Thanks for a great write-up with pics! This is a mod I've been wanting to do.

This mod looks great. Do you know the model number of this mirror. I looked on ebay and it looks like the Gentex

This is a Gentex GNTX-453 series mirror. Check out this site for more info on the differences between models: Gentex HomeLink Autodimming Mirrors GNTX-313 and GNTX-453 Series comparison

Nice write-up; you covered every question I had about this mod. It's interesting... that is the exact mirror that came stock in my wife's 2011 Nissan Armada. I wonder if she would miss it...

Installed the same mirror in my T4R today. It was pretty simple! Thanks for all of the detailed instructions! Mine was a little different since my dealership put a webasto sunroof in, but I figured it out pretty quick!

I see constant power and acc/ignition power. which one is the homelink on?

For the Homelink wire I spliced into the red wire of the T4R's maplight connector (constant) in the overhead console. You want ACC/Ignition for the compass and autodimm so the battery doesn't run down.

For me the main reason for the mirror was the Homelink buttons built into it as my 4Runner didn't come with the OEM Toyota Homelink setup. Plus it is nice having the compass for those occasions when you travel someplace you are unfamilliar with. Interms of the auto dimming feature, my mirror has the ability to turn that feature off if you don't like the way it works.

My mirror is a Gentex 453 series. But from what I understand there can be different variations within a series. For example: not all will be the Amber color like the one I have. There are a ton of auto dimming/compass/Homelink mirrors for sale on Ebay, but the key for me was waiting until I found one that was Amber in color.

ryanbt, glad to here you figured out the install with the aftermarket moonroof, I knew you would!

The Homelink is on the constant power... you can open and close your garage door without the vehicle being on. The auto dimming and compass are on the acc/ignition on power... otherwise the dimming feature and compass would drain the battery when the vehicle is not running.


Thanks to everyone else for the positive feedback. I am a new 4Runner owner and new to the Forum. This Forum has been incredibly helpful and informative to me and I have already met and made some friends and connections because of this site. I am just happy to be able to contribute and give something back to those who have helped me!

I have a plain jane mirror on my runner and want to upgrade it, so I have a couple of questions.

1) I have a friend that has a homelink mirror and says that there is a few seconds delay when he pushes that until the garage door opens. Do those of you with the homelink mirror experience such a delay?

2) Will the homelink mirror program up with any brand and type of garage door opener or just certain types/brands?

3) What kind of a base does the 4Runner mirror have? Is it the so-called "wedge base"? Many of the mirrors on ebay don't even state what kind of mounting base they have. Are all of them the same base the 4Runner takes?

Thanks very much!

1) Yeah, there is some delay with mine. I experienced some delay with the standard garage door opener i was using before though, so it wasn't too big of a deal for me.

2) I think it will sync up with most brands out there. The place I got it from included instructions on how to sync it up, and it seemed like it was designed for most applications

3) 4Runner has a wedge-type base. Most of the mirrors I saw on ebay were Gentex brand, also with a wedge-type base. Here is a link to the mirror that I bought from ebay: Amber Gentex Homelink, Compass, Auto Dim, Mirror Kit - eBay (item 170621308399 end time Apr-07-11 07:09:54 PDT)

I only ask because some people, not me, think that the Homelink should also be on ACC/ignition so that if someone breaks into your 4R while it is parked in the driveway they cannot open your garage door. I know there are ways to open the door without the opener anyway so I'm not concerned about it, but some others might want to know that you can wire the Homelink to ACC/ignition.

Good write-up BTW, pictures are always helpful.

Very nicely done,you've got me searching for one now.Thanks

That's true... but if you have a normal garage door opener in your car the same secnario could play out, plus they could steel your normal opener and come back mutiple times until you change the code/setting on the opener itself. I guess I never really thought of that because my vehicle stays inside the garage, plus if they really want something they'll find a way in anyways, in which case we hopefully all have insurance. I suppose you could hook it up to acc/ignition on if those people really wanted too.

Yes you can wire the homelink to a switched power source and then it will work with the key. The homelink also can retain memory well past 1 year without power. It would also be a good idea to clear the homelink codes before trading a car in or selling it.

Great write up.