Rear View Mirror Swap

i have done it, but it does not look pretty, the electrochromatic plugs are different, so i had to cut the stock one off and splice it to the 2001, then there is the compass module, it is too big to fit on top of the rain senor. So i tried to take it apart and got the acutal compass little thing out but then i broke a wire off, so the compass doesnt even work for me right now. it did work at first but the big module was hanging and it wasnt accurate. if i could do it over again i would just buy a 2000 mirror. It seems a little bigger tho and maybe ill fix the compass and it will be cool. ill post pictures later if you want
 
There were two different rear view mirrors on the LS. One was the auto dim and the other was the auto dim with compass. The auto dim only version is a 3 pin version and the compass one is a 5 pin. They are not interchangeable. Make sure you have the correct one before buying.
 
Bigpappy: Sure, I would like to see pics. Mine is an autodim only, so what Ken posted leads me to believe the compass wouldn't work unless it is self contained and only receives power from below. The compass would really be a nice feature with as much as I am in my car.

Ken: Did the 2000 have a compass feature? Do you know if it can be installed on a Dim only with modification? Also, the autodim doesn't work on mine, does that feature usually fail in the mirror or elsewhere?
 
I did this last year this time it is a very easy mod. You don't cut any wires. You insert a small screwdriver and take the pins out instead of cutting them. Then insert them into the harness for the new mirror. (make sure you get the harness with some wires when u buy the mirror). As for the compass module I wouldn't advise taking it apart there is enough wire there to relocate it beside the mirror. I used crazy glue and glued it behind the mirror beside the rain sensor you can't see it because its behind the mirror.

compass.jpg
 
LS_Monk said:
I did this last year this time it is a very easy mod. You don't cut any wires. You insert a small screwdriver and take the pins out instead of cutting them. Then insert them into the harness for the new mirror. (make sure you get the harness with some wires when u buy the mirror). As for the compass module I wouldn't advise taking it apart there is enough wire there to relocate it beside the mirror. I used crazy glue and glued it behind the mirror beside the rain sensor you can't see it because its behind the mirror.
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Wish I hadn't missed the auction. Didn't want to buy if it wouldn't work. Just picked up a center console with the nicer cup holders. BTW, where did you get your grill?

Also, Is the compass function self contained or does it run of the main computer?
 
The grill I bought from ford it was an lse. I had it painted to match the car when I repainted my front bumper. Had some bug stains from previse owner. I also painted the lower grill to. Hopefully next week I can install my 03 xenon headlights.

The compass runs off the mirror power. Same power that works the auto dim
there are 3 wires going to the mirror. Power, Ground, Reverse. (rev. is to cancel the auto dim while you are backing up) But like I said if you are going to buy the compass mirror make sure you have some wires to go with it.
 
LS_Monk said:
I did this last year this time it is a very easy mod. You don't cut any wires. You insert a small screwdriver and take the pins out instead of cutting them. Then insert them into the harness for the new mirror. (make sure you get the harness with some wires when u buy the mirror). As for the compass module I wouldn't advise taking it apart there is enough wire there to relocate it beside the mirror. I used crazy glue and glued it behind the mirror beside the rain sensor you can't see it because its behind the mirror.
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wish i would have known that before, o well my hack job doesnt bother me that much. however like i said, one of the small wires to the compass module came out, explaining why it doesnt work, does anybody know if i can solder that back to get my compass to work? it just seems so small that i cant even see the wire in it.
 
LS_Monk said:
But like I said if you are going to buy the compass mirror make sure you have some wires to go with it.
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What exactly do you mean? Is there a separate harness or do you mean make sure they are not cut off?
 
im pretty sure he means when u buy the actual rear view mirror that it comes with the harness attached just cut off from the car. Mine did thats how i got my electrochromatic to work, i just messed up the compass :confused:
 
exactly just make sure your comes with the plug (that plugs into the back of the mirror) and some wires attached. That way you you can make sure that the leads are the same style. Then just take them out carefully out of the old and new mirror. Plug them in and that it mount unsnap the compas module off the mirror base and relocate with glue. Mount the mirror. I had a little play in the mirror on mine it was out of a ford taurus. So i put a little piece of steel wire and wedged it in. The wire is covered up by the wire cover that goes to the liner to the mirror to cover the wires. It doesn't vibrate now going down the road. Hasn't come lose in the year of driving niether. Good luck. After I did this install. I did it in my dads 95 Silverado. worked great no play. I am now looking at doing this to my Dodge Avenger. I love having the compass mirror.
 
LS_Monk said:
exactly just make sure your comes with the plug (that plugs into the back of the mirror) and some wires attached. That way you you can make sure that the leads are the same style. Then just take them out carefully out of the old and new mirror. Plug them in and that it mount unsnap the compas module off the mirror base and relocate with glue. Mount the mirror. I had a little play in the mirror on mine it was out of a ford taurus. So i put a little piece of steel wire and wedged it in. The wire is covered up by the wire cover that goes to the liner to the mirror to cover the wires. It doesn't vibrate now going down the road. Hasn't come lose in the year of driving niether. Good luck. After I did this install. I did it in my dads 95 Silverado. worked great no play. I am now looking at doing this to my Dodge Avenger. I love having the compass mirror.
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Cool. Thanks for the tips. I will watch for another one to come available. Do you know whether or not the autodimming is a function of the mirror or the computer below? Mine no longer autodims, just a yellowish tint all of the time.
 
Opies_LS said:
Do you know whether or not the autodimming is a function of the mirror or the computer below? Mine no longer autodims, just a yellowish tint all of the time.
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should be the mirror. in the history of my vehicle, the previous owner complained to the dealer that the mirror did not auto dim anymore, and then the dealer mentions on the receipt that they installed a new rear view mirror.
 
Yes sorry I never answered that question. My mirror was only dimming half of it so thats why I started looking in to it. Once I replaced the mirror everything worked great again. Its all the mirror.
 
the one on ebay is what you are looking for exactly comes with lots of wire for you. And the sensor should not be moved because its on the side not hanging down below Great buy if you get it at a good price.
 
LS_Monk said:
the one on ebay is what you are looking for exactly comes with lots of wire for you. And the sensor should not be moved because its on the side not hanging down below Great buy if you get it at a good price.
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Thanks. I have sent the seller a question to make sure the compass and autodim work. If so, I am going to try and pick it up. The last one went for $61.00. What is a good price?

Thanks.
 
I paid $100.00 for mine. But after looking on the internet I wouldn't pay much more then $65
 
LS_Monk said:
exactly just make sure your comes with the plug (that plugs into the back of the mirror) and some wires attached. That way you you can make sure that the leads are the same style. Then just take them out carefully out of the old and new mirror. Plug them in and that it mount unsnap the compas module off the mirror base and relocate with glue. Mount the mirror. I had a little play in the mirror on mine it was out of a ford taurus. So i put a little piece of steel wire and wedged it in. The wire is covered up by the wire cover that goes to the liner to the mirror to cover the wires. It doesn't vibrate now going down the road. Hasn't come lose in the year of driving niether. Good luck. After I did this install. I did it in my dads 95 Silverado. worked great no play. I am now looking at doing this to my Dodge Avenger. I love having the compass mirror.
Click to expand...

I took off the black plastic piece, right now it is just sitting behind the mirror. Does it matter what direction it is facing? Is that where the compass sensor is? Did you glue it to the windsheild or to the plastic on your mirror?

Thanks for the assistance.

OP
 
Another thing I have noticed. The compass comes on and tells you what way you are pointing, but does not update as I am driving. Is there a setting to change that? Has anybody seen this before?
 
I glued it to the window. The same as if I never removed it from the base of the mirro. I imagine it has to face that way for it to be the most accurate
 
LS_Monk said:
Have you calibrated it for your zone?
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Not yet. I just found this article: http://www.lincolnsonline.com/tech/00029.html

I am going to try that after I get done upgrading this server. Big parking lot here I can drive around in circles in. I will post the results. I will have to tape the device up tonight and glue tomorrow. (Classy)

BTW, what size steel wire did you use to get the vibration on the road to quit?

TX.
 
I think it was about .090" folded in half kinda looked like a couture key so if i want to pull it out later it won't be that hard. Plus the loop on the end helps to wedge it in there better. Good luck to ya. I think I had the same problem as you thou. I didn't think mine was working right but after a few days I watched it and it was working fine.
 
Following that article for calibration fixed the problem. I programmed it for my TrueNorth zone and then drove in a circle. Works great now. Once I steady it, it will be perfect. The autodim on my old mirror did not work any longer so this will be nice. I got to see that feature work tonight too.

Thanks much.
 
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