How an Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror Works

[@darvisprime]

Clear, Concise, and fully explained. Fantastic presentation. Thanks for your help.

[@speedkar99]

+George Smith your welcome!

[@scottvanaken929]

Thank you for a very clear explanation of this feature. I recently bought a car with this feature and wondered just how it worked.

[@speedkar99]

+Scott Van Aken Glad you benefited, thanks.

[@engineeringoyster6243]

I’ve driven 6 different vehicles with these automatic dimming rear view mirrors over a 18 year time span. None of them have ever dimmed the mirror at any time. I would much rather have a manual dimming mirror. That way it is clear when I have dimmed the mirror.

[@LRS905]

What a great video, but I need to watch it a couple more times to fully process its workings. An awesome detail, I still remember the glorious speed with which my former MB C200K would dim not only the internal rear view mirror but also the driver's side external mirror, a great helping detail indeed.

[@speedkar99]

+RL R Thanks, I'm glad you learned something. I hate dimming side view mirrors, it makes it difficult to see at night, especially if the windows are tinted.

[@josephcardoni5183]

Wow! Pure genius! You AND the mirror! I just purchased a 2102 Honda Accord EX L and it came with this feature. I discovered it by accident while driving down the highway a few nights ago. I looked in my rear view mirror then looked away for a few seconds. When I looked back into the mirror, I noticed it had dimmed substantially. I was quite impressed! Then I wondered if the mirror actually tilted just a bit similar to a manual dimming mirror. Your video explained the process to me. Very impressive! Thank you! : )

[@speedkar99]

+Joseph Cardoni Thanks for the comment. Yes this technology is so common yet we overlook it, its pretty simple, like switch glass.

[@gavincrowley562]

speedkar99 I didn't know what it did until today

[@benefactionhindrance]

𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚!

[@138152930]

As others have stated, a great example of someone who knows how to put together an instructional/educations video without hemming, hawing, stuttering, and not getting to the point until 10 minutes in. Great explanation, I now know how my electrochromatic mirror is supposed to work (I viewed this because mine isn't working so great).

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. I try to make my explainations short and to the point. I'll have a follow up power mirror video soon

[@rgruenhaus]

I need to see a troubleshooting of the mirror to know if the board is getting power.

[@rufus001]

Great video. Clear diagrams and no unnecessary waffling. Well done!

[@Cowcharge]

So it's not tiny elves pulling down the shades? Awww.

[@speedkar99]

+Cowcharge haha yeah tiny elves also turn on the lights

[@kentuckyblugrass]

If only more 'Instructional Videos' were as clear and to the point as yours. Great video, much appreciated. 🙏

[@speedkar99]

Thanks!

[@docimastic]

What a great video, thank you! As another commenter said, it is clear and concise. I don't think one could do a better job than you did. Thanks for taking the time and effort and posting this!

[@robertsteich7362]

I first had this on my 1990 Cadillac DeVille and have it on my 06 CTS. When I went on a trip, I had a 2012 Buick that not only had the middle auto dim, but the two outside auto dim... now that was totally awesome.

[@speedkar99]

+Robert Steich Yea my Lexus also has auto dimming exterior mirrors as well.

[@jewllake]

My 2002 Silverado had this also on the rear view and driver's side. My 2018 has it also as well as power folding.

[@mjc4942]

Didn't even know this was a thing until today. Makes sense. I've also never noticed glare. Thanks

[@thejohnson9204]

Brilliantly explained explanation of how this tech works!!! Very interesting. Nice work mate.

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome!

[@No_one1776]

Very nice explanation of how an auto dimming mirror works.

[@speedkar99]

+kal thanks

[@fazsid7093]

Awesome really awesome no words for how nicely its explained. Thank you.

[@speedkar99]

+faz sid thanks

[@djmocok]

NIce explanation. It's more techy than I expected.

[@speedkar99]

+djmocok Thanks, this are simple devices that have a lot of theory

[@matthewmaddox9067]

That is the best explanation that I have heard of. Good job!!

[@speedkar99]

+Matthew Maddox thank you

[@MER1CA_1st]

I feel like I'm back in school😂. Great presentation and explanation👍

[@speedkar99]

Thanks! That's the goal of this channel, to learn 😊

[@prenadezuno]

this man did such an amazing explanation

[@keintabak]

Absolutely the best teardown and technical review of an electronic device. Thank you!

[@speedkar99]

Welcome

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

Of course the light source is an obnoxious lifted truck.

[@cr2928]

No, now a days .. Its all the new LED lights and Xeon or whatever that come as oem or are installed after purchase. In blinded by multiple vehicle types, even lowriders

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

@@cr2928 So basically people who don't adjust their headlights.

[@Fine_i_set_the_handle]

@@imnotusingmyrealname4566 we do it on purpose so slow retarded drivers get the hell out of the way

[@Joe_334]

@@Fine_i_set_the_handle Yeah yeah, but why do some drivers just stay behind the other vehicle with them on? Some of them aren't even passing as if they are headed anywhere. The slow guy just stalking the car in front of them with their high beams on.

[@VamsiMohanKrishnaVadrevu]

Excellent clear and concise. Great job on this video

[@speedkar99]

That's my style. I appreciate your feedback

[@isthisreallyhapnen]

Thanks! Awesome explanation. I assumed it was just some sort of wizardry... :)

[@speedkar99]

+Keith thanks, the way the glass reacts is wizardry

[@Boodle89]

Nice succinct explanation! Thank you for posting this.

[@speedkar99]

+Boodle89 I'm glad you found it helpful

[@marceloscoelho]

great explanation, very clear! :)

[@speedkar99]

+Marcelo S. Coelho thanks.

[@paulwells4203]

Thanks for the graphic, it helped me easily understand the concept.

[@pSynrg303]

Great explaination, thanks. I'm watching because the auto-dimming mirror in my car has stopped working. Top half is undimmed and roughly the bottom half is dimmed. I have a replacement, but this happening got me wondering how they work and how one would stop working.

[@ScribblyPoppo]

i predicted i would like it, and i was right! very nice explanation... thanks for the video!

[@speedkar99]

+123kspencer thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@haramaschabrasir8662]

I just bought a 20 year old Mercedes E 500. It has a broken electrochromatic mirror on the drivers side with the liquid sloshing around. A replacement mirror unfortunately costs 130 bucks but I still think this technlogic marvel from 20 years ago is worth it.

[@doylestown8]

This video was very informative and easy for me to follow. Thank you!

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@rebman5150]

Clear and precise video. Thank you.

[@randallgiffin7969]

Vary good fine job ,I still want to know what is the mount that the mirror gets attached to on the windshield?

[@AkshatBisht]

thanks for going in full detail. great video.

[@speedkar99]

+Akshat Bisht thanks

[@oskidocolor3065]

Thank you for this video!✌🏾 It really helped

[@etherlords88]

Today I learned something! Thanks :)

[@speedkar99]

Awesome! That's what this channel is about...learning

[@xr7coug]

Outstanding presentation!

[@speedkar99]

+xr7coug thanks

[@aylanicole777]

Thanks for the knowledge! Great video!!

[@eddymetal84]

Excellent Video!

[@yuoyio1987]

We have two! this is an amazing fix!

[@bhadubha]

Please explain about normal manual irvm, how it's dimming

[@TheOwninGuy]

Thanks man, simple explanation with a nice and simple diagram haha!

[@speedkar99]

+xOwninGuyy Thanks. Simple and to the point is my style.

[@tinaaurum]

Thank you for the information 👍🏾👍🏾

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@fernandoiturburu3718]

Thanks for the explanation. Is the ambient sensor supposed to be twinkling a red light when the engine is off and the car locked?

[@danmarkiewicz3697]

Great presentation and technology. The issue I have with these mirrors is there is no way to activate the "dim" feature when you have some yahoo behind you with bright lights on during daylight. Black tape over the forward-facing sensor does the job, but mirror needs a flick of a lever like on standard non-automatic mirrors. Even an on/off button would work. Any ideas other than black tape over the sensor?

[@speedkar99]

That's actually good thought. At least with the flip up mirrors you could do that during the daytime.

[@jkwo2007]

Good work. Very educating.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@rubenmendez4355]

Thank you very much. My dimming feature stop working...Why and how to repair?

[@speedkar99]

+Ruben Mendez if its not bad switch contacts then its within the mirror itself. Best get a used one from junkyard.

[@rubenmendez4355]

speedkar99 Thank you very much. Was a wrong connection. When I put the switch to on position work good. But when I put the switch at ACC position don't work. I'm repairing right now. Thank you very much for your time and help.

[@TheYellowshuttle]

Excellent explanation 👌

[@DavidTube5]

You would happen to know more about what kind of gel is used or where to find it?

[@igoriando]

Thanks! Do you happen to know the name of the liquid/solvent inside? Ive read it is highly caustic. If there is just a tiny melted plastic spot on the plastic mirror frame, can the further leak be stopped by a drop of epoxy resin? The mirror still looks completely normal otherwise.

[@jedrula77]

Thank You for such detailed explanation. Wide way :)

[@speedkar99]

+jedrula77 thanks

[@migueltobar8556]

Is there anyway to fix one that has developed a permanent clear circle in the middle surrounded by dark borders?

[@miriamvivo4279]

Could you drain the battery if the auto dimming feature is left on?

[@speedkar99]

Potentially. But these are usually wired to a switched power source

[@miriamvivo4279]

Thanks for quick reply. Going to test battery for mini amp draw then put battery on trickle charge. Original battery 2011 is 250 worst case replace battery

[@MrCoreyCoreyCorey]

Brilliant! Just got a used Honda Pilot with one of these, I am not used to it yet and don't like it. I'll see if it grows on me.

[@speedkar99]

Some vehicles have it too dark

[@herc_ules_therealone]

Perfect explanation thank you.

[@volvoC70II]

Very informative, great work!

[@speedkar99]

Your welcome

[@ravikanth3618]

very good and helpful video

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@MasWar]

Nicely explained. Thank you

[@DCUPtoejuice]

give this man an award! Now for extra credit. What causes the yellowing in old mirrors? Is it the electrolyte discoloring and thus could be replaced, or does it involve either the ion storage or electrochromic layers?

[@speedkar99]

+DCUPtoejuice Thanks :) Does it have to do with the seal breaking causing the liquid gel to escape? The mirror has to be replaced.

[@DCUPtoejuice]

+speedkar99 the question was does the mirror yellow because of the glass or the fluid or both?

[@yorkiem0m]

17 years I've been wondering why my 03 buick lesabre rearview didn't have a tab for me to adjust the mirror at night, it only had buttons. I always must moved it, but then I couldn't use the rearview, when car passed me, I'd move it back. Now I'll pay attention to see this feature work, assuming it still does. I'm in awe....ok, I've only had the car for 5 years since my folks passed away, but I did always wonder why that car never had a tab that pops it and why there was a green light when I pressed one of the buttons.

[@speedkar99]

It's electronic

[@lazysingledaisybronwyn8105]

You're awesome. Can I cut off the wires without damaging my Ford Explorer? I don't want to use the auto-dimmer, but keep the mirror. Is this possible?

[@speedkar99]

Don't make them short each other

[@lazysingledaisybronwyn8105]

@@speedkar99 I kept it connected for sure. Thank you.

[@MoneyManHolmes]

Just put a piece of black tape over the sensor...

[@johnw7018]

much respect straight to the point I llove itHAPPY THANKSGIVING?

[@speedkar99]

+John W Thanks. Thanksgiving was last month for us in Canada :)

[@johnw7018]

speedkar99 Im glad i put the question mark there it was supposed to be an exclamation point 😂😁😂😁

[@wholeNwon]

I didn't know, but now I do. Thanks!!

[@speedkar99]

wholeNwon Glad you learned something.

[@kathyp3494]

My passenger side mirror also dims. But now it stays dark all the time, almost dark orange. What could be wrong?

[@speedkar99]

Sometimes the liquid comes out causing a loss of reflectivity. Or the dimming circuit is always sending a signal to dim it and needs to be diagnosed.

[@kathyp3494]

I believe the part about a liquid. It still dims more when it sees glare. Thanks.

[@mohammedjabir17]

Why electrochromic films used for rigid substrates? why not for flexible substrates?

[@Kotaztrafee]

EXCELLENT EXPLAINATION that I couldn't get anywhere else!! I have a question. My Driver Side Mirror has double vision with a purple hue. It has this condition with the mirror unplugged. Do you think there is a possibility that the Electrolytic Layer is bad. I tried to get an answer to that question from GENTEX themselves but got no answer to that specific question. I spent $40 on an interior rear view mirror because I was assured that the interior mirror controls the outside mirror. Well, That wasn't the problem and I didn't think it was in the first place.

[@jonathanbowling3129]

Great video. Thank you.

[@acampbell8071]

How low is the voltage applied? How many volts at what load?

[@speedkar99]

12V

[@MoneyManHolmes]

Is it variable based on the brightness, or is it all or nothing.

[@axc8932]

Can I add a piece of tint to the ambient sensor so it dims more?

[@speedkar99]

No, that will cause it to him less because less light is received.

[@axc8932]

@@speedkar99 I want it to dim more. sometimes I feel like it doesn't dim enough

[@FMR_FMR]

Many thanks for sharing your information, keep going

[@speedkar99]

+Farah Mohammed Thanks

[@TheAfghan72]

How come newer mercedes and bmw's don't have these anymore on the side mirrors?

[@speedkar99]

+Afghan Lion I hate dimming side mirrors on my Lexus. Makes the mirror useless.

[@wongyeeyong2214]

Any idea how many volt applied to dim the mirror? And is it in DC or pulse? TQ.

[@speedkar99]

Yes, 12V DC across the terminals at the back of the mirror, not the mirror glass itself.

[@robertsteich7362]

wong yee yong the voltage that is applied to the mirror itself, after going through all the circuits, is probably in the mVoltage. But it's most certainly DC, other wise it would flicker, depending on the Hz if it were to be AC.

[@rgruenhaus]

I didn't see how it turned on and off! You mentioned buttons, but mine don't have buttons for on and off that i know of!

[@speedkar99]

Perhaps your buttons are located somewhere else on the dash or console ?

[@y.soud7330]

Amazing nowledge bro God blessing you

[@arieszona]

Should be a teacher. Explained very clearly.

[@fachunall]

Hello. Great video !!!. Do you know what is the actual name and part number for what you called Glare Sensor?. I would like to add another one to my mirror. Thank you.

[@speedkar99]

Usually Toyota doesn't sell just the sensor, you'll have to get the whole mirror. They are cheap used at a junkyard

[@YusufSheth]

great video, very thorough. keep it up.

[@speedkar99]

***** Thanks

[@rEcKLesSzzz]

once i tinted my windows it dims during the day now even if no one is behind me its kind of annoying cuz the color is slightly different. and my mirror doesnt have an on off switch how can i fix this?

[@speedkar99]

+ArminHammer Pull out the power plug behind the mirror.

[@bwhip]

The auto dimming mirror from my 95 Ford is 75% full of a black fluid, that can be moved around by pressing on the cover glass. Is that the electrolyte, that has somehow leaked out of the layers?

[@speedkar99]

Yeah. It needs to be replaced.

[@JJ-rd2ef]

do you know if my 02 camry is pre wired to upgrade to auto dimming ?

[@speedkar99]

It's not...at Least I didn't see any wires on my 04 Camry when I took off my headliner. I want to install one too...maybe powered off the sunroof?

[@JJ-rd2ef]

@@speedkar99 mine does not have a sunroof, so I will tap a fuse and run a wire to get power.

[@francoalfaro7750]

Amazing Video. BTW what's the name of the company who makes those mirrors?

[@LilTechnoboii]

Nice video man

[@speedkar99]

Miguel Flores Thanks

[@LilTechnoboii]

speedkar99 I have a solara my self .... it would be great if you could make a video on how to replace the speakers

[@speedkar99]

Skip to 3:13 in this video on speaker replacement: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmfVnniXhsibp7M

[@bmva8263]

Why the liquid can’t be replaced?

[@armsf4297]

Nice information

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@F0XX7]

very good vid, smart guy :) just bought a jeep and couldnt figure out what the button on the mirror did

[@speedkar99]

+T's Enterprises Thanks glad you learned something.

[@bigw8549]

I have one in my Maxima. It's set on automatic. Sometimes I still have glare from bright lights behind me especially newer cars with those super bright headlights. Could there be a problem with the mirror?

[@speedkar99]

Not all mirrors dim dark enough Also helps if you have tinted glass

[@MyKheBeach]

will laser beam activate the dimming rearview mirror?

[@speedkar99]

If it's bright enough

[@simongoh1148]

Is there a way to switch off this feature ? I find it too dim for comfort :(

[@kana_fayrin3275]

Right to all points I want to know about this kind of mirror in the car I ordered

[@speedkar99]

Awesome

[@TINRICKY]

I recently purchased a USED Subaru Legacy Outback 2001. The ONLY PROBLEM is: The REAR VIEW MIRROR in 90% lower section of it is COMPLETELY DARK and the remaining 10% in the TOP of it is CLEAR. Can this be FIXED instead of REPLACING with a New One? Please HELP to solve this problem....

[@speedkar99]

+TINRICKY I haven't looked into repairing the mirror, I picked this mirror up from the junkyard for $10. www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1276580-Auto-Dimming-Rearview-Mirror-FIX

[@jufro19]

i have the acura tl 2001 and I didntknow how they work..thanks for your information

[@speedkar99]

+jufro not Glad you found it useful.

[@whatsup1396]

excellent my friend

[@speedkar99]

Thanks my friend

[@Wisconsin.pikachu]

Heyyy I'm guessing this is why some older auto dim mirrors look like a "burned/broken" phone screen. Guessing the electrolytes in the spots have dried in areas

[@awanzadahamid7397]

Great information. Thnx

[@cr2928]

So how do I force it to get darker? Cause I get blinded all the time. I need it to just go dark at night. Always

[@MagoneUnaRauba]

Do tinted windows interfere with it? As I've never seen mine dim even with quite bright lights behind me.

[@rgruenhaus]

My mirror dies not flip up and down. It has no paddle like the old mirrors. I have a 2011 ford fusion hybrid and the rear mirror no longer auto dims.

[@Mrsnowman5998]

My 2001 Lexus has this. Amazing how this was a thing back then

[@speedkar99]

+mrsnowman 59 Yep and now most cars come standard with it. What Lexus you have, ES300?

[@neppy5]

great video and explanation, wish I could install one of these in my 99 Camry, I get blinded by SUVs behind me often

[@speedkar99]

neppy5 Is pretty much plug and play, as long as you've got a switched 12V power going up to the rear view mirror.

[@neppy5]

+speedkar99 thanks, you're always giving me the ideas and courage to try new things have you had experience with auto dimming mirrors that have a compass and temperature display? wondering if those require more than power and ground

[@neppy5]

speedkar99 so I'm going to be ambitious here an snag an auto dimming mirror that also has a compass and temp display from a much newer Camry, not sure if the mounting bracket will be the same, probably not, and I'll need to figure out the wiring pin outs also. Will let you know how things go when it arrives and I start trying to install

[@speedkar99]

That's great. I believe the compass only needs power. Not sure on the temperature display because it needs a feed to an external sensor.

[@neppy5]

speedkar99 ditto on that, did some research and these Gentex mirrors with temp display do utilize an external sensor which is usually mounted somewhere in the front grille area of the vehicle

[@ミツキ-q5x]

Good stuff bro.

[@frankievalentine4511]

That’s great and all, but what the hell does the auto button do if the left 0 button is an on and off switch?

[@frankievalentine4511]

Shouldn’t it be automatically doing it’s thing when you turn it on lol? Turn it off for no dim, and turn it on for the dim. What in the world is the automatic for? Pol