(Diy) Fitting Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror

[Pidu]

Finally found time to fit auto dimming rear view mirror. Was missing this feature a lot. After doing some research I found out that Honda mirror will fit plug and play, so bought one on eBay - 40 quid including postage for brand new one for Honda Accord 2008-2014. Other thing required was dupont female wire housing to connect wires to the mirror, also available on eBay.

Unfo as my time was limited I did not take any pictures, but job is easy when you use Lexus HomeLink fitting instruction as reference:

http://www.lexus-tech.eu/aimuploads/%7B809862E7-2603-BE76-8D41-37B980882603%7D/HomeLink_CT200h_RHD_PZ481_00291_AIM_002_039_0.PDF

As I wanted to keep it as simple as possible I decided to check overhead console wiring loom looking for ground and power when ignition is on instead of running wires from centre console. You can connect as well reversing light power if you want the mirror to get bright when reverse is engaged. This signal can be found near passenger feet, in case of need I can provide more detailed info.

To remove the oem mirror simply pull away from the windscreen the bottom of the fitting and then move the whole part upwards.

To remove overhead console - pull from the windscreen side first, there are 2 clips, then on the sides near lights - another two clips, unplug connector and remove console.

Connect piece of two core wire to wires in console connector - ground is white with black stripe in the corner (pin 15), power - green in the middle (I believe it is pin 7, next to yellow one).

At the back of the mirror we need to connect pin 1 - power and 2 - ground.

Put all the bits together and job is done.

The second picture is with the light sensor covered, mirror dimmed. It gets really dark, was just not able to catch it with my phone camera.

If you do not want the mirror to dimm you can turn it off using the switch.

[chippy 52]

Thanks for the info.... this looks a good way to install a dash cam hardwired, did you have to use a "special" tool to open the clips on the upper light console?

Derek

[Pidu]

Actually I did hardwire my dash cam at the same time using same power source as for the mirror. I have connected 12V to USB adapter and the USB socket is stuck to the windscreen just behind the mirror, from there short USB cable to power cam. It all look nice and tidy. To remove upper light console I have used trim removal tool, similar to the one shown in attached Lexus instruction, but I think it could be done without it. All you need to do is pull the console and clips will let go.

[chippy 52]

Just out of interest ... which dashcam have you got? have tried one previously ( A Dragonfly) and sent it back .... really bad quality. Looked at blackvue, a bit pricey, can't decide....

Derek

[Pidu]

I have Mio Mivue 388 bought quite a long time ago. Has a nice few features, but was rather pricey. As far as I have read nowadays G1W dash cam is highly recommended, good quality picture, decent size and great price - about 30 quid delivered. Unfo there are fake ones out there, look the same, but much worse quality. Was even thinking about getting one, but as long as mio is working fine there is no point really.

[bluenose1940]

This is an interesting thread, particularly in regard to fitting a dash-cam and wiring it to the internal mirror. This is something that I would like to do myself.

I posted a thread back in July but never got a response from anyone so the idea mentioned above will probably be just the job.

Here is the link to my 'earlier in the year' thread ........ http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/91789-fitting-a-dash-cam/

[Pidu]

Bluenose1940, here is Lexus IS HomeLink fitting instruction,could be useful:

http://www.lexus-tech.eu/aimuploads/%7BEDE24F82-C0AE-E8DD-A4B0-AB451F16C0AE%7D/Homelink%20RHD%20PZ481-00291%20AIM%20000%20629-0.pdf

It shows step by step how to remove upper light console and get to the wiring loom. Ground is marked, you would need cheap probe to find power when ignition is on and you could hardwire USB power adapter to power your dash cam.

[Pidu]

Had a little bit of time today so to finish dash cam project I have made a rear view mirror mount. Unfo my camera had only windscreen mount and I am not a fan of suction cups stuck permanently to the windscreen. I have modified flashlight mount for bicycles and here is the result.

Mount is rock solid and not visible when fitted.

Need to think of another project to do.

[Silversalmon]

Hi Peter, i've just taken delivery of a 2011 CT200h Se-i and much as you, missed this feature from my IS300 Sportcross. Ive ordered the mirror as you suggested, im not sure what Dupont wiring to buy, any chance you could be a bit more specific about the wiring requirement, as in what to buy? Thanks for a great write up, I'll be delighted to hear about any further tweaks you come up with.

Ed in Glasgow

[Pidu]

You need 2pin dupont connector, but could use as well 3pin or 4 pin. Browse for cheapest.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-4-Pin-Dupont-Female-Connector-with-Crimps-2-54mm-PCB-Arduino-Shield-Flux-Wor-/121660321429?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1c53852e95

[Silversalmon]

Hi Peter, i have all the bits now, one final question, which poins are 1 & 2 on the back of the mirro which has 7 pins?

For anyone else readig this i see on eBay someone is selling one from a written off CT200 for £25, too late for me sadly.

[Pidu]

Picture by Mark (200h).

[Silversalmon]

Many many thanks Peter, the picture is the perfect reference, your time is much appreciated. Ed

[adnewton]

Has anyone fitted camera to rear and/or installed power socket?

[Scoops1964]

Ok, I've found a couple of mirrors on eBay.  Does anyone know if the later models have the wiring loom already installed?  Or do you think I need to go and find a power supply as detailed above??

[Scoops1964]

On 14/06/2015 at 1:38 PM, Pidu said:

You need 2pin dupont connector, but could use as well 3pin or 4 pin. Browse for cheapest.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-4-Pin-Dupont-Female-Connector-with-Crimps-2-54mm-PCB-Arduino-Shield-Flux-Wor-/121660321429?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1c53852e95

Having looked at the connector you mention from eBay, it won't fit the mirror I have found...  Any ideas where to get one of these?  It needs a 5 pin male connector.  I have tried loads of Breakers to see if they have the loom, but no joy.  So now need to make one up.

 

 

[stormchaser]

Find the car it fits in a breakers then cut the plug off the loom?

 

 

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[Scoops1964]

Believe me Stormchaser, I am ringing around like crazy!  Either breakers don't have the car any more, or they won't remove part of the loom.  I did find one place that had the loom section, but wanted £50 plus VAT to cut it out...  WT?

[stormchaser]

Wow that's crazy.

Good luck I hope you sort it out.

 

 

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[Scoops1964]

Finally, finally, finally the job is complete.  I finally have a green light to look at every time I check the rear view mirror.  As a bonus, I now also have a auto dimming rear view mirror to blot out the blinding Xenon lamps of Mercs, BMW, Land Rover etc etc.

Rear view mirror sourced from eBay from a broken 2015 CT.

Cable cover (hides the cables that route from the mirror base into the headliner) procured from Lexus.  This was a right faff because when I gave my reg number and chassis number, the part did not show as being fitted to the car.  So I had to scout around on the Lexus site to find a used car that had that mirror fitted.  Any F Sport will do it.

Next was to try and source the cabling and multi plug.  This was the hardest bit as most breakers do not sell looms or loom sections, or they didn't have that part of the car any more (roof cut off to remove passengers...), or the car had been crushed, or they wanted to charge silly money to cut it out.  I had one quote of £50 plus VAT!  Plus postage!  So the morale is, buy a mirror and the cabling with multi plug at the same time.

Ok, no loom so next job was to find someone to do the wiring.  I don't feel qualified anymore, car electrics are soooo clever these days it wasn't worth the risk (I used to own an old 1970's VW Beetle. One of the fuses kept blowing and so to deal with it once and for all, I inserted a self tapping screw.  That NEVER blew again!) so I sourced a local in car electrics specialist. I did ask Lexus but all I got was a "Computer says no" type response!  The local auto electrician found a switched power source and earth in the over head console.  Instead of the multi plug, he was able to use some tiny connector pins and then used mastic to hold the pins into the block on the mirror.  In addition he has supplied two connectors so that the mirror can be separated from the windscreen if it needs to be replaced.

It is do able.

[stormchaser]

Great news Scoops!

Glad all went well.

 

 

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