Auto Dim Rear View Mirror with Compass

[devek]

I'm getting to understand why Toyota called my trim "Limited"... it is missing the little things that make life easier... this is why it is "Limited".

So I passed the Viper security system and after tinkering with it for three weeks I got a Viper expert to program the system to do everything I needed.

Now, my next "Limited" feature: The rear view mirror. I could care less for the Dim feature as I have triple tint on the rear window... BUT, I do like to know the overall direction in terms of a compass.

Can anyone recommend a rear view mirror that will have the compass built in and probably will include the Dim feature ? The dealer has it as an accessory for $243 plus $38 install.... My main concern would be the wiring requirements and I hope the connector in the back of the current Dim mirror will fit a new mirror like this one on Amazon

Amazon

Amazon

I'm sure there are others. Would love to see comments and recommendations from others.

Next subject will be another "Limited" option of the proximity sensors (the lack of) in the rear bumper. Yes, I have the camera but with mud on it, driving at night might require extra attention. But we'll talk about that later.

By the way, I truly appreciate the users of this forum. Some are absolutely great in providing accurate info that really works and is a benefit.

[cbwilsha]

Are you aware that the 2013 Nav Unit has a 2D North Map option where North is always up? That's what they gave us rather than a mirror compass!

[devek]

Originally Posted by cbwilsha

Are you aware that the 2013 Nav Unit has a 2D North Map option where North is always up? That's what they gave us rather than a mirror compass!

Oh, you killed me.....

I needed something to break the intensity of the day....

I want the mirror....

Oh, by the way, the Nav system is 18 months behind. I have to carry my Garmin with me because it is more updated than the Nav in the car that, tried to lead me to somewhere in the desert.... Toyota updates its maps once a year.

[sweeneyp]

Originally Posted by devek

BUT, I do like to know the overall direction in terms of a compass.

Originally Posted by cbwilsha

Are you aware that the 2013 Nav Unit has a 2D North Map option where North is always up? That's what they gave us rather than a mirror compass!

Originally Posted by devek

Oh, you killed me.....

I was about to post look at the navi system too...

Originally Posted by devek

Can anyone recommend a rear view mirror that will have the compass built in and probably will include the Dim feature ? The dealer has it as an accessory for $243 plus $38 install.... My main concern would be the wiring requirements and I hope the connector in the back of the current Dim mirror will fit a new mirror like this one on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/CIPA-36500-Dim...Mirror+Compass
I'm sure there are others. Would love to see comments and recommendations from others.

Might be worth looking at these threads. and I doubt the sockets will match up.
GENTEX auto-dim with compass and Homelink install! [PICS]
Highlander base Gentex w/Temp install
Toyota auto-dimming accessory mirror

Originally Posted by devek

Next subject will be another "Limited" option of the proximity sensors (the lack of) in the rear bumper. Yes, I have the camera but with mud on it, driving at night might require extra attention. But we'll talk about that later.

Got 1 tip for that, break out the drill!

[Rick61]

I ordered a Toyota compass mirror on Ebay. Got it for $30.00. It does have the same 7 pin connector as the 2013 but I am not sure if it is going to work. I've had luck installing a compass mirror in my Yaris by just bringing 12 volts to the mirror. Hopefully this one will plug right in. We'll see.
I have also thought about the rear sensors. That may be my next project.

[devek]

sweeneyp, thank you very much for the quick response. I'm going to try and do it myself. My tolerance time is one hour. If it is going to take more than an hour, I prefer a pro to do it as I make more working rather than playing with my Toy(ota)... you know.
Thanks again.

[Rick61]

Originally Posted by devek

Can anyone recommend a rear view mirror that will have the compass built in and probably will include the Dim feature ? The dealer has it as an accessory for $243 plus $38 install.... My main concern would be the wiring requirements and I hope the connector in the back of the current Dim mirror will fit a new mirror like this one on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/CIPA-36500-Dim...Mirror+Compass
I'm sure there are others. Would love to see comments and recommendations from others.

I just purchased a Gentex 177 Mirror on Ebay. the listing stated it would fit a 04-08 Toyota-Solara. It came with a 7 pin plug that was a perfect fit for my 2013 HL. Plugged right in a worked perfectly. From what I've read any Gentex 177 will work whether it came from a GM or Toyota as long as the connector is the same. Mine just has a compass, no temp. I paid $30.00, but I've seen them for less.

[devek]

Originally Posted by Rick61

I just purchased a Gentex 177 Mirror on Ebay. the listing stated it would fit a 04-08 Toyota-Solara. It came with a 7 pin plug that was a perfect fit for my 2013 HL. Plugged right in a worked perfectly. From what I've read any Gentex 177 will work whether it came from a GM or Toyota as long as the connector is the same. Mine just has a compass, no temp. I paid $30.00, but I've seen them for less.

Thank you very much. Could you please point me to the listing so I can look for the identical item? There are many Gentex 177 available....

[Rick61]

Originally Posted by devek

Thank you very much. Could you please point me to the listing so I can look for the identical item? There are many Gentex 177 available....

This is the one I bought.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111002203398...84.m1439.l2649

This one appears to be the same with the same numbers on the back.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-GM-Cadil...f99b01&vxp=mtr

It says it came from a Cadillac, but has the same 7 pin connector as the back of the one I bought and the one that was on the 2013 Highlander.

I can't guarantee it would work, but it certainly appears to be the same one I bought.

[cbwilsha]

Rick, I'm interested also in the one off the Caddy if you can use the existing Base. Is that the case? He doesn't show it as compatible with a 2013 HL but your experience is certainly more reliable.

[devek]

Originally Posted by Rick61

This is the one I bought.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111002203398...84.m1439.l2649

This one appears to be the same with the same numbers on the back.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-GM-Cadil...f99b01&vxp=mtr

It says it came from a Cadillac, but has the same 7 pin connector as the back of the one I bought and the one that was on the 2013 Highlander.

I can't guarantee it would work, but it certainly appears to be the same one I bought.

Rick,
Thank you very much.

[Robbie0911]

I purchased a Gentex dim/compass/Homelink rear view mirror off of EBay for 167.00 free ship. It is a plug and play for 2012 camry hybrid. It comes with installation instructions, and took about 20 minutes to install. A video is on utube showing the install. Very easy to install and comes with wire cover.


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[Rick61]

Originally Posted by cbwilsha

Rick, I'm interested also in the one off the Caddy if you can use the existing Base. Is that the case? He doesn't show it as compatible with a 2013 HL but your experience is certainly more reliable.

The base certainly appears to be the same. The one I bought said it was compatible with the 05-08 Solara, but it plugged right into my 13 Highlander. Everything I have read is that Gentex makes these mirrors for just about every manufacturer. The more I look at the many Gentex 177's one eBay they all appear to have the same plug.

[AXMACD]

I paid 50 for my Homelink mirror with compass, best 50 I ever spent on an accessory.

[Luc]

I've installed a few of these before and the factory mounts are usually universal among Toyotas. I'm not sure if you need to be a member of RAV4World to see some pictures, but you can check it out when I put one in here.