One of the few (very few) things I miss about my old car (07 STI) is the auto dimming mirror. Knowing that Gentex (http://www.mitocorp.com/auto-dimming-mirrors.html) makes most of the OEM auto dimming mirrors, I started searching and end up with this model:



Basically this is a Gentex mirror used as the OEM accessory for 06 tC What's special is that apart from the usual auto dim/homelink combo, it has an ambient light source below the mirror. As cabin darkens, it casts a dim ambient glow of either white, amber or blue over the shifter area ("PNDRL" area is what toyota calls it). The 2011 X interior is quite dark at night as mitsu got rid of the center console light in favor of the 2 cubby holes with lids. I was skeptical at first (don't want to rice out my interior) but after I set in a friend's tC, I find the ambient light casted is very pleasant (OEM feel). I also found Gentex's marketing material on this feature: http://www.gentex.com/automotive/pro...iver-safety#89


Anyway enough talk, here are some pics I took:

Installed:


Ambient light source


Showing the dim blue ambient light. This was taken in total darkness. In person it is a tad bit brighter than the picture below:


Finally my take of the 12V distribution block. This is a Wago 5port clamp. This is for 12V switched distribution. I will add 2 more (constant 12V and ground for my defi gauge install later. The mirror needs 1 switched, 1 constant 12v and of course ground. I used the dome light for the constant/ground and routed a line over the headliner edge and a-piller for the switched source.


Oh, btw, in case you are interested I picked up mine from http://www.mcgeorgeparts.com/Scripts/default.asp . Apparently this place is popular with the tC forums.

 

Seeing this installed in your car, reminds me how much I miss having one. I hate the stupid flip thing on mirrors; makes it so you can hardly see what's behind you. Pretty useless I think.

 

Yup, the stocker rear view is no fun at night

 

can I see a shot of any of the exposed wiring?

OEM clean is a must for me, but I am very interested.

 

Install is pretty clean. 3 T-taps and 1 wire running down the a-pillar. I will take some pictures this week.

 

Nice.. awaiting pics

 

you should do a write up or a how to

 

I did the same thing, I bought a G37 mirror and 6" pigtail from a junkyard for $40, Installation is beyond simple. Now I have home link and auto-dimming!

 

x2

 

I love mine. I installed it the first week I owned the car. I especially love the homelink. Mine doesn't have the ambient lights though...I got the same one as in this thread.

 

installing mine later on today...cant wait

 

if i'ts anything like my old V70R auto diming mirror I would love to have one. and since there are lights only an inch away.. i can`t see there being wires everywhere...

 

This not only a cool mod but one often looked over, thanks for posting.

 

was just thinking about doing this... awesome!

 

I believe that this is a must have for anyone who daily drives their car. The auto dimming keeps those raised trucks with HID's from blinding you to death, and having your garage door opener built in is a great feature. I installed one within the first couple months of having my car. No one could tell that it didn't come with the car, super oem look. Great Right up!