DIY: Auto dimming rear view mirror install
 

Alright this is my first DIY, so if you think it sucks then write one yourself ;)

This DIY is for a genuine Subaru auto dimming rear view mirror with directional compass included. I'm not 100% sure if this will also work with the homelink mirror, but I don't see what would really be any different other than additional pins in the connector.

If you're thinking of purchasing this and paying the dealer to install it STOP. It's incredibly easy, the directions are easy to understand, and now I'm giving you a bunch of pictures so you don't screw up.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/pictu...pictureid=3118

This is everything that comes in the kit. You will also need a phillips head screw driver, a flat head screw driver, a 10mm wrench, and a T20 Torx driver.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/pictu...pictureid=3119

Start by using a 10mm wrench to disconnect the negative side of the battery. I placed a thick piece of cardboard between the cables and battery to keep them separated.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/pictu...pictureid=3120

Turn the mirror mount 90 degrees to the right and simply slide the mirror down and out of the retaining clip.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/pictu...pictureid=3121

Using a flat head screw driver remove the retaining clip and discard. NOTE: I outlined in red where the retaining clip is since it was washed out with the camera flash.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/pictu...pictureid=3122

Install the new retaining clip and then slide the mini mounting plate up under the clip until it stops.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/pictu...pictureid=3123

Install the mounting adapter on top of the original mounting piece secured to the windshield. Secure this using a phillips head screw driver and the two provided screws. This should easily line up with the mini mounting plate installed in the previous step.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/pictu...pictureid=3124

Using a flat head screw driver, gently pry down the over head light and then using your fingers pull down until it pops out of the hole. Be sure to pull from the side of the light closest to the rear of the car.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/pictu...pictureid=3125

Connect the grey connector to the unused connector under the headliner. You may have to reach pretty far into the headliner to do this, but there should be a connector in there. Then thread the cable up over the edge of the headliner so it's hanging down by the windshield.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/pictu...pictureid=3126

Connect the black connector to the back of the new mirror.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/pictu...pictureid=3127

Slide the mirror onto the mounting adapter and secure using a T20 Torx driver.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/pictu...pictureid=3128

Install the cable cover from the mounting adapter to the headliner leaving some cable for mirror adjustment.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/pictu...pictureid=3129

Reattach your battery, then while holding a card over the sensor on the back of the mirror turn on the car. The mirror should dim, then remove the card and it should now lighten.

The mirror will initially show a "C" rather than a compass direction. To calibrate, drive in a 360 circle under 5 mph until the mirror calibrates itself.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/pictu...pictureid=3130

Finished install.

Post in the thread, or shoot me a PM if you have any questions.

Great job !

Yes, great job! Does anyone know if our FR-S's have the wire in the headliner for this?

yes i would really like to know if we have that connector hidden in there????????

I would imagine that the FR-S would have the wire but you can easily check. The light is really easy to remove..

The connector is there. I've found it. It's taped up so you just have to cut or snap the tape to get the connector where it needs to be.

To the OP, where did you buy your mirror and for how much? As low as this car is, this is something that I need to do.

Thanks!

The one on my car felt taped up inside the headliner as well, but the cable was still able to reach the mirror so I didn't worry about moving it.

It was actually a Christmas gift, but I'm 99% certain this is where it was purchased: http://www.subarugenuineparts.com/pr...oducts_id=1879

About $140.

Thanks to OP! Bought the parts at the link above.

Instructions were awesome... Hardest part was pushing the connector cable through the inside of the dome light to the windshield. There's a plastic enclosure that you have to stretch a bit to get the connector head through it.

Compass calibration and home link setup was easy.

Requesting confirmation on the FRS being compatible with both the auto-dimming AND homelink set-up.

Confirmed. I have a Scion FR-S and the part worked perfectly.

Nice guide. Time to go shopping for that mirror.

FYI, the mounting adapter does not come with the kit unless it specifically states... Found that out the hard way after swinging by the local dealership and picking up a mirror. They wanted 10 dollars for the mounting adapter, after already paying 40 dollars more than I can get the entire kit online, I just returned it and will be ordering online.

Guys is there a homelink button on this particular model? I just see a power button. I might do this mod and thanks for the DIY.

Yes, there are 3 home link buttons in addition to compass and on/off.

The compass led is red matching the dash gauge light.