p&p upgrade items. Think about what the item is. Is everything needed for the upgrading self contained (such as the sensor on the backside, facing forward, side of the mirror). Does it only need power to operate and does what is already there only need power? Vol'a!!!! In this situation no additional wiring is needed in the harness.

Now if this were a different vehicle and the new mirror had " outside temperature", it might reuire a different wiring harness (or simply adding one lead from the sensor unit), and would definately require the addition of the sensor.

Most auto manufacturer's today install wiring harnesses which will accomodate most options, I do know of rare exceptions.

MORAV

[ricaroo]

Originally Posted by Duffy

Just finished installing my auto-dimming mirror (eBay) in my 2009 NBC . It was plug and play. After studying the wiring diagrams (Bentley) led me to believe that the wiring for auto dim mirror functions were not brought up to the mirror connector T8. To my surprise, all wiring was there! It only took me 18 months to find a tan convertible auto-dim mirror.

what is an auto-dimming mirror ?

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by ricaroo

what is an auto-dimming mirror ?

The mirror dims (darkens) at night automatically, instead of you having to flip the lever in the center bottom of the mirror, so headlights behind you aren't glaring in the mirror. There are also outside mirrors that have the same feature, but NOT available for the Bug.

It woks through a sensor on the back of the mirror (the facing forward side) that senses outside light, and turns the feature on, just like one that turns outside lights on when it gets dark. Almost every car manufacturer uses mirrors made by Gentex. Go here to learn more or buy new: http://www.gentex.com/automotive.html

MORAV

[Duffy]

ricaroo: An automatic dimming mirror is one where lights from the rear are sensed by the mirror (photocell) and will dim or darken the mirror using electrochromic technology (liquid crystal). Also, the AD mirrors have enhanced interior lighting characteristics which are nice. No levers to flip. Its worth upgrading to one. Grey AD mirrors are less rare than the tan.

MORAV: What wires I thought would be deleted were the reverse inhibit, lights on and switched power. Bentley manual indicated that these are installed if an AD mirror was installed. I had already found a workaround to be install in the mirror, but won't need it now.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Duffy

ricaroo: An automatic dimming mirror is one where lights from the rear are sensed by the mirror (photocell) and will dim or darken the mirror using electrochromic technology (liquid crystal). Also, the AD mirrors have enhanced interior lighting characteristics which are nice. No levers to flip. Its worth upgrading to one. Grey AD mirrors are less rare than the tan.

Yes I'm familiar with all the technical turms you are referring to, I was trying to keep it "lay"man. And you may be right, they may now be using sensor,s in the mirror facing rearwards. My GMs are all early versions with the sensor facing forward sensing daylight. Thanks for the update. I'll go to my own link and learn more.

Thanks,

MORAV

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Duffy

MORAV: What wires I thought would be deleted were the reverse inhibit, lights on and switched power. Bentley manual indicated that these are installed if an AD mirror was installed. I had already found a workaround to be install in the mirror, but won't need it now.

I believe that would be the lead to turn on the light when the doors are opened. There would still need (as you discovered) an always "availabe" power lead to enable you to manually turn on the mirror at the mirror switch, which would be the same power source as the self-dimming feature. Haven't seen the Bentley schematic so I can't say why you might have been confused or perplexed.

MORAV

[Duffy]

Originally Posted by MyOtherRidesAVette

I believe that would be the lead to turn on the light when the doors are opened. There would still need (as you discovered) an always "availabe" power lead to enable you to manually turn on the mirror at the mirror switch, which would be the same power source as the self-dimming feature. Haven't seen the Bentley schematic so I can't say why you might have been confused or perplexed.

MORAV

No. This is from the headlight switch circuit. I think it just powers the two little red LED's that shine down on the dash. Nice... The wires for the door interior light are there.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Duffy

No. This is from the headlight switch circuit. I think it just powers the two little red LED's that shine down on the dash. Nice... The wires for the door interior light are there.

Wrongo buckaroo. Different mirror in a Vert. Since there is no "dome" mirror in a Vert, it is replaced with a light in the bottom of the mirror. The only console light is up under the radio head portion of the dash console shining down on the center console cups holders/ashtray/powerpoint/cigarete lighter. And it is controlled by a self contained switch (power always on) to mirror. And if you read the OP is was done to a NBC.

The "vert top" status indicator is also included in the mount portion of the mirror, to the right of the clock, which you do not have in a hardtop NB, although you would have constant power to the point of the clock with the ignition switch on, so on second thought, this would probably the power sourch for the self dimming feature, as it does not need to function with the ignition switch off.

MORAV

[Duffy]

Never said "dome" light.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Duffy

Never said "dome" light.

I've updated that post to include some other thoughts, but those led lights don't exist in the NBC. The "map" light does because there is no other cabin lighting. I can't tell you what is in yours, only what is in mine. And the logic behind engineering design. Or the way it should be! (lol)

MORAV

[Duffy]

Only the auto dim mirrors have two little red lights that shine down on the dash. As far as the under dash or ashtray light, it was deleted sometime in the past. Sense the hole was there in my 09 NBC, I had to put something in it. I got one for the local salvage yard, but modified with three bright red LED's instead the one.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Duffy

Only the auto dim mirrors have two little red lights that shine down on the dash. As far as the under dash or ashtray light, it was deleted sometime in the past. Sense the hole was there in my 09 NBC, I had to put something in it. I got one for the local salvage yard, but modified with three bright red LED's instead the one.

Do the auto-dims also have the "map" light?

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

The cabin lighting in the NBC sucks, and is non existent in the back. I'm thinking of adding some kind of door operated lighting in the rear panels if I can find something that looks factory. Maybe two "dome" lights, one on each side.

The real down side is that my Grand-Daughter can't see to put on her seat belt and has to ride back there because in the State of Texas she has to be in a child seat, in the back seat, until she is seven. Sucks and is stupid!

Any ideas or thoughts?

[Duffy]

Yes, the AD mirrors have the map lights in the bottom of the mirror, with this difference. There are two lights with separate off/on buttons for the driver and passenger, but both lights come on with the door.

Back seat lighting or lack of is a problem. I know of no good solution for that.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Duffy

There are two lights with separate off/on buttons for the driver and passenger, but both lights come on with the door.

Do each of the map lights have three position switches door/off/on, like the single map light?

[Palmettoguy]

Originally Posted by MyOtherRidesAVette

Wrongo buckaroo. Different mirror in a Vert. Since there is no "dome" mirror in a Vert, it is replaced with a light in the bottom of the mirror.
MORAV

My "Hardtop" beetle has a map light under the rear view mirror...Guess I'm special

[Zann]

Originally Posted by Palmettoguy

My "Hardtop" beetle has a map light under the rear view mirror...Guess I'm special

You must have a sun roof

[Palmettoguy]

Originally Posted by Zann

You must have a sun roof

Nope...Although that would be nice.