1999 ES300 DIY Autodimming Mirror (Donnelly) Illustrated
07-13-06, 11:54 AM
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1999 ES300 DIY Autodimming Mirror (Donnelly) Illustrated
I had a weekend project to install a new autodimming mirror in my 99 ES300 . I believe the same procedure would apply to other years, prior to year 2000. I’d like to thanks/credit this fine board (clublexus 
rules!) and also to http://rx300how2.home.comcast.net/
Some pointers to help you decide if you want to do this:
1. Determine if there is an mirror that will fit/work with your vehicle. The two major manufacturers are Gentex and Donnelly. Mitocorp, a supplier for Gentex, told me incorrectly that they did carry a mirror suitable for the car. The two common types are wedge mount and camlock. Try to determine what you have, and properly and gently try to remove your current mirror. It’s safe to say if you can’t get the current mirror off, it’s no longer a DIY.
It’s also would be disastrous and very costly if you broke your winshield. 
2. Determine what features you want and how much it is going to cost you. Autodimming only is the basic model. Some add on temperature, compass, map lights, even homelink, or combination thereof, and the cost jumps.
3. Determine the skill/level of effort involved and tools/materials needed. Start off with looking for the installation instructions to both mirrors (search online), then looking for posts like this one
. With any mirror, you will need to get to a 12V ignition controlled wire and ground /GND. Optional to the Gentex mirror, but not featured on the Donnelly is wiring to the Reverse lights to disable the autodimming while your car is in reverse. One thing I noted was that the Gentex compass requires running a probe to the front of the car (though the firewall)while the compass for the Donnelly mirror is built into the mirror. Figure out where you want to connect the wires and if you need to but additional wiring/connectors (may be hard to determine without having the mirror at hand). You should be prepared with some basic tools and a multimeter. I’m sure your spouse or significant other would understand 
. If you do not like crimp connections and prefer to solder connections, by all means go ahead.
4. Lastly, know how the mirror is suppose to work. These mirrors work, but are not perfect for all situations. Maybe this point should be #1 instead of #4. Equipped with forward facing and rear facing sensors, it may dim the mirror when you rather it not dim. The workaround of course is to just shut it OFF. I can just imagine what you might be seeing if you are wearing sunglasses and your rear window is tinted heavily and the auto dimming is turned on.
rules!) and also to http://rx300how2.home.comcast.net/Some pointers to help you decide if you want to do this:
1. Determine if there is an mirror that will fit/work with your vehicle. The two major manufacturers are Gentex and Donnelly. Mitocorp, a supplier for Gentex, told me incorrectly that they did carry a mirror suitable for the car. The two common types are wedge mount and camlock. Try to determine what you have, and properly and gently try to remove your current mirror. It’s safe to say if you can’t get the current mirror off, it’s no longer a DIY.
It’s also would be disastrous and very costly if you broke your winshield. 2. Determine what features you want and how much it is going to cost you. Autodimming only is the basic model. Some add on temperature, compass, map lights, even homelink, or combination thereof, and the cost jumps.
3. Determine the skill/level of effort involved and tools/materials needed. Start off with looking for the installation instructions to both mirrors (search online), then looking for posts like this one
. With any mirror, you will need to get to a 12V ignition controlled wire and ground /GND. Optional to the Gentex mirror, but not featured on the Donnelly is wiring to the Reverse lights to disable the autodimming while your car is in reverse. One thing I noted was that the Gentex compass requires running a probe to the front of the car (though the firewall)while the compass for the Donnelly mirror is built into the mirror. Figure out where you want to connect the wires and if you need to but additional wiring/connectors (may be hard to determine without having the mirror at hand). You should be prepared with some basic tools and a multimeter. I’m sure your spouse or significant other would understand . If you do not like crimp connections and prefer to solder connections, by all means go ahead. 4. Lastly, know how the mirror is suppose to work. These mirrors work, but are not perfect for all situations. Maybe this point should be #1 instead of #4. Equipped with forward facing and rear facing sensors, it may dim the mirror when you rather it not dim. The workaround of course is to just shut it OFF. I can just imagine what you might be seeing if you are wearing sunglasses and your rear window is tinted heavily and the auto dimming is turned on.
