Electrochromic Mirror w/Compass...worth it?

[Pirate VI]

Just wonder, why not get the 4Runner original part, instead of the Camry and Tundra mirror? Are they cheaper?

i found some cheaper that were used and taken out of a camry and one out of a tundra...
im thinkin maybe i should just get a new one. im just not sure i want to spend 150 when all i really want is the compass function

 

[Fro-Runner]

I got the index finger dimming mirror option when I purchased my 4Runner from the dealer. The mirror works very well for its price ($0.00), plus it gives my right arm and index finger a nightly workout.

I figured that I didn't need the electrochromatic dimming "social security recipient" mirror on my side window $$$ sticker!

 

[Pirate VI]

well i just ordered one from brandsport... hopefully it is worth the money. I just like the fact that the compass is there. Also I am thinking of adding leather seats, so that will bring it that one step closer to being a limited...

 

[HRunner]

well i just ordered one from brandsport... hopefully it is worth the money. I just like the fact that the compass is there. Also I am thinking of adding leather seats, so that will bring it that one step closer to being a limited...

Pirate, how much did u pay? And do you have the part number? I am thinking to have that for my supra too...

Thanks.

 

[Pirate VI]

Pirate, how much did u pay? And do you have the part number? I am thinking to have that for my supra too...

Thanks.

i paid something like 135 for it from brandsport. it is listed at 149 but because i am a member at rav4world.com and they have a promotional code, i got 10% off. i think the part number is GNTX-50-GENK5. here is the link to the site.
Brandsport Autodimming Rear View Mirror with Compass
the promotional code for rav4world is r4w if you wanna give it a try, they didnt ask my member name or anything.

 

[lexusnut]

YES Definetely worth adding

I found one on ebay and put it in. It wasn't difficult. Yes it does help. On top it adds some value to the vehicle.

 

[jbrhymer]

i found some cheaper that were used and taken out of a camry and one out of a tundra...
im thinkin maybe i should just get a new one. im just not sure i want to spend 150 when all i really want is the compass function

You could just mount a compass on the dash for much cheaper than $150

 

[lexusnut]

There is a difference between a $5 compas and the one in mirror. IT is smart. I have tried many aftermarket things, but this one works really good.

 

[Pirate VI]

You could just mount a compass on the dash for much cheaper than $150

trust me i thought of that, but i wanted something digital so it was easier to read, and also something that didnt look like i bought some piece of junk from kmart and taped it to the dash.
I havent recieved the mirror yet, but im not regretting spending the money

 

[swooopeno]

well, i searched and searched, and couldn't find anything on this, although i've seen it somewhere before. Maybe the manual? HMm...

For the factory auto-dimming mirror, what is the significance of holding both buttons down until you get a 1-15 adjustment factor thing? My compass seemed out of wack one day, so I tried to reset it holding both buttons down, but then it just gave me a choice on number 1 through 15. Is this a dimming adjustment or a compass adjustment, or does level 15 give you 60 more horsepower or what???

I suppose a quick review of the manual would answer this... but....

 

[lexusnut]

well, i searched and searched, and couldn't find anything on this, although i've seen it somewhere before. Maybe the manual? HMm...

For the factory auto-dimming mirror, what is the significance of holding both buttons down until you get a 1-15 adjustment factor thing? My compass seemed out of wack one day, so I tried to reset it holding both buttons down, but then it just gave me a choice on number 1 through 15. Is this a dimming adjustment or a compass adjustment, or does level 15 give you 60 more horsepower or what???

I suppose a quick review of the manual would answer this... but....

I looked in my installation manual there is only a thing about "C" which means compas needs calibrating. You need to make a slow 360 turn.

 

[Pirate VI]

well, i searched and searched, and couldn't find anything on this, although i've seen it somewhere before. Maybe the manual? HMm...

For the factory auto-dimming mirror, what is the significance of holding both buttons down until you get a 1-15 adjustment factor thing? My compass seemed out of wack one day, so I tried to reset it holding both buttons down, but then it just gave me a choice on number 1 through 15. Is this a dimming adjustment or a compass adjustment, or does level 15 give you 60 more horsepower or what???

I suppose a quick review of the manual would answer this... but....

the numbers are there because the north pole and the magnetic north pole are some distance apart. So when the compass points north that probably is not really exactly north. Where you are in the world depends on how far away from true north the compass will point. This is called Deviation... (or maybe Variation) For the purpose of getting the compass somewhat more acurate they figured out the deviation (or Variation) of different parts of the country and assigned them numbers. You choose which number the map on the install manual says to pick for where you live in the country. The compass will then roughly compensate for the variation so that it will point closer to true north instead of magnetic north.
I have the install manual, and the map with the sections of the country, (and canada) with the numbers assigned, if anyone needs to know there number tell me where you are at. Some states are split, so be sure to say west/east.
Your info says you are in pheonix, you should have it set to 5.
15 might only give you extra hp if you are in the extreme NE of canada, and then you would also be very cold

 

[Pirate VI]

O yea BTW, i just installed this today... I love it, and it was quick and easy installation. took about an hour cause i was going super slow and carefull. Could have easily done it in 20-30min. If any one needs help installing i can help out.

 

[jharris2]

O yea BTW, i just installed this today... I love it, and it was quick and easy installation. took about an hour cause i was going super slow and carefull. Could have easily done it in 20-30min. If any one needs help installing i can help out.

You could always post a write-up. Members who do this mod later will surely appreciate it.

 

[lexusnut]

Here you go guys

That's the manual

 

[Pirate VI]

Thats a better looking manual than the one I got, the only picture in mine is the map.
As soon as i find my digital camara... (I gotta clean up around here) I might post a writeup.

 

[swooopeno]

ahhh.. thanks for the help w/ the numbers. I doubt it gets calibrated by the dealers depending on where the dealer is located!

 

[lexusnut]

Ebay stuff

I think that I paid around 150 for mine on Ebay. There was a time when there were very many accessories for the T4R. People smash their rigs, then you can find interesting stuff. I ask if I can buy more directly. I got many additions from Limited, Cheap too. I constantly look for new toys. Latest addition is the NAV unit. Nice Nice. Although I hear some feed through speakers.

 

[Pirate VI]

Hi, just checked on the brandsport web site (http://www.brandsport.com/toy-00016-89931.html) and the price seems to be $249.
Has the price gone UP.... or are I doing something wrong?

dont get the one that says toyota, just get the universal gentex one, from what I understand they are the same. click the link in one of my earier posts and it should bring you there. it is 149 still, i just checked it, and remember you can add the discount code r4w for 10% off too, so it is really like 135. after having it in for a week i like it even more, not only is it useful but it kindof adds to the luxury of the car.
the install was super easy, lemme know if you have any questions i can help out