PFB

My 2001 ES300 has the interior rear view electrocromatic (auto dimming) mirror option. Does that mean that my Outside Rear view mirror(s) should have it as well, or were the outside mirrors auto-dim feature a separate option?

I am asking cause when I bought this car 1 year ago, I could have sworn that the outside mirror was dimming as well, but now its only my rear view mirror that auto dims. So I am not sure anymore if my outside mirror ever dimmed.

How can I find out if I have a dimming outside mirror? and again, was that a separate option from the rear view mirror dimming feature?

Thanks,

Phil

GoodRevs

My drivers side mirror dims in conjunction with the rearview mirror. However, it takes a long time to dim in sync with the rearview mirror, i.e. it's not immediate. If I turn off the rearview mirror dim function then the side mirror takes around 1 minute to un-dim.

PFB

Are you referring to your 01 or 03 lexus? Mine does not dim no matter how long I leave it on.

So I still don't know if it's defective, or if it was an option. I Wonder if my dealer can tell me, based on my car's serial number?

GoodRevs

'01, sorry

You can visually tell if your car has it. The outline of the drivers side mirror (the actual mirror, not housing) will have a thicker black trim than the non-dimming passenger side.

PFB

Thanks GoodRevs. You clarified it for me. I just went downstairs to my garage to look, and my driver's side mirror's black trim is indeed somewhat thicker than the passenger's side mirror. (Something I never noticed before)

So, I turned the dimming feature on by blocking the light sensor at the back of my rear view mirror, and Lo and behold, 15-20 Seconds later I noticed the outside mirror noticeably dimming. So all is well.

Just as a side note, this car is truly amazing. I bought it used almost one year ago, (Currently 82,00 Miles) and every time I think that something is broken, or defective this car proves me totally wrong. So far in the one year that I have owned it, the only repair I had to make was to purchase and install a New Lexus Negative Battery clamp. Total cost Less than $20.00 Cdn., and 5 Minutes of my Labor.

Amazing cars those Lexus'

Thanks Again,

Phil