Auto-Dimming Mirrors

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The interior rear view and LH exterior mirror may be equipped with an auto-dimming option. 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 auto-dimming feature has 2 photoelectric sensors that detect forward and rear light conditions, and based on those inputs, adjusts the reflectance level of the interior rear view 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 mirror.

When the forward sensor detects daytime conditions, the rear sensor is inactive, and the mirror stays in a HIGH REFLECTANCE mode. When the forward sensor detects nighttime conditions, the rear 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 shifter is placed in REVERSE.

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