Principles of Operation

Rear View Mirrors - Interior

Principles of Operation

Interior Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror

The interior auto-dimming rear view mirror automatically reduces the glare caused by headlamps reflecting in the interior rear view mirror. The auto-dimming feature is disabled when the vehicle is in REVERSE. Power is supplied to the interior auto-dimming 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, and based on those inputs, 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 mirror.

When the forward sensor detects daytime conditions, the rearward sensor is inactive, and the mirror glass 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 mirror glass will automatically return to a high reflectance mode whenever the selector lever is placed in REVERSE.

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