How to: Rearview Mirror Upgrade

110114 Views 195 Replies 53 Participants Last post by GeorgiaBoy, Jul 29, 2016

rshadd

Discussion Starter · Jul 23, 2012 (Edited)

Disclaimer
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A 355nation How To presented by
rshadd, comdrop9073

Project Name
How To upgrade your rearview mirror

Project Description
Upgrading your manual inside rearview mirror with auto-dimming, compass and outside temperature display.

Skill Level
Easy

Project Vehicle
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Colorado
Year: 2009
Engine: 3.7L
Power windows: Yes
Sun Roof: No

Tools Needed

Safety Razor or Utility Knife
Pliers
Torx T-20
Wire Strippers / Crimpers

Parts Needed

Auto Dimming RearView Mirror, with OnStar, Compass and Outside Temp (GM Part# 15269045)
(You should be able to find one on Ebay or your local salvage yard for about $25-$100)

Note: The OEM mirror is manufactured by Gentex. The mirror used in this how to is a Gentex 511. You can find good deals on eBay. Just search for a Gentex
The mirror was purchased off ebay from the seller:

camsmirrors
He included the mirror, 16 pin plug and wires (if needed) and temp sensor with plug and wires for $110 shipped. Much cheaper than ordering through GM.
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor, GM#25775833 ($7)
Small Spool of Two Conductor (zip cord) Wire (14-16AWG) ($20)
Quick Splice Connectors with Male Disconnectors. They're available at Radio Shack in a 3-Pack (Model: 64878006D,MDFNY1-250 | Catalog #: 64-037). ($2.19)
1/4" or 1/2" Split Cable Tubing. Radio Shack Model: 278-1624 | Catalog #: 278-1624 ($6)
Small Zip Ties - (10) should be plenty
Black Electrical Tape

Project Time
1 hour or less

Project Cost
$100-$150

Installation Procedures

Remove your existing inside rearview mirror and replace it with your new auto-dimming mirror.
- Remove the inside rearview mirror cover, if equipped
- Disconnect the electrical connector, if equipped.
- Adjust the mirror to the full upward position.
- Loosen the set screw (torx) located at the base of the mirror.
- Slide the mirror upward off of the rearview mirror button.
- Simply reverse this procedure to re-install your new mirror.
Remove the grill to access to ambient air sensor location. Refer to CodeRed's grill removal how-to for help.
On the center bar off the core support you will see a hole. This is where the Ambient Air Temp Sensor will be installed.
The Ambient Air Temperature Sensor is inserted from behind into the hole in the center support.

Once installed it'll look like this:
Run your two wires from the temperature sensor up behind the air box, make sure to secure the wires along the way with wire loom and zip ties (or fastener of your choice).
Remove the air box and locate the plug. (I have a K&N which makes it easier to get to, the OEM airbox will need to be removed)

(I don't know the name for this plug, but the wires for the foglights, horn and looks to be Airbag sensors?? two along the back side of the core support pass through it.

This plug can be removed from the body using a trim removal tool. In this case Quick Splice Connectors were used to tap into the wires.
The wires you need to tap are the bottom two in the front row when the barbed pin is facing towards you.

Photo Credit: CUZICAN

Electrical Schematics and Connector Pinouts

Note: Depending on the year of your truck, some the wire colors are different, but the pin locations are still the same.

For the trucks with a 7 pin harness: (this is the harness that plugs into the back of the mirror)

PIN 1 PINK POWER +12 volts
PIN 2 BK CHASSIS, GND
PIN 3 LT GRN BACKUP LIGHTS
PIN 4 GY TO AUTO DIM OUTSIDE MIRROR
PIN 5 PINK TO AUTO DIM OUTSIDE MIRROR
PIN 6 DR GRN/WT TEMP PROBE
PIN 7 BK/WT TEMP PROBE

Note: Pin 3 is to be connected to the backup lights to turn off the auto dim feature in reverse. If you intend not to use this feature connect the LT GRN wire to chassis ground. If this pin is floating the auto dim will not work properly

PIN 1 = Grey = not used
PIN 2 = Bare = Microphone
PIN 3 = "Passenger Air Bag on" notification (some GM trucks - ground pin to activate)
PIN 4 = "Passenger Air Bag off" notification
PIN 5 = auto day/night signal from LH outside mirror (use w/ pin 16)
PIN 6 = Brown = Temp probe connection
PIN 7 = Green/Black = Temp probe connection
PIN 8 = Black = Ground (Common to Pin 9)
PIN 9 = Light Green = Reverse Dim Inhibit
PIN 10 = Gray = Microphone
PIN 11 = Dark Green/White = keypad signal (out)
PIN 12 = Light Green = keypad +5v supply (in)
PIN 13 = Yellow = +12V switched (ignition)
PIN 14 = Yellow/Black = Green LED signal
PIN 15 = Brown/White = Red LED signal (apply 12v to light LED)
PIN 16 = day/night signal to LH outside mirror

The 12volt has a lot of information on the Gentex mirrors.
Gentex mirror wiring diagram

If you are not getting a good connection to the sensor or the wires are backward the mirror will display OC (Open Circuit):

Completed pictures:

Gentex 511 Auto Dimming Mirror(top), Original manual Mirror (bottom):

Auto Dimming Mirror:

Compass and Outside Air Temperature

Auto Dimming Mirror. Dimmed:

Compass Operation

Press

or depending on the mirror, press

once to turn the display on or off.

Compass Calibration

The compass may need calibration if:

CAL is displayed while driving in the vehicle.
After approximately five seconds, the display does not show a compass heading, N for North, for example, there may be a strong magnetic field interfering with the compass. Interference can be caused by a magnetic antenna mount, magnetic note pad holder, or a similar magnetic item.
The compass does not display the correct heading and the compass zone variance is set correctly.

To calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the mirror compass windows. If CAL is not displayed, press and hold

for several seconds or until CAL is displayed.

The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display reads a direction.

Compass Variance

The mirror is set to zone eight. If you do not live in zone eight or drive out of the area, the compass variance needs to be changed to the appropriate zone.

To adjust for compass variance:

Find the current location and variance zone number on the following zone map.
Press and hold

until Z and/or a zone number displays.
Press

repeatedly until the new zone number displays. After you stop pressing the button, the display shows a compass direction within a few seconds.

Temperature Display

(On/Off): Press

or depending on the mirror, press

to turn the display on or off.

To adjust between Fahrenheit and Celsius:

Press and hold

for a few seconds. The current unit of measure (F or C) flashes.
Press

again and release to change the unit of measure. Wait several seconds and the compass/temperature display returns with the selected unit of measure.

It is normal under certain conditions for the temperature update to be delayed. If an incorrect temperature displays for an extended period, see your dealer/retailer.

Thanks to Dave for the great pics.

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