Auto Dimming Mirror Install w/pictures

[Scoobs]

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

 

[ryanbt]

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.

 

[4RunnERD]

Thanks guys!

Is there really a benifit to these mirrors? the reason I ask is I hated the auto dimming mirror in my wifes Deville, it never worked very well. Do these mirrors also have the camera and built in DVR to record while you drive?

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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

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!

 

[webby]

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!

 

[sonerick]

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)

 

[Scoobs]

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 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.

 

[TRADICLES]

Nice job

Grab the upper counsel and reconnect the wire harness for the map lights. Slide the moonroof side of the counsel into place first and then push up on the side near the windshield. This may require a careful pound or two of your fist to get it back into place. Turn the car on and double check the mirror functions again as well as your map lights and your moonroof. If everything works, you are golden.

Finally, drive in a complete circle or two, taking at least 45 seconds to complete each circle to calibrate the compass. The compass should now indicate whatever direction you are heading heading in. It is important to note that the mirror needs to be programmed for whatever “zone” you live in so that the compass will calibrate correctly. This programming was done by the company that I bought the mirror from before they sent it to me. They used my shipping zip code to identify what zone to program the mirror for.

Installation is now complete!

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

 

[4RunnERD]

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.

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.

 

[Dave57]

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.

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.

 

[Dave57]

Installation is now complete!

Great write up.

 

[Dave57]

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

The addition of homelink transmitters in vehicles is nothing new. Homelink in vehicles existed in 95. In 96 garage door openers started using rolling codes. The was an issue with rolling code capable vehicle transmitters but that was addressed around 1998. So many 95-97 vehicle transmitters don’t work with rolling code garage door openers. In 2003 vehicles homelink started appearing in the gentex mirrors.

HomeLink®; Home automation,Wireless control system, universal transceiver, RF control, Home security, smart home, vehicle to home, home automation, remote control lighting and home control

 

[webby]

Thanks.

Once properly programmed, is there much of a delay between when the homelink button on the mirror is pushed, and when the garage door actually opens? If so, how long? I have heard some complaints about a delay of up to several seconds.

The addition of homelink transmitters in vehicles is nothing new. Homelink in vehicles existed in 95. In 96 garage door openers started using rolling codes. The was an issue with rolling code capable vehicle transmitters but that was addressed around 1998. So many 95-97 vehicle transmitters don’t work with rolling code garage door openers. In 2003 vehicles homelink started appearing in the gentex mirrors.

HomeLink®; Home automation,Wireless control system, universal transceiver, RF control, Home security, smart home, vehicle to home, home automation, remote control lighting and home control

 

[ryanbt]

I hold the button down for about 2 seconds and the garage door opens.

 

[webby]

I hold the button down for about 2 seconds and the garage door opens.

Allright, thanks much.

 

[Dave57]

I hold the button down for about 2 seconds and the garage door opens.

:iagree:

I do the same 2 second thing but it's 4 houses away.

 

[4RunnERD]

I have to hold the button for 2 seconds also. No longer than I had to hold the original garage door opener.

 

[webby]

I have to hold the button for 2 seconds also. No longer than I had to hold the original garage door opener.

My original garage door opener does not have a two second delay. The door starts moving fairly close to instantaneously after I press it -- way under a second anyway.

 

[ryanbt]

I always push and hold the button (even before the home link) on the transmitter as soon as my house is in sight. This way the door is open when I get home. The delay doesn't bother me at all, after all it is only 2 seconds.

 

[Dave57]

My original garage door opener does not have a two second delay. The door starts moving fairly close to instantaneously after I press it -- way under a second anyway.

How old is the opener? Rolling code? Maybe longer??

Anyway what's the point?

 

[webby]

How old is the opener? Rolling code? Maybe longer??

Anyway what's the point?

Several folks mentioned that there is a 2 second delay with the homelink transmitter. I stated I have very little delay at all with my plain vanilla OEM opener (non rolling code, FYI).

It's a mundane matter, but this is a discussion forum. So we're commenting and discussing, n00b. If there's no "point" for you, then obviously you're on the wrong thread, grasshopper.