OEM Heated Mirrors DIY mod

Looks good, thanks.

 

I used this solution for my Jeep TJ when I got a hard top for it. Solves all the problems of having a timer/relay. Made in the USA so it is a little spendy but well worth it, IMHO.


ThermaSync Defroster/Heated Mirror Control - 2712 by Frost Fighter


http://tinyurl.com/mwb34y4w

 

Is this a common issue for the heated mirror switch to fail? I purchased a used switch that came off a GX470 (84871-60030), which is the same as the 2004 Highlander except for a shorter timer. It worked for about a year and then I pushed it and the light never came on. The relay and wiring are ok, as is the fuse. (The light is also good.)

 

Hard to say what causes a failure. I've read about people receiving a bad Highlander switch and trying a new one that works fine.

I'm still using the original switch, wiring, fuse and relay that I installed over 12 years ago (damn - has it been 12 years already?!?!) and they're still working fine and heating up.

 

just a thought
Why are folks not doing this instead

saw these in person on a Tacoma the other day. Folded in they looked good and not noticeable.

not only is it heated
Significantly cheaper
maybe easy to DIY

but they also extend to tow. And might offer a side signal.



current mirror caps are chipped to hell would take care of that too.

 

Eh, I'm not a fan of the tow look on a Tacoma, personally. I'm digging the 4runner/Tacoma mod. I got my set up with sequential blinkers, a puddle light, and a heated mirror (I still need to finish wiring this part). I used some Deutsch connects for an almost OEM-like fit. To make this mod easier, the Vled floor kits have modules that make wiring the puddle lights a breeze and the blinkers you tap under the driver's side. Just takes time but not the hardest mod and was fun to do. I cant recall if i posted a photo but can dig one up.

 

Nice I need to get something like this or some timer. I have the switch and all the wiring minus timer etc to finish the heated part.

 

If someone does this I hope they post it in this thread or a link to the mod thread. That might be better since it could show up in a search for either tow or heated mirror diy.

 

There are tons of folks running the ProEFX tow mirrors. They're a great option if you want towing mirrors with all the bells and whistles, but they still require wiring for the heated options.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/proefx-towing-mirrors.244365/

If you do a search for 'ProEFX' you'll get quite a few threads and reviews. I wasn't able to find a specific how-to or install thread, but they should be plug-n-play and come with installation instructions.

If you need help with wiring a heated mirror switch - just follow the steps and relay diagram outlined in this thread.

They protrude too far for my use and would definitely get damaged on some of the tighter trails I've been on, even if folded in.

 

I already have Spottermirrors set up with a wolsten tech relay and don’t tow. I realize that tow mirrors are necessary for those that do but thanks.

 

thanks for the confirmation yeah that was a concern
Stock is nice, tucked in, looks good

while the black wide ones exactly, sticks out looks like it would hit

 

I'm also a SpotterMirrors guy, and I've towed with them somewhat. They seem to be "good enough" if used with caution while towing, while preserving the stock mirror housing.

The smaller sub-mirrors on the SpotterMirrors also totally eliminate the usual left/right side mirror blind spots, very handy esp. if your Taco has a bed cap that obstructs rear/side-rear views as so many do.

 

I was in San Diego for the last couple of days. There was some major storms here in Ohio, lots of hail. The smaller adjustable mirror on my passenger side was struck and shattered. I reached out to Spotter Mirrors just to ask if they sold only that smaller piece, and they advised they did not, but they did offer me a 25% off coupon to replace my mirror. They didn't have to do that. I'm outside any manner of warranty period and it was definitely an act of god which would be exempt.

So I guess I'm a customer of theirs from now on.

Just as an aside. My suicide doors are equipped with rigid MOLLE panels over the smaller windows, which makes shoulder checking less than ideal, the smaller convex mirrors on the Spotters have become invaluable to ensure I'm not missing something in my blind spot.

 

speaking of rear door blind spot and blind spot mirrors

they make vinyl decals to go onto rear door window, different designs
*maybe* block sun. Still somewhat see through it from inside

but mainly privacy if you prefer tweaker not seeing Dometic and EcoFlow in the back.

I know for Audi a popular retrofit was aspherical mirrors that may be standard lens in Europe.
It’s the same shape lens but the outer third is curved shape for blind spot and denoted by dashed faint vertical line demarcating the section.

last car had somewhat bluish mirror (anti dazzle I think) and heated that would automatically come on when the outside air sensor is below certain degrees, and power folding. But never got the aspherical version of that. Not cheap to find a lens with all those features at the same time instead of just one or the other.

 

So if I use:
Toyota Highlander Mirror Switch Part No. 84871-48030

This switch have built in 5 minutes timer?

Any possibility 15-20 minutes timer?