Anyone Know How The Dl3 Driver Side Mirror Dimming Works?

[Zak_LScrew]

I am thinking about upgrading from the DL8 mirrors to the DL3 mirrors like others have done. Does anyone know how the driver side rearview mirror dims? I believe it has something to do with the inside rearview mirror when it dims a signal is sent to the outside mirror to dim.

 

Has anyone got this feature to work on a LS or Work Truck?

[Crazy Canuck]

It definately is dimmed in conjunction with the interior mirror. The sensor is on the inside mirror and they both dim at the same time. Sorry, no experience with the LS or WT trucks, but I imagine that the DS mirror would not work if the inside mirror does not have the electrics needed.

[crepitus]

good to see this post. i was going to post a similar topic after i saw the other about the mirrors. my last truck had the auto dimming mirrors and i loved them. no lights in the eyes at night. i was very suprised that my 08 didnt have them. gm cheaped out again.

[Zak_LScrew]

Thanks for confirming... I already replaced the inside manual mirror with a Comp/Temp/Dimming one and I need to figure out which pin (wire color) signals the DS mirror to dim. If someone has the complete pin-out that would be great...

[sonjaab]

All I can say about how the auto-dim works on the exterior mirrors is what I have read on the Cadillac forums.

From what I understand there is a liquid substance that is

imbedded in the mirror behind the glass that reacts with a certain amount of light that is reflected on it and it darkens the mirror (sorta like how a photogrey brand eyeglass lens darkens when it hits sunlight).

I can only assume this is how the interior mirror

works and no wiring or battery power is required.

 

I have also read that the Cadillac exterior mirrors when cracked or broken leak this fluid and eats the paint off the side of the car.

 

I suppose one of these methods is how the GM truck mirrors

work.

[mr_bots]

I believe Gentex is the OEM supplier for most manufacturer's auto-dimming mirrors.

 

http://www.gentex.com/auto_how_nvs_work.html

 

According to this the sensors in the rearview mirror control the side mirrors too, and both require a power source.

[Crazy Canuck]

All I can say about how the auto-dim works on the exterior mirrors is what I have read on the Cadillac forums.

From what I understand there is a liquid substance that is

imbedded in the mirror behind the glass that reacts with a certain amount of light that is reflected on it and it darkens the mirror (sorta like how a photogrey brand eyeglass lens darkens when it hits sunlight).

I can only assume this is how the interior mirror

works and no wiring or battery power is required.

 

I have also read that the Cadillac exterior mirrors when cracked or broken leak this fluid and eats the paint off the side of the car.

 

I suppose one of these methods is how the GM truck mirrors

work.

 

I believe they work like an LCD screen. They do require power. If they were just light sensitive, it might be difficult to see behind you when it was sunny out. I believe there are light sensing functions for both headlights in the rearview mirror and ambiant light as the mirrors do not dim, or dim to a lesser extent when in the city lights as opposed to being on the highway in outright darkness.

[sonjaab]

BOTS............Good find !!!!!

I guess the truck exterior mirrors work differently than the ones on

a Caddy.

[Crazy Canuck]

BOTS............Good find !!!!!

I guess the truck exterior mirrors work differently than the ones on

a Caddy.

 

I believe they are the same. What is most likely leaking is the electrochromic gel. Chryslers have this same problem I believe.

 

"Gentex uses its proprietary, solution-phase electrochromic technology. We sandwich an electrochromic gel between two pieces of glass, each of which has been treated with a transparent, electrically conductive coating, and one with a reflector. "

[Zak_LScrew]

Good News!! I found some Pin-Out info using google and I compared them to what I have today so it seems pretty accurate.

 

Pin # Wire Color Funtion

Pin 1 NC No Connection

Pin 2 Bare On star (UE1)

Pin 3 NC

Pin 4 NC

Pin 5 Grey Signal to DL3 (Automatic Day/Night Mirror Signal)

Pin 6 D-GN/WH Ambient Air Sensor A

Pin 7 Yellow Ambient Air Sensor B (Low Reference)

Pin 8 Black Ground

Pin 9 D-Blu BCM (Backup Lamp Relay Control)

Pin 10 Grey On Star (UE1)

Pin 11 D-GN/WH On Star (UE1)

Pin 12 L-GN/BK On Star Keypad Voltage

Pin 13 Pink IGN

Pin 14 YE/BK On Star Green LED

Pin 15 BN/WH On Star Red LED

Pin 16 Pink Low Reference DL3

 

Now we just need to find out where the two wires I have in BOLD go...

[Zak_LScrew]

Heres a pair on Ebay like I just bought for $125 or Best offer with $16 to ship...

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/POWER-MIRRO...sQ5fAccessories

[jwstewar]

Heres a pair on Ebay like I just bought for $125 or Best offer with $16 to ship...

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/POWER-MIRRO...sQ5fAccessories

 

That is a good price, too bad he didn't post any pics.

[Zak_LScrew]

Good Point!!! But they do have 100% positive feedback after 480 transactions!!!