I did find this.. but I cannot verify if it is for this SPECIFIC mirror or not.. but it does refer to onstar and the 16 pin harness.. so I think I might be good to go when I get it.. but can anyone verify this information?
This is a quote from another webpage post by someone that has done it before:
I've personally posted 2 FAQs on the old forums, but for S&G, I'll do one here.
You have to figure out what you want first.
There are 2 major OEM manufacturers, Gentex (covered here) and Donnelly. Donnelly mirrors are not as popular, as most manufacturers use a Gentex mirror. Only car I've seen with a Donnelly Dim/Compass/Temp was my sister's 2001 Subaru Legacy Outback LL Bean, and it didn't work!
Here are the different types of mirrors you can get:
Auto dim only
Auto dim + Compass
Auto dim + Compass + TempThere are other variations like OnStar, Homelink, and Autolamp that all need the respective electronics in the car to operate, so steer clear of these unless you can get the rest of the stuff with it!
The electrochromatic Auto dim feature is nothing like the manual dim you currently have. Manual dim mirrors work by reflecting off the reflective stuff behind the glass normally. When you flip the lever, the mirror tilts to a certain degree and then everything reflects off the face of the glass itself, effectively dimming (since the glass is reflective, but not nearly as much as the reflective material behind the glass).
Electrochromatic dimming works by applying voltage to a special glass. It works just like an LCD panel. Depending on how much power you supply to the glass, it will either be clear (no power) or will start to dim progressively up to a certain point (max dim). It accomplishes this with a light sensor that picks up on headlights. It will dim to a certain point with dim light behind it, but if someone has their brights on, it will go to fully dim. It has another light sensor in the front to disable dimming during daylight hours. I believe Maybach has this sort of tinting on it's normal windows.
Anyway, back to the mirrors.
There are 3 ways to get one of these mirrors:
Authorized Retailer (like Mito (http://www.mitocorp.com/flash/nightvisionsaftey_autodimmingmirrors.htm)). Will charge up to the MSRP of $249 (for compass/temp)
Dealer. WILL charge the MSRP for the "dealer installed accessory" kit.
Ford XF2Z-17700-AA Auto Dim/Compass/Temp
Ford F6AZ-17700-AC Auto dim/Compass
Ebay, in which there are 2 ways to get it
Vendor such as Ddave57 (http://motors.search./_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZddave57), who sells a complete kit for just over $100
Junkyard such as LKQ (http://storenamesearch./search/search.dll?MfcISAPICommand=GetSNResult&fp=&ht=&query=lkq&rd=on) (search each one for "compass"), who will sell you individual components
Stay away from anything else, they are overcharging!
Run away from mirrors pulled from imports, unless you can see that it uses a US style wedge mount (like your Contour has), assume it has a cam mount, which WILL NOT work on a US car!
I've personally dealt with Ddave57 (purchasing a kit similar to this (http:////New-Gentex-Dual-Display-Temp-Comp-Dim-Universal-Kit_W0QQitemZ300028768103QQihZ020QQcategoryZ33699Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)), and his install kit is top notch. He gets the mirror and sensor, then builds a wiring kit for it. He also includes instructions for installation. This is the way to go unless you find a stellar deal like an LKQ auction that includes the harness and sensor. Ddave57 also sells a piece that will allow you to put a wedge mount mirror into a car with a cam mount on the windshield.
Of course, if you just want the Compass or plain Auto dim, go with LKQ and get one with a harness! LKQ mirrors are always less than $30... if it's not, or someone is already bidding on it, look some more! You'll find what you want.
If you do choose to get a mirror with the Temperature display that isn't in a kit, you will need the sensor from either GM or Ford (they work exactly the same!). GM Part number is 15047946 for the sensor, and 12101856 for the sensor harness (you need both! dunno what the Ford #s are)
If you search around LKQ enough, you will find what you want. Just make sure you get one that has a harness with it! If you don't, and it has a 16 pin connector, you will need to buy another mirror just for the harness (believe me, I know from experience! :blackeye:)
If you went the LKQ way, you will need to wire it up. These pinouts were obtained from searching "Gentex" on the12volt.
7-pin: (*required connection; **required if you have a temp display)
PIN 1 = PINK = POWER = +12 volts*
PIN 2 = BLACK = CHASSIS, GROUND*
PIN 3 = LIGHT GREEN = BACKUP LIGHTS*
If not using the backup feature, connect this to ground otherwise auto dim will not function properly.
PIN 4 = GRAY = TO AUTO DIM OUTSIDE MIRROR
PIN 5 = PINK = TO AUTO DIM OUTSIDE MIRROR
PIN 6 = DARK GREEN / WHITE = TEMP SENSOR**
PIN 7 = BLACK/ WHITE = TEMP SENSOR**16 pin: (*required; **required if you have a temp display)
1 = Grey = not used
2 = Bare = Microphone
OnStar Mirrors
3 = = "Passenger Air Bag on" notification
some GM trucks - ground pin to activate icon
4 = = "Passenger Air Bag off" notification
some GM trucks - ground pin to activate icon
5 = = auto day/night signal from LH outside mirror
If you have a dimmable mirror, the rearview mirror can dim it with this and pin 16
6 = Brown = Temp probe connection**
7 = GREEN/ Black = Temp probe connection**
8 = Black = Ground*
Common to Pin 9
9 = Light Green = Reverse Dim Inhibit
Common to Pin 8, +12V from reverse lights to disable dimming
10 = Gray = Microphone
OnStar
11 = Dark GREEN / WHITE = keypad signal (out)
OnStar - multiplexed signal
12 = Light Green = keypad +5v supply (in)
OnStar
13 = Yellow = +12V switched (ignition)*
14 = Yellow/Black = Green LED signal
OnStar - apply 12v to light LED.
15 = BROWN / White = Red LED signal
OnStar - apply 12v to light LED.
16 = = day/night signal to LH outside mirror
If you have a dimmable mirror, the rearview mirror can dim it with this and pin 5
If your colors are different, then you'll have to figure it out by the pin number! When I bought an LKQ mirror w/o a harness, I picked up a random OnStar/Compass mirror that had it. It had no wires where the temp pins are, so I had to disassemble the harness and move 2 of the [useless] OnStar wires to the temp hole. While you're doing this, might as well remove all the unnecessary wires so you can hide the wires better (I used heatshrink, just like the factory).
If you are using some oddity mirror (like an older style autodim), take the model number and search on Google and/or the12volt forums.
If you need a 16 pin connector, this thread (https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=77257&KW=gentex) says:
Call Waldoch Crafts 651-464-3215 and ask for the custom center. Tell them you need the harness kit w/ temp sensor, that will give you everything you need to wire your mirror in. Don't worry about the factory warranty with this either. I put these in for dealers all the time..."
As always any input would be greatly appreciated!
Jared
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