Rear View Mirror Position Error

[HKS]

My rear view mirror does not track correctly when switching from daytime to nighttime.

I was thinking it was because I am too tall for the TBird. Then I thought of another cause for the error.

I had my windshield replaced about 14 years ago and I wonder if the mirror is mounted (glued on) correctly.
If someone could measure the distance from the top of the bracket to the top end of the glass, that would be helpful.
Also the mirror is glued on slightly to the left of the wire antenna (middle of windshield) not directly over it.
Thanks in advance.
Hermann

[Tbear]

The bracket for the mirror is preinstalled in the windshield, or it was in my case. The installers did not have to do anything but slide the mirror in the bracket. Mine is also a little left of the mirror wire.
I installed self dimming mirrors in three of my cars. The instructions say they are not for convertibles, but I don't see any issues except the mirror will dim from the bright sunlight when the top is down. It's still very usable and I have no concerns.
Mine also have a compass in the corner and I wanted that more than the self dimming feature.

[hippy_mailman]

My rear view mirror does not track correctly when switching from daytime to nighttime.

I was thinking it was because I am too tall for the TBird. Then I thought of another cause for the error.

I had my windshield replaced about 14 years ago and I wonder if the mirror is mounted (glued on) correctly.
If someone could measure the distance from the top of the bracket to the top end of the glass, that would be helpful.
Also the mirror is glued on slightly to the left of the wire antenna (middle of windshield) not directly over it.
Thanks in advance.
Hermann

the placement of the mirror can not control the inner workings of the night/day button on your mirror. its the mirror itself. possible it was never right or maybe got "jarred" when taken off old windshield and put back on.
try in the night position adjust it by hand to see in day then test the button out(I don't think that will work but I would try) after that I would either live with it or replace the mirror.
It would waste your time to remove and re-glue that mirror.

[HKS]

Thanks for all your helpful responses.
My first choice would be an auto-dimming mirror replacement. Were they introduced in 2005?
I really don't want to do a lot of rewiring. I think auto dimming is just a special glass. It would be nice to get an upgrade replacement.
HKS
Found out it is more than special glass. Needs electricity.

[5bird7]

Thanks for all your helpful responses.
My first choice would be an auto-dimming mirror replacement. Were they introduced in 2005?
I really don't want to do a lot of rewiring. I think auto dimming is just a special glass. It would be nice to get an upgrade replacement.
HKS

auto-dimming mirrors were only available as aftermarket products.

[HKS]

Dot,
Found this.
7 pin connector on this auto dimming mirror is the same. I may need to disassemble the mirror and do some reverse engineering again. I hope the mounting bracket is the same. May not need the courtesy lights to function.
Hermann


https://www.ebay.com/i/352666274537?...MaAql3EALw_wcB

If this does not work, I would appreciate help in locating aftermarket direct auto-dimm replacements.

[007Cruiser]

Maybe from a Lincoln LS?

[Tbear]

I bought used GenTex mirrors off of Ebay. If you choose this route, the GenTex uses only positions 1 and 2 in the 7 pin connector. Just need hot and ground so if you get a connector with your mirror its an easy installation. I wired mine to position 15 in the fusebox in the passenger footwell. it turns on and off by the key. Its a very easy installation.

[HKS]

See Post #6 about ebay 2002 Explorer/Mountaineer mirror.

It looks like the 2002 Explorer mirror has the same connector as the 2002 Tbird mirror.
I would be giving up the map lights that get left on, and kill the Tbird battery.
So far you would need to swap pins 2 and 6 on the Tbird side or open the mirror and do it inside in order to supply the ground connection.

The mirror is removed with 10lb of force and shows a special tool needed to snap in new mirror.
There is a function for reverse gear which disables (pin 5 voltage) night time function. I am not hooking this up. But it is possible.
Wish me luck.
Hermann

P.S. The Explorer mirror has a forward pointing photocell that tells the mirror when it is nighttime in order to change reflectivity.
No external logic input needed.

[Tbear]

If you want my old 02/03 mirrors to try, I'll give them to you. Just take care of the shipping.

When I did it, I installed a header panel from a 04 or 05. It has the courtesy lights built into the panel instead of the mirror and it has homelink to open the garage door. DavidA wrote some very good instructions about the installation. I can send them to you if you are interested.

[HKS]

Dave, was the 2003 an autodimming mirror?
Someone mentioned, no auto dim mirrors used because of ragtop down use not being good.
Hermann

[Brad]

I put in a Lincoln autodim with compass. I absolutely love it!!! Make sure the one you buy includes the wiring pigtail so you only have to connect wires

[Tbear]

Dave, was the 2003 an autoimmune g mirror?
Someone mentioned, no auto dim mirrors used because of ragtop down use not being good.
Hermann

As far as I know an auto-dim mirror was not offered in any Retro.
The GenTex website that sells the auto-dim mirrors new says that they are not to be used in convertibles. Not the first time in my life I did not follow the instructions. I really like the compass also. One of the better mods I have made to the car. It's the first thing I did to my 02 after I bought it. Even before the chrome hood scoop.

[HKS]

See Post #6 about ebay 2002 Explorer/Mountaineer mirror.

It looks like the 2002 Explorer mirror has the same connector as the 2002 Tbird mirror.
I would be giving up the map lights that get left on, and kill the Tbird battery.
So far you would need to swap pins 2 and 6 on the Tbird side or open the mirror and do it inside in order to supply the ground connection.

The mirror is removed with 10lb of force and shows a special tool needed to snap in new mirror.
There is a function for reverse gear which disables (pin 5 voltage) night time function. I am not hooking this up. But it is possible.
Wish me luck.
Hermann

P.S. The Explorer mirror has a forward pointing photocell that tells the mirror when it is nighttime in order to change reflectivity.
No external logic input needed.

Update, Tbird Mirror schematic.

If the Explorer/Mountaineer mirror has pins 2 and 6 reversed (in order to supply a solid ground) it will be plug and play for either mirror from then on. No Tbird wiring changes whatsoever. Or move pin 6 to pin 1 slot for storage. Then move pin 2 to pin 6 slot (6 is now ground).
There might be a small current drain on the battery since the mirror will be on at all times just like all the electronic modules.

See post #15 for schematics. Forget files that show here and are not here?????

[HKS]

I give up. Could not add 2 files in post #14. The left schematic is the 2002 Tbird one and the right one is the 2002 Explorer/Mountaineer.
If you look at the Explorer schematic (right one) and if you modify the mirror itself, you just move pin 6 to pin 2 on the mirror, if you can get it apart. Otherwise move TB connector pin 2 to 6 slot. Then move pin 6 to slot 1 for safe storage at the TB connector and make a note in your owners manual.

See bottom of picture for both connectors. Disregard the top connector.
2002ExplorerMirrorTo02Tbird-x.JPG2002ExplorerMirror.JPG