[1996ClaretCamry]

I picked up a Gentex GTNX-177 mirror and harness from ebay off a 2001 Camry, but after reading how to remove the stock mirror, I'm beginning to wonder if the new mirror is missing the spring clip that holds the mirror firmly against the shoe glued onto the windshield. I took a few pictures of the mounting area:

http://imgur.com/a/nSE4e#0

Does anyone know if I'm missing some critical piece(s), or if I can just transfer them from the stock mirror?

I've read a thread on here as to how to route the wiring harness down to the fuse box and clip into a black / red wire (though I wished there was a more elegant way), but a related question is the temperature function of the mirror. This Camry has the clock with the temperature function built in (NOT the AutoClimate style but just the regular dash clock). I'm hoping I could just disconnect the underhood (where underhood?) sensor and switch to the mirror harness instead. Is that even possible?

I've looked around quite a bit on this mirror type and based on the lack of seemingly official documentation on it, (I can't even find part numbers / diagrams for any mirror mounts) was this more of a 'dealer install' type of option, instead of a factory floor style? That seems to imply there was an installation guide for said dealers.

 

[White95Cam]

I installed a Gentex mirror about 12 years ago. I just glued the mount to the windshield, slid the mirror on and tightened the torx screw. The mount that came with my mirror was bright metal and was really visible through the windshield. When I had my windshield replaced a few years back I purchased a dark metal universal mount from AZ and the mirror fit perfectly on it.
On the install I removed the L sunvisor and A pillar cover. I was able to tuck the wires under the edge of the headliner and used 100 mph tape to secure the wire bundle to the A pillar. I clipped the temp sensor in the top of the lower bumper opening so it about 12" above the road. I would use the Gentex sensor so you aren't cutting the harness providing an entry point for corrosion. Am I correct in assuming that you don't want to route the new harness out into the engine compartment? I accomplished this by removing the lower dash trim panels (both sides) the glove box, and inserted an electricians tape through the rubber boot that is in the firewall where the factor wiring harness is. I feed the sensor wire through the dash and taped it to the electricians tape and pulled it through the firewall. If you don't have an electricians tape then most any stiff wire will work.
I cut the OEM mirror from the mount and reinstalled the modified mount and cover so it all looks very clean.
W95c

 

[bwechols]

I don't know for sure about your application, but you can buy mirror mounting kits from auto parts stores. I would think you could just get the appropriate kit for your new mirror and you'd be good to go.

I have my doubts that your existing temperature sensor would provide the correct signal to the gentex mirror, plus think it would be easier to just add the appropriate sensor up by your grill somewhere.

 

[slavie]

If I remember correctly, the Gentex mirror is fixed in with a hex bolt. Either way, it should mount to the same mounting point as the stock mirror, even though they're removed differently.

If you haven't got one already, get a wire cover that will cover the wires from the mirror up to the roof liner. Makes it looks much better.

Yes, the wiring just taps into two wires. Not very glamorous, but heck. I've got the "official" mounting instructions, and that's exactly what they tell you to do.

As for the temp sensor, hard to say. Likely it'll work, but who knows. My Gentex mirror came with it's own temp sensor that I ran to the front bumper area. It's just two wires going to that sensor. You can measure the resistance of each sensor, and it should change based on the temperature. If stock one is the same as Gentex, it should work fine.

 

[speedkar9]

I'm glad my Solara came with a stock auto-dimming mirror. I didn't know Gentex had the temperature display on it for the Camry.

From what I recall removing it was just the torx screw and it slides right up and out. No spring clips and it should fit on a standard windshield mount.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI3cR9KhrdY

 

[White95Cam]

I'm glad my Solara came with a stock auto-dimming mirror. I didn't know Gentex had the temperature display on it for the Camry.

From what I recall removing it was just the torx screw and it slides right up and out. No spring clips and it should fit on a standard windshield mount.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI3cR9KhrdY

The Gentex that I have has the temp, a compass and in reverse the mirror returns to non dimmed state. The newest ones can be purchased with a back up camera.
W95c

 

[1996ClaretCamry]

The Gentex that I have has the temp, a compass and in reverse the mirror returns to non dimmed state. The newest ones can be purchased with a back up camera.
W95c

Running a wire to the reverse light switch might be a pain as I guess that would require tearing the console apart and then running that back to harness at the kick panel. I've also read that if you don't run this wire, you need to ground it, otherwise the auto dimming function won't work.

It only occurs to me now that this was never an 'official' Toyota option, but just something dealers of several brands offer to install into newly sold cars, along with the aftermarket. Had I known it wasn't just a 'plug and play' factory item, I'm not sure I would have bid on it (and the harness, and now probably a temp sensor and harness) :/

 

[1996ClaretCamry]

Running a wire to the reverse light switch might be a pain as I guess that would require tearing the console apart and then running that back to harness at the kick panel. I've also read that if you don't run this wire, you need to ground it, otherwise the auto dimming function won't work.

It only occurs to me now that this was never an 'official' Toyota option, but just something dealers of several brands offer to install into newly sold cars, along with the aftermarket. Had I known it wasn't just a 'plug and play' factory item, I'm not sure I would have bid on it (and the harness, and now probably a temp sensor and harness) :/

Well, this is getting more tragic with every day. I got the harness that was originally with the mirror today. It has exactly two wires to the seven-pin plug: one I assume is for power, the other the ring terminal ground wire. The middle three slots are empty, two on the other end have connectors, but I would have to pry them back out to re-attach wires to them. So, right now, no temp sensor connection, no reverse lockout; just power and nothing else. Aces.

 

[slavie]

Well, this is getting more tragic with every day. I got the harness that was originally with the mirror today. It has exactly two wires to the seven-pin plug: one I assume is for power, the other the ring terminal ground wire. The middle three slots are empty, two on the other end have connectors, but I would have to pry them back out to re-attach wires to them. So, right now, no temp sensor connection, no reverse lockout; just power and nothing else. Aces.

Not sure about the reverse switch stuff... My 99 only has 4 wires, 2 for power and 2 for temp probe.

Honestly though, the temp gauge is kind of a bonus - I never relied on it to provide very accurate readings. The auto-dimming mirror is a god's gift to humanity though - I find it to be indispensable, and will put on on every car I can. It mine didn't have a thermometer, I'd still install it just for auto dimming.

Compass should still work for you, though I have yet to use it even once. A relic of map driving days that have long passed with the invention if GPS.

 

[bwechols]

I agree that the auto-dim is a very nice feature, and it is on my to-do list for my Camry.

I enjoy having a basic compass display in vehicles I drive for two reasons... First, I find it helps in building my mental map when driving new places. Second, it can help you find alternate routes or a route back to a main roadway faster than stopping a using a smartphone/GPS (also a compass never loses service).

 

[1996ClaretCamry]

Hmm, holding this mirror up against my Gen3 factory mirror, it is a little bit wider. I hope it actually clears the sun visors on the Gen4.

 

[White95Cam]

Hmm, holding this mirror up against my Gen3 factory mirror, it is a little bit wider. I hope it actually clears the sun visors on the Gen4.

Why haven't you compared to your Gen4 since that is the car you are putting it in? This is where you might need a helper.
W95c

 

[1996ClaretCamry]

It's the GFs car. It's to be kind of a surprise for her (has wanted a compass for some time now).

 

[White95Cam]

It's the GFs car. It's to be kind of a surprise for her (has wanted a compass for some time now).

OK..I now understand. Since I am nearly the only one that drives my Gen3.5, before I glued the mount to the windshield my son positioned the mirror against the windshield and I lowered the sun visors and adjusted the mirror to fit me. I held the mirror in place and my son marked the placement on the outside of the window with a crayon. I have about 1/2 clearance between the visors and the mirror edge. The mount is 5 inches from the top of the windshield.
I understand about the compass. GPS is not correct sometimes and where I live the pig paths that run through the mountains aren't even on their service. As an "Old" Eagle Scout I know how to use a compass to find my way home. I also have an Atlas in the trunk for directions. People are too dependent on modern technology although I do use it. It is good to have a back up plan when it fails.
W95c

 

[1996ClaretCamry]

I installed a Gentex mirror about 12 years ago. I just glued the mount to the windshield, slid the mirror on and tightened the torx screw. The mount that came with my mirror was bright metal and was really visible through the windshield. When I had my windshield replaced a few years back I purchased a dark metal universal mount from AZ and the mirror fit perfectly on it.
On the install I removed the L sunvisor and A pillar cover. I was able to tuck the wires under the edge of the headliner and used 100 mph tape to secure the wire bundle to the A pillar. I clipped the temp sensor in the top of the lower bumper opening so it about 12" above the road. I would use the Gentex sensor so you aren't cutting the harness providing an entry point for corrosion. Am I correct in assuming that you don't want to route the new harness out into the engine compartment? I accomplished this by removing the lower dash trim panels (both sides) the glove box, and inserted an electricians tape through the rubber boot that is in the firewall where the factor wiring harness is. I feed the sensor wire through the dash and taped it to the electricians tape and pulled it through the firewall. If you don't have an electricians tape then most any stiff wire will work.
I cut the OEM mirror from the mount and reinstalled the modified mount and cover so it all looks very clean.
W95c

Just to beat this dead horse a little more: any recollection what the thread size was? I've tried several metric and imperial set screws with no luck, though I haven't got too rough trying to start them, lest I cross-thread and ruin the hole.

What is the trick to removing the A-pillar trim? Nearing 20 years old and everything plastic on this car seems to break during removal.

 

[bwechols]

What is the trick to removing the A-pillar trim?

Just pull in the general direction of the center consol (ie... mostly towards the center, but a little to the rear). It has plastic tabs with metal clips on them. If any of the clips stay in the pillar, you'll want to pull them out with pliers and put them on the trim piece before popping it back in place.

 

[1996ClaretCamry]

It appears to be a #10-24UNC thread; the fifth try being the charm.