Mirrors: Description and Operation
POWER MIRRORSDriver and passenger side power operated outside rear view mirrors are standard factory-installed equipment on this model. The power mirror system allows the driver to adjust both outside mirrors electrically from the driver seat position by operating a switch on the driver side front door trim panel. The power mirror system receives non-switched battery current through a fuse in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) so that the power mirrors remain operational, regardless of the ignition switch position.
The standard equipment power operated outside rear view mirrors are also equipped with the heated mirror system, which will only operate when the ignition switch is in the ON position and the rear window defogger switch is turned on. When the rear window defogger switch is in the ON position, electric heater grids on the rear window glass and behind both outside rear view mirror glasses are energized. These electric heater grids produce heat to help clear the rear window glass and outside rear view mirrors of ice, snow, or fog. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/HEATED MIRRORS - DESCRIPTION) for more information on this feature.
A driver side automatic dimming outside mirror that dims the mirror to reduce the glare of bright lights approaching the vehicle from behind, and a memory system that automatically positions the power mirrors for two different drivers are optional factory-installed equipment on this model. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/POWER MIRRORS/AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT MIRROR - DESCRIPTION) for more information. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/POWER SEATS - DESCRIPTION) for more information.
This group covers the following components of the power mirror system:
- Power mirrors
- Power mirror switch.
Certain functions and features of the power mirror system rely upon resources shared with other electronic modules in the vehicle over the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network. The PCI data bus network allows the sharing of sensor information. This helps to reduce wire harness complexity internal controller hardware, and component sensor current loads. At the same time, this system provides increased reliability, enhanced diagnostics, and allows the addition of many new feature capabilities. For diagnosis of these electronic modules or of the PCI data bus network, the use of a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures are recommended.
The other electronic modules that may affect power mirror system operation are as follows:
- Body Control Module (BCM) (Refer to ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/BODY CONTROL/CENTRAL TIMER MODULE - DESCRIPTION) for more information.
- Driver Door Module (DDM) (Refer to ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/DRIVER DOOR MODULE - DESCRIPTION) for more information.
- Passenger Door Module (PDM) (Refer to ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/DRIVER DOOR MODULE - DESCRIPTION) for more information.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
The Driver Door Module (DDM) and the Passenger Door Module (PDM) each contain the power mirror control logic for the mirror on its respective door. The DDM also houses the power mirror switch. Each door module controls the positioning of its respective outside mirror through hard wired outputs to that mirror. When the power mirror switch on the DDM is used to position the passenger side outside mirror, the DDM sends mirror positioning messages to the PDM over the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The PDM responds to these messages by sending control outputs to move the passenger side mirror accordingly.
Both the PDM and DDM respond to the defogger switch status messages sent by the Body Control Module (BCM) over the PCI data bus to control the electric heater grids of their respective mirrors. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/HEATED MIRRORS - DESCRIPTION) for more information on this feature.
On models equipped with the optional memory system, each door module also receives a hard wired input from the two power mirror motor position potentiometers that are integral to each power mirror. Each door module then stores the Driver 1 and Driver 2 mirror position information for its respective mirror. When the DDM receives a Driver 1 or Driver 2 memory recall message from the memory switch on the driver side front door trim panel or from the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) receiver in the PDM, the DDM positions the driver side mirror and sends a memory recall message back to the PDM over the PCI data bus to position the passenger side mirror.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the power mirror system.
AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR
Rear View Mirror
An automatic day/night mirror system is an available factory-installed option on this model. The automatic dimming inside day/night rear view mirror system is a completely self-contained unit that replaces the standard equipment inside rear view mirror. This system will automatically change the reflectance of the inside rear view mirror to protect the driver from the unwanted headlight glare of trailing vehicles while driving at night. The automatic day/night inside mirror receives ignition switched battery current through a fuse in the junction block, and will only operate when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
Vehicles equipped with the automatic day/night mirror system are also available with an optional factory-installed automatic dimming outside rear view mirror for the driver side of the vehicle. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/POWER MIRRORS/SIDEVIEW MIRROR - DESCRIPTION) for more information on this option.
The automatic day/night mirror sensitivity cannot be repaired or adjusted. If any component of this unit is faulty or damaged, the entire automatic day/night inside rear view mirror unit must be replaced. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
The automatic day/night mirror switch allows the driver a manual control of whether the automatic dimming feature is operational. This switch is a momentary rocker-type switch located on the lower rear-facing surface of the mirror housing. When Auto is selected, a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) on the mirror housing just to the right of the switch illuminates to indicate that automatic day/night mirror is turned ON. When OFF is selected, the LED is turned OFF. The mirror also senses the backup lamp circuit, and will automatically disable its self-dimming feature whenever the transmission gear selector is in the Reverse position.
A thin layer of electrochromatic material between two pieces of conductive glass make up the face of the mirror. Two photocell sensors are used to monitor light levels and adjust the reflectance of the mirror. The ambient photocell sensor faces forward, to detect the outside light levels. The headlamp sensor is located on the mirror housing just to the left of the switch and facing rearward, to detect the light level received at the rear window side of the mirror. When the difference between the two light levels becomes too great (the light level received at the rear of the mirror is much higher than that at the front of the mirror), the mirror begins to darken.
On models with an optional driver side automatic dimming outside mirror, the signal to control the dimming of that mirror is generated by the automatic day/night inside rear view mirror circuitry That signal is then delivered to the driver side outside rear view mirror on a hard wired circuit.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the automatic day/night mirror system.
Outside Rear View Mirror
An automatic dimming outside rear view mirror is an available factory-installed option for the driver side of the vehicle, if the vehicle is also equipped with the automatic day/night inside rear view mirror. The automatic dimming outside mirror is completely controlled by the circuitry of the automatic day/night inside rear view mirror. The automatic dimming outside mirror will automatically change the reflectance of the driver side outside rear view mirror to protect the driver from the unwanted headlight glare of trailing vehicles while driving at night. The automatic dimming outside mirror will only operate when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
The automatic dimming outside mirror sensitivity cannot be repaired or adjusted. If any component of this unit is faulty or damaged, the entire automatic dimming outside mirror unit must be replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER MIRRORS/SIDEVIEW MIRROR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
The automatic dimming outside mirror is operated by the same controls and circuitry as the automatic day/night mirror. When the automatic day/night mirror is turned ON or OFF the automatic dimming outside mirror is likewise turned ON or OFF. Like in the automatic day/night mirror, a thin layer of electrochromatic material between two pieces of conductive glass make up the face of the automatic dimming outside mirror. However, the signal to control the dimming of the outside mirror is generated by the automatic day/night inside rear view mirror circuitry
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the automatic dimming outside mirror.
POWER FOLD-AWAY MIRROR - EXPORT
Some vehicles are equipped with Power Fold-Away Side View Mirrors. This feature allows both the driver and passenger side view mirrors to fold inward (retract) on demand. This feature is controlled by an additional switch located on the power mirror switch.
The fold-away side view mirror is attached to the vehicle's door in the same manner as mirrors without the fold-away option. The fold-away mirrors unique option is the internal motor which allows the mirrors to fold inward on demand. the fold-away mirror motor is not serviceable separately, and if a motor is found to be faulty the entire side view mirror must be replaced.
When the mirror retract switch is depressed, both of the side view mirrors will fold inward, thus making the overall width of the vehicle the smallest possible. This can be very helpful where parking space is an absolute minimum.
POWER MIRROR SWITCH
Both the right and left power outside mirrors are controlled by a single multi-function switch unit located on the driver side front door trim panel. The power mirror switch unit includes a three-position rocker selector switch and four momentary directional push button switches.
The power mirror switch unit is integral to the Driver Door Module (DDM). The power mirror switch cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if faulty or damaged, the entire DDM unit must be replaced. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/DRIVER DOOR MODULE - REMOVAL) for the DDM service procedures.
The power mirror selector switch is moved right (right mirror control), left (left mirror control), or center to turn the power outside mirror system off. When the selector switch is in the right mirror control or left mirror control position, one of the four directional control buttons is depressed to control movement of the selected mirror up, down, right, or left. When the selector switch is in the OFF position, depressing any of the directional switches will not change either mirror position.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features use and operation of the power mirror switches.
SIDEVIEW MIRROR
Mechanically folding, power operated outside rear view mirrors are standard equipment on this model. Each power mirror housing contains two electric motors, two drive mechanisms, an electric heating grid, the mirror glass case and the mirror glass. One motor and drive controls mirror up-and-down (vertical) movement, and the other controls right-and-left (horizontal) movement. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional memory system, each mirror head also contains two position potentiometers. One position potentiometer monitors the vertical mirror motor, and the other monitors the horizontal mirror motor.
An optional driver side automatic dimming mirror is able to automatically change its reflectance level. This mirror is controlled by the circuitry of the automatic day/night inside rear view mirror. A thin layer of electrochromic material between two pieces of conductive glass make up the face of the mirror. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/POWER MIRRORS/AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT MIRROR - DESCRIPTION) for more information on this feature.
The power mirror unit cannot be repaired. Only the mirror glass and glass case are serviced separately The replacement mirror glass is supplied with an instruction sheet that details the recommended replacement procedure. If any other component of the power mirror unit is faulty or damaged, the entire power mirror unit must be replaced.
Each of the two outside power mirrors includes two reversible electric motors that are secured within the power mirror housing. Each motor moves the mirror case and glass through an integral drive unit. When a power mirror motor is supplied with battery current and ground, it moves the mirror case and glass through its drive unit in one direction. When the battery current and ground feeds to the motor are reversed, it moves the mirror case and glass in the opposite direction.
The power mirrors are equipped with a standard equipment electric heating grid that is applied to the back of each outside rear view mirror glass. When an electrical current is passed through the resistor wire of the heating grid, it warms the mirror glass. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/HEATED MIRRORS - DESCRIPTION) for more information on the operation of the heated mirrors and the rear window defogger system.
If the driver side mirror is equipped with the automatic dimming outside mirror option, two photocell sensors on the inside rear view mirror are used to monitor light levels and adjust the reflectance of both the inside and driver side outside mirrors. This change in reflectance helps to reduce the glare of headlamps approaching the vehicle from the rear. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/POWER MIRRORS/AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT MIRROR - OPERATION) for more information on this feature.
If the vehicle is equipped with the optional memory system, the Driver Door Module (DDM) and the Passenger Door Module (PDM) store the mirror position information as monitored through the mirror motor position potentiometers. When the memory system requests a recall of the stored mirror position, the DDM and the PDM are able to duplicate the stored mirror positions by moving the mirror motors until the potentiometer readings match the stored values.