How to install "frameless" or regular auto-dim mirror

[Stew]

I tracked down a good reverse light wire location for those like me wanting to enable the reverse auto-dim cancel function as mentioned earlier in this write up.

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...verse-light-wire-tap-location.html#post180300

 

[PapaSmurf805]

I tracked down a good reverse light wire location for those like me wanting the enable the reverse auto-dim cancel function as mentioned earlier in this write up.

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...verse-light-wire-tap-location.html#post180300

As soon as I get the terminated lead wires I'll be installing mine with the backup lamp connected now. Thanks for the write up Stew.

 

[EX331]

Please, post your completed install pics! I'm glad that people are embarking on this mod.

 

[Stew]

Alright, I got started on the DD8 auto dimming mirror and I'm doing the dome light swap (like here) at the same time. I have a sunroof so it is a little more slow going, plus I just like taking my time and doing things like these as factory looking as possible.

First thing, in these two DIY threads there are a couple different terminals mentioned for adding the missing sockets in the connectors. Covering my bases I ordered both kinds and it's a good thing because the connector for the auto dimming mirror takes one kind and the dome light connector takes a slightly larger one.


These are the smaller terminals which are used by the auto dimming rear view mirror connector, unfortunately this pack of five pre-terminated leads with crimp connectors is about $40.00, yikes!

This pack of crimp on connectors are slightly larger than the ones above and are used in the map light connector, twenty five of them cost about $4.00 shipped. GM, pay attention here.

Here are the two kinds side by side

The reverse light connection here worked perfect. After getting the mirror fully wired I tested it and upon shifting into reverse the auto-dim canceled as expected.


Working around the sunroof opening is a pain in the rump but slow and steady wins the race, take your time and be patient and you'll be fine. Routing the wires above the headliner and following the factory wire runs was a little challenging, every linear inch of the wire harnesses above the headliner were glued to the headliner as you can see in the picture. I did find a couple gaps in the glue where I could zip-tie the additional wires and in a couple areas I hot glued them along the factory wire runs. Yes, I was able to squeeze my hand, a plugged-in hot glue gun and my other hand to hold the wires in place while the glue cooled all within a few inches of clearance between the roof panel and head liner.

I was curious that the auto dimming mirror had more pins in the connector than the standard mirror (obviously) but even after adding the switched 12 volt lead and reverse light lead there were still two additional pins not utilized. I wonder what they're for.

 

[EX331]

Excellent work, Stew! Thanks for your contribution to the thread! Essentially, the interior auto-dim mirror can control the exterior auto dimming mirrors, if so equipped. Pin 8 is "low reference" and pin 9 is the dimming signal. I would love to have an external dimming mirror, just haven't found a proper one yet.

 

[EX331]

Also, some people who do not have the rear view mirror wire harness may want to do a variation of this mod. For example, some fleet build cars do not have OnStar, so the ISRVM harness was omitted. You can get the connector and leads, GM part number 13577390, and an auto-dimming mirror and install to your heart's content. I know you can get the DD8 mirror without the OnStar buttons, but I am not sure of the part number. I do not know how the DBX mirror will fare in the absence of OnStar from the vehicle.

 

[Chrish051873]

I just did this DIY.

very easy and works great.

Thank you

 

[krakenredbeard]

Subbed


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AxelRipper]

Does anyone have a PN on the connectors themselves, and not just the $40 terminated leads? I'm a little rusty on my Delphi connectors and don't recall what series number these are to get just the pins.

 

[gmholder]

FYI . . . I ordered the #13577390 connector from GM. Surprise ! All you get is the connector body. No pins, No leads . . . back to square one

 

[2014 Blue RS]

How do I "sticky" this or something so I can find it later? Want to put this on my to do list. Such a great write up!

 

[Stew]

How do I "sticky" this or something so I can find it later? Want to put this on my to do list. Such a great write up!

Yeah the lack of an auto dimming mirror was a big disappointment to me so I was really pumped when EX331 posted this how-to.

You should be able to subscribe to the thread, that way you can find it easy.

 

[Stew]

Also I forgot to mention, while you're at it you should do this at the same time, it's all in the same area.

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...nt-light-install-dome-light-modification.html

 

[AdorableKaren]

How do I "sticky" this or something so I can find it later? Want to put this on my to do list. Such a great write up!

Usually I "like" a post so I can find it later under Likes Given. You can see your likes given/received in your profile.

 

[japerry]

anyone else install the frameless mirror? I just picked one up, and noticed it still has the manual dimming toggle on it. Do the auto-dimming ones still have the manual dimmer on them or did I get the wrong part?

 

[Stew]

Other cars I've had have the ability to manually dim. If it's light out and some bung hole has his high beams behind you on the freeway it won't dim without a manual switch.

I put the standard auto-dimming mirror from the Cruze in my Sonic and it doesn't have the ability to manually dim, I wish it did for this very reason.

 

[cdavie89]

Very nice. This will be added to my list of things to do

 

[GhostDog]

Just did this mod this weekend. Everything went without a hitch, thanks to this write up. Great work instructions. I just want to add an observation, though I might have missed it some where in the thread. For my 2015 Sonic RS, the spare fuse is in block #32.

 

[K-Bob]

My installation went great. Thanks!

Just did this mod. Mirror installed no problem. Works great. I used a takeoff from a Camaro.

Thanks for this excellent write-up!

I pinned and ran the extra wire for the reverse signal, but did not connect it. So it's there should I ever decide to enable that feature.

While I was in there I also wired my dash cam to the same circuit and ran the wire up with the mirror wires. So my dash cam has a more built-in appearance. See pics.


Two deviations I made from the listed procedure:

1.
No need to remove the under dash panel. I found plenty of room to reach up through to the a-pillar.
You should only have to remove the a-pillar trim.

2.
I tapped into the Cigar Lighter fuse instead of the spare fuse, worked just fine.
I'm not convinced there is reliable power to the spare fuse socket on my 2017.