Principles of Operation (How Does it Work?)

The power exterior rear view mirrors function allows either the driver or passenger exterior rear view mirror to be positioned through the use of the mirror control switch. The driver or passenger exterior rear view mirror can be controlled by using the mirror directional control switch. Moving the switch to the driver side selects the driver mirror, while moving the switch to the passenger side selects the passenger mirror. Positioning of the exterior rear view mirror is accomplished by actuating either the UP, DOWN, LEFT or RIGHT mirror switches. Each mirror is equipped with a motor to control motion in the vertical axis (UP/DOWN motion) and a motor to control motion in the horizontal axis (LEFT/RIGHT motion). Motion continues until a motor stall is detected (due to end of travel), a physical stop is reached, or the switch is released. All mirror switches can only move in one direction at a time.

The heated mirrors system (if equipped) removes frost, snow, ice or condensation from the exterior side mirrors. The heated exterior mirrors system heats the exterior mirrors for up to 10 minutes through the rear defrost switch upon request when the ignition is in the RUN position. This system stops heating the mirrors upon request through the heated rear window switch or alter 10 minutes has elapsed since heating the mirrors was initiated or when the ignition switch is turned to OFF or ACC position. When the heated exterior mirrors system is active and the ignition switch is turned to START, the heated exterior mirrors are momentarily deactivated as long as the ignition is in START and is reactivated when the ignition switch returns to RUN. The 10 minute time continues while the ignition switch is in START. The heated rear window indicator is illuminated whenever the heated rear window and exterior mirrors are being heated.

The automatic dimming feature darkens the interior rear view mirror whenever the front ambient light sensor detects low outside light and glare reaches the light sensor (photo cell) located inside the mirror. The interior rear view mirror starts to return to the normal view once the glare goes away. A hard-wired circuit to the interior rear view mirror supplies the interior rear view mirror reverse input. When REVERSE is selected, the interior rear view mirror will receive input voltage from the digital Transmission Range (TR) sensor stating that reverse has been selected. The power input supplied to the interior rear view mirror causes the mirror to cancel any dimming function currently operating and return to a full bright status. When the transmission range selector lever is moved out of REVERSE the mirror returns to normal operation and resumes any interrupted dimming functions.