DIY: Disable Compass Rearview Mirror (Auto-dimming Mirror)

[CIAGDDS]

This is for anyone that hates the compass feature. Every time I start the car I have to turn off the compass because it annoys me.

Step 1: Remove the mirror with a T20 Torx bit. Slide the base up towards the ceiling. Disconnect the connector behind the mirror.



This is what you're working with. You will need a plastic pry bar or something similar to open the casing without damaging it. I think I got mine at harbor freight.




Step 2: Pinch the top and bottom of the casing near the side with your fingers and slide the plastic pry bar into the side of the casing. You need to get it in about ¼ inch and then proceed to slide the pry bar around working your way around the top of the mirror across to the other side and down to the bottom. Work on the bottom portion last as it is more secure there. ***You DO NOT need to twist or pry the plastic, just slide the pry bar around the edge about ¼ inch deep***



Now you can lift the housing off:



This shows all the brackets around the edge:



Step 3: Flip the mirror over and the internal parts should fall out of the housing. On the back of the circuit board you will see a positive and negative cable attached to posts. I disconnected these by sliding them up with the plastic pry bar.



Step 4: Separate all parts.



Here is the Compass Display:



Step 5: Cover the Compass Display with electrical tape so you don't have to mess with the any of the circuits and it can easily be reversed. ***If you want to protect the display from the sticky electrical tape, cut a piece of paper the size of the display and put it between the tape and the display.



Step 6: Reverse order and put it back together. Enjoy not have a Compass in your peripheral vision and reflecting off the dome light.

[unsurety]

Thanks for making it so simple to disable, Subaru!

[Gords_zenith]

I have a standard mirror, just wondering what makes it so annoying?

[CIAGDDS]

Originally Posted by Gords_zenith

I have a standard mirror, just wondering what makes it so annoying?

It's annoying to me because I can't stand the red light in my peripheral vision and it reflects off the map lights above it making it double up. It's really just personal preference. I also don't need a stupid little compass to tell me which direction I'm heading.

[SlowGT]

Never bothered me, but kudos.!

[CIAGDDS]

If anything, now people know how to open the mirror up. That's why I put the tutorial together anyway. I couldn't find anything on opening it up.

[TM]

Thanks for the images. Might be helpful if and when I decide to look into putting my radar display into the mirror.

The only comment I have is to be cautious of handling circuit boards on or near a carpet/rug. My friend fried his motherboard from the static buildup from his rug.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by CIAGDDS

I also don't need a stupid little compass to tell me which direction I'm heading.

You must have an excellent sense of direction! Are you part carrier pigeon?

[CIAGDDS]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

You must have an excellent sense of direction! Are you part carrier pigeon?

Well, I'm not out 4x4ing my BRZ. When you live somewhere for 30+ years you kinda know where you're going. Thanks for your concern though.

[Goya]

why would this annoy anyone?

[CIAGDDS]

Originally Posted by Goya

why would this annoy anyone?

Are you just trying to get your post count up?

[AVodka14]

That's a lot of trouble for a red light. Must be really annoying.

[CIAGDDS]

Originally Posted by AVodka14

That's a lot of trouble for a red light. Must be really annoying.

Yup, highly annoying and nope, not much trouble at all. Probably take about five minutes out of your day.

[AVodka14]

Originally Posted by CIAGDDS

Yup, highly annoying and nope, not much trouble at all. Probably take about five minutes out of your day.

Gotcha. I am going to buy an autodimming mirror from SubaruPartsOnline. Was going to get the one with compass built in only because it has the Homelink. Good to know it can be easily disabled.