Mirrors: Description and Operation

OPERATION

The automatic day/night mirror is equipped with three buttons: the left switch for the left LED lamp, the right switch for the right side LED lamp and the center switch for the compass/temperature function. Pressing the left and right switch simultaneously will turn the auto dim function on or off. A green light next to the right button will indicate when the dimming feature is activated. The mirror also senses the backup lamp circuit, and will automatically disable its self-dimming feature whenever the transmission gear selector is in the Reverse position.

The compass/temperature display provides the outside temperature and one of eight compass headings. Press and release the center button once within 3 seconds to display compass/temperature (Fahrenheit). Press and release the center button twice within 3 seconds to display compass/temperature (Celsius). Press and release the center button three times within 3 seconds to deactivate the feature.

A thin layer of electrochromatic material between two pieces of conductive glass make up the face of the mirror. Two photocell sensors are used to monitor light levels and adjust the reflectance of the mirror. The ambient photocell sensor faces forward, to detect the outside light levels. The headlamp sensor is located on the mirror housing just to the left of the switch and facing rearward, to detect the light level received at the rear window side of the mirror. When the difference between the two light levels becomes too great (the light level received at the rear of the mirror is much higher than that at the front of the mirror), the mirror begins to darken.