HELP! Best Auto Dim Rear View Mirror Replacement for '96 Conti

[Toast]

Any thoughts/opinions on ehat the best replacement would be for my defunct auto dim rear view mirror? Will a '97 Conti mirror work? They both appear to have the same 7 pin flat connector. The dealership (***** Ford) quted me $600 for a new one . I can get a '97 (assuming it will work on mine) off eBay for just under $200.

Has anyone tried or heard anything about the Gentex models?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

[pokeeto2]

I just looked myself, did you ask the seller? or maybe ford? One of em might know!!!!!!! I really don't know about this cuz the original Continental mirrors changes design in 98, It's more rounded. 2000 they did even more to it. But it might have the same connectors.

 

[Toast]

I just looked myself, did you ask the seller? or maybe ford? One of em might know!!!!!!! I really don't know about this cuz the original Continental mirrors changes design in 98, It's more rounded. 2000 they did even more to it. But it might have the same connectors.

I asked the seller, but he wasn't sure. However, based on some comments from other forum menbers, as well as a couple other auctions I saw on eBay earlier (the auction title stated that it was for 95-97 Continental) I'm pretty sure it will be interchangeable. They both definitely have the flat 7 Pin connection. I just bought the new 1997 one off eBay, so I will post my results after I receive it. It wasn't cheap, but not too bad for being new and (hopefuly) plug n' play. I know the guy has one left, so if anyone else was interested in getting this one, I'm sure it will be listed later today.

If the 98 or 2000 mirrors also work, that might even be a better way to go due to the newer technology. I'm just a gotta have it now personality sometimes, so I bought the 97 version.

 

[Toast]

I just looked myself, did you ask the seller? or maybe ford? One of em might know!!!!!!! I really don't know about this cuz the original Continental mirrors changes design in 98, It's more rounded. 2000 they did even more to it. But it might have the same connectors.

For what it's worth, I received my New Old Stock 1997 Continental rear view mirror and installed it in my 1996 Continental. It was definitely plug & play, and it works great. The whole process took all of about 3 minutes.

 

[Conti94]

Awesome to hear. Glad everything worked out so easily. I wonder if the mirror was the same for the newer conti's as well.

 

[Toast]

Awesome to hear. Glad everything worked out so easily. I wonder if the mirror was the same for the newer conti's as well.

I'm not sure, but if I had to guess I would say they probably would. The 97 fit the bill nicely though, so I can't complain. It had everything I wanted (auto dim, compass, and map/courtesy lights).

 

[Toast]

UPDATE: The mirror is a piece of #$@!. The auto dim liquid has leaked out behind the glass similar to the original one. The seller from ebay would not have known about this prior to the sale, but now that he does I'll see if he'll do anything about it. Anyway, that's my loss.

I just wanted to post an update to say that after all this I would recommend staying away from the older model original auto dim mirrors (even NOS), because they are prone to have this problem whether they are old or new. Save yourself the headache and get one of the brand new Gentex models for sale on eBay.

That's my 17,500 cents ($175 x 100).

 

[Toast]

UPDATE: The mirror is a piece of #$@!. The auto dim liquid has leaked out behind the glass similar to the original one. The seller from ebay would not have known about this prior to the sale, but now that he does I'll see if he'll do anything about it. Anyway, that's my loss.

I just wanted to post an update to say that after all this I would recommend staying away from the older model original auto dim mirrors (even NOS), because they are prone to have this problem whether they are old or new. Save yourself the headache and get one of the brand new Gentex models for sale on eBay.

That's my 17,500 cents ($175 x 100).

The seller was honest and gave me a full refund!

Now I just need to figure out what the best model to get is. I'm thinking about the Gentex GENK30, which apparently comes with an upgraded harness. Does anyone have any input on this mirror or whether the special harness will be needed/beneficial? Thanks