MyfirstES

Mrfixit please chime in:

Does anyone know how to disable the auto-dimming feature in an 01'? I find it rather annoying that during the daylight the mirror dims automatically and stays dim. Works wonderfully at night though, switching from day to night mode as needed.

I have gotten into the habit of manually turning it off each time I get into the car, but this gets old especially when running short distance errands.

Any replies or help is appreciated.

delta901

Put a piece of black electrical tape over the front and back sensor! DONE.

I also remember that I saw a fuse for it but forgot the location.

mmatheny

Mine has a switch on the mirror to turn it off or on. And if it is dimming in the daylight, then the daylight sensor (on the front) on the rearview mirror is bad.

MyfirstES

Damn. I was afraid that someone might suggest that. Now, if I go to replace it, can I get away with an auto dimming mirror from a Camry?

mmatheny

Is the Lexus a Camry or an Avalon?
Never mind - I see the ES300 is a Camry - does the Avalon not have a Lexus equivalent?

MyfirstES

Called a dealer today to find out what it would cost to replace the rear view mirror. Get ready for this:

$800 for the mirror alone!

Guess I'll live with the dimming during the daylight!

mmatheny

Hey, the wanted $212 for the cup holder, and $225 for the driver side window control cluster BEZEL - not including the switches! - got a complete one off ebay for $60 shipped!

mmatheny

You need to find out if a Camry rear view mirror will fit, then get a used one.

conandotdj

Try this cheap fix:
Get one of those wide (JDM) rear-view mirror and install it on top of the auto-dimming mirror. Total cost about $20

funcrusher

Are these the only option sif I don't want to manually disable it every time I start the car?