icer5160

iTrader: (4)

Hi Gents,

I've been trying to find an answer to this question for a while, but there's very little documentation available specifically pertaining to the auto-dimming feature. I have an 06 Enthusiast with the Homelink mirror. What's grinding my gears is that the auto-dim feature by "default" is always turned on upon startup. Is there any way to change this default behavior? Or do I just have to reach up and turn it off manually every time I go for a drive?
Thanks!
-Icer

onecoolee

Is there a difference between on and off? I can never tell. I have the same RV mirror in my 03 Touring 350Z and 07 Pathfinder, and neither have ever shown indications that they work properly, and I have tried both in off and on modes.

jhc

I have this mirror and really like it. I'm not an expert, but it can be done. Here's how-
Find the mirror's hot wire, and connect it to any line that feeds off the battery (like the memory pre-sets for radio or reading lamps). I doubt it would put much drain on the battery.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

In my eyes (literally), the auto dim feature is unobtrusive in the Z Homelink mirror. It dims oncoming lights slightly, but not so heavily it makes it hard to distinguish any vehicles behind. I actually think Nissan engineers got this feature RIGHT and have no wish to turn it off.

Spike100

^^ I agree. The auto-dim feature works flawlessly.

iideadeyeii

iTrader: (6)

Never had a problem here with it dimming too much

icer5160

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for all the quick responses. It sounds like there's no special button combo to change the default setting from "Auto-ON upon startup" to "Auto-OFF upon startup". To be clear the dim-feature works great when I want it, I'm just not used to it. All my life I've driven without this feature and I find it difficult to see what's behind me at night with this feature turned on...why is that? Because the rear windows are tinted darker than I would prefer (done by previous owner). Just a weird personal preference I suppose, over time I guess I'll learn to live with it, maybe even embrace it.

Thanks JHC, At first glance I didn't understand what you were getting at, but this makes perfect sense. If the mirror has a constant power source, you can turn it off one time and it will stay off (memory stays active) regardless of ignition cycles. This shouldn't drain the battery anymore than the keyless entry system or radio presets. I just don't like messing with the factory wiring, but this does provide a solution. Another thought is an interrupt (on/off) switch on the existing hot wire.

Thanks again for all the responses. I guess I'm just an oddball with this one.
-Icer

jhc

Here's another random thought, even easier. If you don't use garage opener feature, unplug it!

icer5160

iTrader: (4)

Yes! I've thought about that, truth be told I purchased a house 18 months ago, but I haven't really been able to use the garage much to park the Z because I've been remodeling it. The garage was a total blank slate, no cabinets, storage, workbench, scant electrical, etc. The good news though, I'm nearly done. I just recently finished the cabinets and workbench as well as a wall mounted tire rack (among other things). Very soon I'll be putting up slatwall for additional storage and organization needs. For months I've been having to use fold up tables for storing my tools and handling other home improvement projects. It feels so good to finally have a proper work space to call my own, I've been putting off a laundry list of Z projects because of this. This spring/summer I will finally be able to start tackling them.

Long story short, very soon I'll be pulling the Z in and out of the garage on a regular basis