Auto Dimming Mirror Installation Question

[757guy]

I want to replace my plain rearview mirror with an auto dimming/compass mirror. The instructions say that I need to locate an "Ignition Hot" for the positive connection.

Any advice on how to easily find the "Ignition Hot" lead would be very much appreciated. (I have access to the accessory bus, but not sure that would work the same as ignition.)

The model mirror I am looking at is a Gentek GENK5AM-GK which only requires the ignition hot and a ground.

Any advice on installing these mirrors or opinions on these in general would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

757Guy

 

[Danno]

If your car has map lights that turn on when you push them, I would look at that first. Take them down from the headliner, use a volt gauge to find the hot wire when ignition is on and your wire routing is much shorter.
Other wise you might want to do the same on your fuse panel, and see if an open fuse has power on with ignition. Make sure you have an inline fuse for the mirror if you go off the fuse block.

 

[dishdude]

You want one of these - http://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-BP-HHH-ATM-Add-A-Fuse/dp/B000GKEXK2/ref=pd_bxgy_auto_img_y

Just choose a circuit that is switched and plug it in. You don't have to splice or cut into any wiring.

Those mirrors are easy to install, just tuck the wiring into the headliner and down the a-pillar. Hot goes to any switched circuit and ground goes to any bolt screwed into the metal body.

 

[PF52]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
Just choose a circuit that is switched ...


Don't do it the way I did - I just used the hot line that powers the map lights. Unfortunately its not switched and if I forget to turn off the mirror (it has compass as well as dimming) it'll drain the battery within a few days.

 

[wtd]

I installed the gentex autodimming/compass/temp mirrors in both of my 98 chevy trucks. The one I installed in my 98 K1500 came as a kit and I intalled the hot wire using one of the empty switched prongs in my conveinance center under the dash.

On the 98 K3500, I bought the mirror from the junk yard out of a chevy truck and bought the wiring harness off of Ebay. I also used the conveinance center on that install. What kind of vehicle is this going into?

 

[757guy]

The mirror is going into a 2013 Ram 1500 Quad Cab. Fuse block is a great option except - it is located in front of the battery in the engine compartment. There has to be a ignition hot that is readily available under the dash somewhere - I just need to find it, and that's where I need some help.

I'm going to the dealership today to see if I can look at a wiring diagram.

Thanks for the advice and assistance.

757Guy