What circuits to tap for Gentex mirror?

[skategoat]

Guys, I downloaded the install instructions and it says to tap the "vehicle ignition" wire into pin #A9, connector IE1. Since I only have the pdf version of the wiring manual (thanks for the link), it's hard to scan and find this connector. My question is this - what circuit am I tapping into with this pin on this connector?

Also, I need an "always on" source. The Gentex instruction is missing this. What circuit do you suggest I tap into? If you can give me the general location and colour of wire, that would be a big help.

The ground, I can figure out <G>.

Thanks,

Henry

 

[skategoat]

Addendum

Since I'm installing a Scion HU at the same time, I'm wondering if there is anything in the harness in the below thread that I could tap into for Always On power.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5337&highlight=always+AND+on+AND+power

 

[rando]

Search the forums. Someone posted a link to the PDF instructions for installing the compass mirror. It shows you the factory wiring points to hook up to (albeit not super clearly). Basically everything you need is inside the driver kickpanel. It will be much easier to drop the wires to that spot than to bring them all the way back to the center console.

Ultimately though, that spot in the center console should work too. Basically you want a switched 12v power lead and a ground. Just make sure whatever power circuit you use has the margin you need to supply the mirror. The safest bet is to just follow the instructions.

 

[boston_kevin]

Gentex Instructions

Here is a link, in case you can't find it:

http://www.toyotaparts4u.com/installation_manuals.htm

Scroll down to the 2003 Compass Mirror

 

[the irishman]

Connector IE1 is under the lower left kick panel. Wire #A9 is the 24V/15A to the rear 24V power outlet. This power is present whenevr the key is in ACC or ON. If your pdf's have the original page numbers, the circuit is on page 298 of the 2004 4Runner manual. The wire is brown with a red stripe.

 

[rando]

Umm...the mirror runs off a 12V circuit -- I'm not sure there are any 24v circuits in our runners anyhow. In any case, the OEM wiring is not identical to what you'll have if you follow the install instructions.

BTW, yes my PDF manuals still have the page numbers. I'm not sure why that is relevant though. My mirror is already installed.

 

[skategoat]

rando, I think he meant that for me.

Thanks for all the advice guys. As usual, this forum is a gem.

I still can't figure out why I have two power leads (plus a ground) coming out of my mirror. I think it came out of a Saab. Maybe it was some sort of moose detector.

 

[rando]

Sorry...apparently I complete misread this thread the first time. I didn't notice that you had already grabbed the installation instructions.

If your mirror needs an always on power source, it must not be the standard compass mirror. Does it have some other functions (Homelink, etc)? I wouldn't hook up the always-on lead until you know what it does and how much juice it will suck.

Also, you won't be able to tap the 12V outlet wires in the center console for an always on lead. Those are switched. Your best bet is just a run a new wire from the battery -- again, only after you figure out what the mirror is doing with that power.


Good luck!

 

[toyo]

My mirror from the factory is always on. It always shows my direction sitting in my garage. Yours is switched?

 

[rando]

Yes it is switched and should be switched. Depening on what location you live in, your 'factory' mirror may actually be port or dealer installed. In that case, it's possible that they miswired it. As far as I know (and consistent with the wiring manuals) the compass mirror should be hooked up to a switched power lead. It's not supposed to be on all the time.

 

[toyo]

Well if thats the case I am going to demand a new vehicle.

 

[TRD04RUNNER]

My mirror from the factory is always on. It always shows my direction sitting in my garage. Yours is switched?

IT SHOULD ONLY COME ON WHEN THE KEY IS IN THE ON POSITION. EVER THING SHOULD BE OFF WHEN ON KEY IS OUT. YOUR DEALER MUST HAVE WIRE IT WONG AND COULD LEAD TO PRUDENTIAL FIRE OR BATTERY DRAINING .

 

[toyo]

Yes, you are correct I guess in the fact it was wired wrong. However, the little bit of draw it takes I doubt it would do any harm. There are alot of electronics that have a continuios draw that we dont think about. Stereo, clock, ecm's, alarm system, etc.

 

[skategoat]

TRD04RUNNER, on what basis do you make the claim that there is a fire hazard? "Prudential" or not?

There are many circuits in our 4Runners that are always on. Ever hear of a clock? There's no fire hazard. Battery drain? Maybe after 6 months. I expect toyo drives his truck more often than that.

Remain calm toyo. My Gentex came out of a Saab and there are three leads - always on, ignition on and ground. My guess on the always on is that it's required to keep the compass calibrated or perhaps some car mfgs. feel the Homelink should work without the ignition. I feel it shouldn't for security reasons.

 

[rando]

The compass calibration does not require permanent power. If you have a mirror with homelink, then it does use an always on source for the homelink portion only -- that would also confirm that you DO NOT have a factory mirror.

As for the compass display being lit all the time, I'd put a current meter on your truck and see how much power it is pulling while turned off. IIRC, my truck was around 20-25mA. The second thing to do is check the wiring on your mirror. Assuming it's just a standard compass mirror, it should have only two wires. The run up into the headliner, down the driver's side pillar to the dash area. In the OEM case, the wires will terminate (IIRC) at one or more of the connectors in the driver's area junction block (fuse panel). For the port or dealer installed equipment, they will terminate down in the kick panel area -- the power wire will likely be spliced in with an in-line "T" tap connector.

UPDATE: I just confirmed that the factory homelink unit (not part of the mirror) does not use an always powered connection. Thus, I have no idea of the homelink mirror requires this or not.

 

[skategoat]

rando:

Seems we are beating a dead horse here. Thanks for your patient explanation. Let me explain.

I bought my mirror used from eBay. It has 3 Homelink buttons, a mirror button and a compass button. The seller told me it came from a Saab. The instructions he sent me were programming instructions and a photo of the harness telling me to connect one wire to ignition, one to always on and one to ground. There are indeed three leads coming out of the harness in the back of the mirror.

I have mounted the mirror on the windshield but I haven't wired it up yet. I plan to do that this week and will let you know how it goes.

HK

 

[rando]

No dead horse. I'm just responding to two different things in this thread. In your case, everything makes sense and you should hook up your mirror just like the OEM one plus run an extra (fused) circuit to your battery for the always on part -- or tap that part into the circuit used for the OEM homelink unit. When you get it all hooked up, the homelink should work at all times, but the compass display should go out when the truck is off.

Toyo's case is curious. If he has a standard OEM "compass only" mirror, it should not be always on. In his case, he should do some checking to figure out what is going on.

Good luck to you both.

 

[rando]

UPDATE: I just confirmed that the factory homelink unit (not part of the mirror) does not use an always powered connection. It's power circuit is the same as the interior lighting circuit and is switched by the Body ECU through the DOME relay.

Thus I have no idea of the homelink mirror requires an always on connection or not.