OEM Heated Mirrors DIY mod

So like many considering this mod i have no switch blanks available (2012 offroad) and i am adding the heated mirrors- the idea of the mirrors coming on automatically every time i start the truck appeals to me- IF it was controlled by a thermostat so it only comes on below 40 degrees F

this can't be that hard to do can it? or is there a way to swap out the traction control switch for a highlander or tundra switch to relocate to the dash?

anyone try this??

THanks

 

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It would be easier to relocate one of your switches it the center console, IMO.

Your idea is great, but it involves making a thermostat device that would keep the heat on and keeping it on for many days that don't need heat... possibly burning out a heat grid prematurely.

 

In that case, anyone know if the stability control switch from a highlander would work for the Tacoma???

 

Installed the proefx mirrors a few days ago and ordered all the parts needed for the heated mirror install. Many thanks to Benson X for posting this thread, making this install possible. I followed all the instructions and after about 6 hours I have heated mirrors. I have an 09 TRD, so no blank switch holes for the heated switch on the left of the steering wheel. I did not want to take the option that bgreenly researched and put together, so I opted to remove the RCSA switch to make room for the heated one. I've never used the RCSA switch and probably will not in the future. Stowed it behind the panel if I ever do need to reinstall.

 

I have also completed th is mod, but here's what I did... I bought a traction control switch from a camry and extended the wires to under the radio so now it fits next to 5 be a Trac switch. The harness I made had long male spade ends and I plugged it into the original p look ugh for the traction control switch... for the heated mirror switch illumination illuminated spliced into the wiring from the Trac switch. If I ever decide to undo this it would be simple as no wires were cut.

 

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Does anyone know if these mirrors would fit a 2015 tacoma?

 

This morning i really really needed this. Glad i found this thread.

 

wut

 

Hey guys, does anyone have a pair of the mounting arms from the 2010 4Runner mirrors (Black, Paint Code = 202) that they're not using?

The bolt pattern of my 200*1* 4Runner's mirror mounting bracket does not align with that of the newer mirrors; but I would like a set to tinker with.

Please PM me if you've got a set just sitting around. Thanks!!!

 

I enquired with Air on Board about a heated mirror button the small blanks on the TRD off road. This is the response I got:

Jeremy keep an eye out either on our website or ebay atore as they will be available within 3-4 weeks time
Regards john

I will be watching the site and if they come through it would be great for us TRD folks.
http://www.aironboard.com/online/toyota-replacement/tacoma-2011-2013-center.html

 

Nice dude - way to be proactive!

This will be a great solution for the Off-Road guys that need a blank!

 

Just completed the mod on my '15 - thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread, and shame on Toyota for making us go through this to get what I'd call a pretty basic and necessary (at least in cold climes) option.

I'd say this mod is not for the faint of heart - took me 6+ hours. I would have liked to have done this mod in warmer weather, but just couldn't let it rest for 3-4 months.

The suggestion to remove the wiring boots in the doors was a lifesaver. The mirror insides of my '15 must be slightly different than the photos shown, as there was no reason to do as much mirror disassembly as the instructions indicated.

My only suggestion after completing the mod would be to install some sort of quick-connector at the point where the 12V and ground wires leave the mirrors and enter the doors, so that if the mirrors need to be removed in the future, it can be done more easily. I didn't do this in my initial install, but I will the next time I have to remove a mirror for whatever reason.

 

I had originally assumed since I had used the switch blanks under the HVAC in my truck for lighting switches I wouldn't be able to do this mod, but by moving the RCSA switch and placing the one in there, you might be onto something.

You said you stowed your switch behind the panel, can you easily access it without having to remove the dash? I just ask because if there ever were a situation in which I had to disable the side airbags, how difficult is it to access, or is it really stuffed back there?

 

I chose to tuck it up above the fuse panel out of the way wrapped in some bubble wrap to prevent any rattling. So, not accessible. I'm sure that you can store it further down to the right of the fuse panel and then you just need to pop out the storage bin to get to the switch.

 

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Just sitting down to have a celebratory beer after completing this mod on my 14 DCLB. BIG thanks to the OP for such a detailed write up and to all the other contributors to the thread - I must have read the entire thread 4 or 5 times before I started.

The Highlander mirrors worked brilliantly, as well as all of the other parts listed by the OP. I would have probably not attempted this mod without all the input in the thread, so big thanks to all again!

 

Awesome mod! Just ordered most of the parts that I need to do this. As others have said it's a bit unreal that the Tacoma's don't come stock with this feature.

So just a quick question. There are a few empty fuse spots and I'm pretty sure someone already confirmed that one of them is only active when the truck is started. Couldn't you go behind the fuse panel and just tie into that as the power source rather than using an add a fuse? I haven't pulled things apart to see if there is actually a wire on both sides of those empty fuse positions but if so I would think that should work and provide a cleaner finished look.

Also curious how many amps the highlander heated mirrors will draw? I've seen some people say they put a 10 amp fuse in and others say the draw is only around 1 amp total.

Looking forward to getting the parts, will be ready for next winter

 

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