Mirrors: Description and Operation
REAR VIEW MIRRORSThe rear view mirror components consist of:
- the interior mirror.
- the auto-dimming mirror (optional).
- the exterior power folding mirror (optional).
- the exterior mirror.
- the exterior mirror glass.
- the exterior mirror cover.
- the exterior mirror motor.
- the exterior mirror control switch.
- the memory set switch.
The interior mirror:
- is windshield mounted.
- is a manual hand-set day/night or an optional auto-dimming interior mirror.
The exterior mirrors:
- are controlled by power controls on the LH front door trim panel.
- are of a fold-away design.
- may contain turn signal indicators.
- may contain puddle or approach lamps.
- may be heated when the heated back window glass is activated.
- may have a programmable recall memory option.
- may have a power fold feature.
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
The auto-dimming interior mirror has two features:
- automatic dimming
- normal view state automatic lock-in when the vehicle is placed in R (reverse)
The auto-dimming feature darkens the interior mirror whenever the front ambient light sensor detects low outside light and glare reaches the light sensor (photo cell), which is located inside the interior mirror. The auto-dimming interior mirror starts to return to the normal view once the glare goes away.
Driver Seat Module
The power driver seat and power exterior mirrors are controlled by the driver seat module (DSM) only when the vehicle is equipped with the programmable/recall memory option.
On the Expedition Limited, the power fold exterior mirror option is controlled by the DSM. Before running a self-test or retrieving codes, the power fold switch must be inactive for at least 30 seconds.
The DSM system consists of the following components:
- driver seat module (DSM)
- driver memory seat switch
- memory mirror switch
- memory set switch
- front vertical seat motor
- rear vertical seat motor
- driver horizontal seat motor
- LH memory mirror
- RH memory mirror
- LH power fold motor (Expedition Limited only)
- RH power fold motor (Expedition Limited only)
The DSM incorporates multiple functions into one module and offers diagnostics to easily locate and repair concerns affecting the subsystems that it controls. If equipped with heated memory mirrors, the heated glass portion of the memory mirror is controlled by the heated back window system, and is not monitored by the DSM for electrical concerns.
Power Exterior Mirror Operation Without Memory
The power exterior mirrors are controlled by the power exterior mirror switch and are operational all the time, whether the ignition switch is on or off. Using the power exterior mirror switch, the driver can adjust the driver and passenger exterior mirrors four ways.
Up/Down Motion
The power exterior mirrors can be moved up and down under motor control by actuating the power mirrors UP/DOWN switch. The power mirror control switch will power the driver or passenger mirror up/down motor until the switch is released or until the travel limit is reached.
Left/Right Motion
The power exterior mirrors can be moved left and right under motor control by actuating the power mirrors LEFT/RIGHT switch. The power mirror control switch will power the driver or passenger mirror left/right motor until the switch is released or until the travel limit is reached.
Mirror Selection - Driver/Passenger
The driver can select the driver or passenger mirror to be adjusted by setting the mirror select switch to the appropriate position.
Turn Signal Mirror
The exterior mirror may be equipped with a mirror-mounted turn signal assembly. For Diagnosis and Testing or service procedures, refer to Lighting and Horns.
Puddle/Approach Lamps
The exterior mirrors may be equipped with approach or puddle lamps, which will illuminate when the interior lights are turned on by opening a door, or by pressing the unlock button on the remote transmitter, if equipped. For diagnosis and testing of the puddle or approach lamps, refer to Lighting and Horns.
Power Exterior Mirror Operation With Memory
The memory power exterior mirrors feature allows the driver to program personalized mirror positions that can be recalled using the memory switches or remote transmitter. There are three memory settings possible. The power driver seat positions are also stored and recalled with the memory exterior mirror positions.
The power exterior mirrors are controlled by the DSM and are operational all the time, whether the ignition switch is on or off. Using the power exterior mirror switch, the driver can adjust the driver and passenger exterior mirrors four ways.
Up/Down Motion
The power exterior mirrors can be moved up and down under motor control by actuating the power mirrors UP/DOWN switch. The DSM will power the driver or passenger mirror up/down motor until the switch is released or until the travel limit is reached.
Left/Right Motion
The power exterior mirrors can be moved left and right under motor control by actuating the power mirrors LEFT/RIGHT switch. The DSM will power the driver or passenger mirror left/right motor until the switch is released or until the travel limit is reached.
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Power Folding Mirrors - Expedition Limited
NOTE: Before running a self-test or retrieving codes, the power fold switch must be inactive for at least 30 seconds.
The power folding exterior mirrors are controlled by the driver seat module (DSM). The power folding mirror switch, which is integral to the exterior mirror control switch, sends a signal to the DSM which then supplies power and ground to the exterior mirrors to extend or retract the mirrors.
Power Folding Mirrors - Navigator
The power folding exterior mirrors are controlled by the power folding mirror switch, which is separate from the exterior mirror control switch. The power folding mirror switch has power at all times.