Auto-dimming mirrors a DIY job or not?

[netman]

I already know that some of you are installed the auto-dimming mirrors.

Also, I have read the past forums on the auto-dimming mirrors more than once.

I have a '07 LE Camry w/o Moonroof (should have purchased that moonroof one ... too late now) so if I install the Auto-dimming mirrors, I will have to tap for power.

I purchased my mirror from ddave57 (ebay guy) and have been putting it off in installating it.

Btw, I got the one with the Compass (hidden background) and 3 Homelink buttons. It's was about $250.

Kinda like this one but better:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyot...QQcmdZViewItem

I have all the wiring and instructions but the instructions are kinda not too clear how to remove the left SRS curtain plastic cover.

I know basic installation unless it's too complicated.

For those who have done this, how long does it take to install it?

Is it complicated and better left to a professional? dealer? If so, how much labor should I expect to pay?


Thanks for those who plan to help answer my question.

[FiftysLost]

I just installed one on my 07. The first thing you want to do, as a precaution, is disconnect the negative battery terminal. Next I removed the map light by prying down the edge closest to the windshield (I used a clean, stiff putty knife) then slide the map light toward windshield to unhook it . Instead of fishing the wires over to the A piller I was able to just crowd them in along the windshield. I used the putty knife, at the door opening, to pry the top of the A piller enough to get my fingers behind it to pull it till it stopped. The manual says the top clip in not re-usable but I was able to use it. You will notice that the plastic clip has a hook on the end that goes to the cover. Make a mental note to re-install it the same way. I was able to use a wide blade screwdriver to pry the clip from the metal piller. There is a different clip at the middle. I just pulled the cover until it came out. Then pull the cover towards the roof and out of the dash. Next use a stiff wire to fish the mirror wires thru the dash. You can use a fuse tap but if you do the fuse cover won't go back on. I used a probe to find a wire coming out of the fuse box that was hot when the key is in the on position. You could use a wire tap but I skinned the wire enough to solder it. If your mirror has a wire that is constant hot you can tap the wire that goes to the map light. There is a hole in a plate below the steering shaft that I put a small bolt in for the ground wire. The headliner has a small notch for the wires to that go to the mirror. Hope this helped.

[Luna2]

Originally Posted by FiftysLost

I just installed one on my 07. The first thing you want to do, as a precaution, is disconnect the negative battery terminal. Next I removed the map light by prying down the edge closest to the windshield (I used a clean, stiff putty knife) then slide the map light toward windshield to unhook it . Instead of fishing the wires over to the A piller I was able to just crowd them in along the windshield. I used the putty knife, at the door opening, to pry the top of the A piller enough to get my fingers behind it to pull it till it stopped. The manual says the top clip in not re-usable but I was able to use it. You will notice that the plastic clip has a hook on the end that goes to the cover. Make a mental note to re-install it the same way. I was able to use a wide blade screwdriver to pry the clip from the metal piller. There is a different clip at the middle. I just pulled the cover until it came out. Then pull the cover towards the roof and out of the dash. Next use a stiff wire to fish the mirror wires thru the dash. You can use a fuse tap but if you do the fuse cover won't go back on. I used a probe to find a wire coming out of the fuse box that was hot when the key is in the on position. You could use a wire tap but I skinned the wire enough to solder it. If your mirror has a wire that is constant hot you can tap the wire that goes to the map light. There is a hole in a plate below the steering shaft that I put a small bolt in for the ground wire. The headliner has a small notch for the wires to that go to the mirror. Hope this helped.

I followed FiftysLost routing, except for putting both hot wires on the (accessory switched feed) hot wire to the remote mirror adjustment switch. The ground is there too. It was clean, easy and I could tuck the wires up above the fuse/relay box harness. None of the wires are visible from under or through the fuse access panel. (The plus side is that it turns off the HOME LINK too, for home access security, with the key out!!) GOOD LUCK I really like my Gentex 453 auto-dim mirror and compass (hidden display). I was real careful and took about 30 min.

[netman]

Thanks everyone. I think I give it a try this weekend or next.

[dave57]

Originally Posted by netman

I already know that some of you are installed the auto-dimming mirrors.

Also, I have read the past forums on the auto-dimming mirrors more than once.

I have a '07 LE Camry w/o Moonroof (should have purchased that moonroof one ... too late now) so if I install the Auto-dimming mirrors, I will have to tap for power.

I purchased my mirror from ddave57 (ebay guy) and have been putting it off in installating it.

Btw, I got the one with the Compass (hidden background) and 3 Homelink buttons. It's was about $250.

Kinda like this one but better:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyot...QQcmdZViewItem

I have all the wiring and instructions but the instructions are kinda not too clear how to remove the left SRS curtain plastic cover.

I know basic installation unless it's too complicated.

For those who have done this, how long does it take to install it?

Is it complicated and better left to a professional? dealer? If so, how much labor should I expect to pay?


Thanks for those who plan to help answer my question.

The SRS curtain cover is easy to pull. You can pull the top of it out with your fingers. There you will see a black nylon piece that needs to be twisted so it fits the slot so the trim can be pulled away from it. I used a needle nose pliers to twist it. Then I used the wire ties to connect the red mirror wire to an existing wire on the pillar, and ran the wire thru the open area under the trim closest to the driver. The side view mirror panel pulls straight out. The directions tell you what wire to tap right there. Make sure you do it at the switch as the other blue wire does not have 12 volts on it.

[netman]

Thanks. I'll see I can try that out this weekend.

[itzme]

Just a thought... I constantly find myself reaching up to turn my auto-dim OFF. For some reason, it makes me feel unsafe, like I'm restricting visibility of something important. I just can't get used to it. That's just a thought for all those looking to get one.

[njerald]

Originally Posted by itzme

Just a thought... I constantly find myself reaching up to turn my auto-dim OFF. For some reason, it makes me feel unsafe, like I'm restricting visibility of something important. I just can't get used to it. That's just a thought for all those looking to get one.

I've had one for 10 years in 3 different cars and have never reached up to turn it off!

Good god, it only dims when it's hit by high beams or mal-adjusted low beams!!!!!!