Defrosting mirrors

Would i need a switch to operate the defrost feature if i were to swap my base model mirrors out?
Mirrors are consistently fogged in the morning, Living in the North East.

 

Yup.

 

If you search for heated mirrors on here, you’ll find a thread where a guy throws together kits using the Highlander OEM mirrors, various switch types of your choosing, and all the wiring you’ll need.

 

Thanks man!

 

If you’re on a budget just get something like this and add it to your stock mirrors. That’s what I did and it has worked out well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2pcs-Quick...ed-Defogger-Pad-Mat-Kit/293402792601?LH_BIN=1

 

Did you just disassemble the mirrors and adhere these to the backs of the glass? I only have one last winter before I move somewhere warmer, so this might be good for me.

 

I used similar heater pads as the one mentioned above. I also found a time delay relay from Wolstentech to control the time the heater pads are turned on. Total parts cost was about $100; bench testing and install time was about 20 hours.

 

Where in NE?

 

Yeah disassemble to adhere and run wires.

road2cycle I’ve been wanting to put a delay on mine for when I forget to turn them off. Thanks for the reminder. Do you remember where you got yours?

 

I ordered them from here:http://www.wolstentech.com/products/timedelayrelay/timedelayrelay.php

 

Super cheap! I’ll be making this purchase asap. Thanks!

 

Sienna too it appears

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oem-heated-mirrors-diy-mod.193528/

 

I'm sure it wasn't 20 hours, so am I thinking 20 minutes or 2 hours?

 

Eh, I’d believe it. It’s a decent amount of wire to run. Every time I tear my dash apart it ends up taking longer to do whatever that I plan for.

 

Depending on how involved his bench testing was. But no, just install on these could be done in 4 hours or less I’d say.

 

There are a bunch of steps involved in completing this mod since lots of items need to be disassembled, modified, and reassembled. You’d probably be surprised once you get started.

How long it takes to complete the job depends on how meticulous you are. I believe in taking it slow and doing the job right the first time. I definitely could have cut corners and shaved some time off the install, but I would not have been satisfied with the quality of the install.

 

Absolutely, do it right and you don't have to do it again. Not something I've thought about in this particular case but I get in general the surprises that come up, especially with you coming up with the process.

 

I can’t take all the credit for coming up with the process. There were a few really good threads on this forum that I referenced to get a general idea of what needed to be done. But of course there were some unanticipated hiccups along the way.