Principles of Operation

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

Power Exterior Mirrors
Adjusting the exterior rear view mirror control switch to the LH or RH position determines which power mirror glass will be controlled.

The exterior mirrors use a jumper harness between the vehicle wire harness connector and the exterior mirror motor. The exterior mirror jumper harness is integral to the exterior mirror. If a concern with the exterior mirror jumper harness exists and cannot be repaired, a new exterior mirror must be installed.

Memory Exterior Mirror
The memory exterior mirror feature is controlled by the driver seat module (DSM). The power driver seat positions are also stored and recalled with the memory exterior mirror positions. The memory exterior mirror function recalls the preferred positioning of the LH and RH exterior mirror motors when the transmission is in the PARK or NEUTRAL position and the door mounted switches or the remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter are activated. The DSM constantly tracks the position of the LH and RH exterior mirror motors by using the potentiometers in the LH and RH exterior mirror motors. The position of the LH and RH exterior mirror motors are stored in the DSM memory as long as the DSM retains power. When a memory position is recalled by the operator, the DSM powers the LH and RH exterior mirror motors simultaneously and monitors the LH and RH potentiometer circuits. When the stored memory position is reached, the DSM removes the voltage from the LH and RH exterior mirror motors. If the exterior mirror control switch is operated during a memory recall, the DSM stops the recall and responds to the exterior mirror control switch command. The DSM is capable of setting a DTC for the memory mirror system when a system concern exists.

For information on the DSM and memory position programming, refer to Seats.

Heated Exterior Mirror
The heated exterior rear view mirrors only operate when the heated rear window is ON. The heated rear window switch controls the operation of the heated exterior rear view mirrors. The heated rear window switch is an integral part of the HVAC module and cannot be replaced separately. The heated exterior rear view mirror power is supplied by the heated mirror relay.

Auto-Dimming Mirrors
The interior rear view and LH exterior mirror may be equipped with an auto-dimming feature. This feature automatically reduces the glare caused by headlamps reflecting in the mirror. The auto-dimming feature is disabled when the vehicle is in REVERSE. Power is supplied to the auto-dimming interior mirror when the ignition is in the RUN or ACC position.

The interior auto-dimming rear view mirror has 2 photoelectric sensors that detect forward and rearward light conditions. Based on those inputs, the interior rear view mirror adjusts the reflectance level of the interior rear view mirror and LH exterior mirror to eliminate unwanted glare. The reflectance level of the mirror glass is variable and depends on the amount of rear glare in relation to ambient light conditions in front of the interior rear view mirror.

When the forward sensor detects daytime conditions, the rearward sensor is inactive and the mirror stays in a high reflectance mode. When the forward sensor detects nighttime conditions, the rearward sensor is active and detects glare from the headlights of vehicles approaching from the rear, or other glare producing light sources. To provide increased visibility when backing up, the interior rear view and LH exterior mirror will automatically return to a high reflectance mode whenever the vehicle is in REVERSE.

If the forward or rearward sensors are blocked, the interior auto-dimming rear view and LH exterior mirror might not work correctly.