Auto dimming mirror not dim enough?

My last truck was also '96 extra cab (see profile pic)! It had 200k on it when the frame finally broke from the rust. Still ran like a top, sold for parts $1500. Yes, this one is quite a step up but the '96 was a fantastic truck and I'd still be driving it. to 1st gen tacos!

 

I think its just the mirror. I'm in the same boat, wish it dimmed a tad more or at least give me an option to dim it more myself.

 

My opinion is that the mirror works decently for standard halogen headlights, but the super bright LEDs that are out there now... this thing doesn't seem to even make a dent in the brightness. Maybe the technology is older compared to the hid light, or even none hid lights, but that are super bright white. Just my opinion.
I will say I was happy to have the feature, I just wish it did dim more... or maybe I will just tint the back window darker. Just a thought.

 

I agree, the auto-dimming mirror is less effective than any manual dimming I have ever had. But this seems typical of so many of the automated functions being designed into vehicles, they do not work as well as the manual functions, but they spare the driver the stress of worrying how to operate their vehicle features. Just part of eliminating the role of driver and turning all vehicle occupants into passengers.

 

Its only going to get worse. yay!

 

Works perfectly fine for me. Are you sure it's on?

Power button on the mirror is for dimming. Green light should be on as well

 

Unplug it?

 

Add window tint! Lol

 

Wear sunglasses

 

I'm pleased with the dimming on mine at night, but it doesn't seem to dim at all when I'm driving to work in the mornings and the rising sun reflects full force into my eyes.

 

Honestly, I have considered doing that!

It doesn't work during the day. Throw something (hat, book, CD, waffle) over the ambient light sensor on the passenger side ub by the windshield so the truck thinks it's night time, and it should work.

 

Well that explains it then. Thanks! I miss the manual lever for when the sun is in my eyes. I wish there was just a button I could push on there to force it to dim...

 

I haven't noticed mine not dimming enough. Then again I only have 2900 miles, so not enough wheel time

 

Is it adjustable than ? Green light is on .

 

Adjust the mirror a little.
It was mentioned earlier in the thread it might just be the sensor not getting the light.

And thanks for using the search feature if only the guys wanting to know what lift to fit tires would do the same lol

 

I'm in the same boat as the OP... doesn't do a darn thing. Green light is on, and even shining a flashlight at it doesn't make it change.

 

For those who would like more dimming on their auto-dimming mirrors...

I found that mine worked fine on the highway (where it's completely dark in FRONT of you). In town, I wished it would dim more.

The problem in town is that when headlights shine at you from behind, the mirror doesn't always dim because it's affected by oncoming headlights (as well as other "city lights") coming into the FRONT sensor. There is a sensor on the front (WINDSHIELD side), as well as the rear (MIRROR side) of the mirror.

The mirror dimming is regulated by the interplay of light coming into both the front and rear sensors. I then realized that I needed to "trick" the front sensor on the mirror into thinking that it's darker than it actually is.

The solution: I went to the dollar store and bought 4 cheap pairs of sunglasses with different levels of tint. I popped a lens out of each pair. Then I drove around town at night with one of the lenses taped to the back of the mirror over the sensor.

I repeated with each of the 4 lenses to determine which one worked the best. You could also just drive around and hold the lenses over the sensor. Or park your truck in front of another vehicle with headlights on behind you and try out the lenses. I found a dark brown lens to work best.

Once I found the one that worked the best, I ground it down on a bench grinder until I had about a 1.5" circle. I then removed the mirror, set the lens over the sensor, and tacked it down with three tiny dots of epoxy. So, the lens will stay in place but it would pop off easily if I want to.

The result: the mirror is MUCH more sensitive to headlights behind me now because the front sensor thinks it's darker outside than it really is. The mirror now dims almost completely any time I'm approached from behind, even in the early evening. It works flawlessly.

 

This is a great suggestion, I wonder if some window tint material would have the same effect. It would be easy to trim a small piece and place it over the sensor. It could also be easily removed by peeling it off if you didn't want it anymore.

 

Sure, anything to trick the front facing sensor. Just have to make sure it's completely covered (no "light leaks"). The tint has to be not too much and not too little for optimal results. Gotta find the sweet spot, although any amount of added tint on the front facing sensor helps to a degree in city driving conditions.

If our rear glass wasn't tinted, the problem wouldn't manifest as it does in town (ie. in town, due to the rear tinted glass, if you have headlights in front of you and headlights behind you, the mirror isn't going to dim). You want the front sensor shaded slightly darker than the rear glass for optimal results.

 

Thanks a lot fellas .