[SOLVED] Dimming mirror, existing rain sensor

Talk about the 406's electrical system, what wires do what, how to add extra functionality, etc.

Moderator: Moderators

Post Reply
8Jb9
2.0 16v
Posts: 127
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:48 pm

[SOLVED] Dimming mirror, existing rain sensor

Post by 8Jb9 »

There are a number of threads where people have upgraded their 406's with dimmable mirror. However, it seems as though most or all of these do not have automatic wipers already. My car does - and I don't see a cut-out in the black windscreen cover that could fit yet another sensor. Is it the same sensor that is used both for wipers and the mirror? Does the sensor have additional pin-outs where the mirror can be connected?

What about the reverse-wire, is it unlikely that it is present? If so, how have the rest of you routed it?


Once I start I'll try to keep this thread updated with what I learn along the way.
Last edited by 8Jb9 on Wed May 09, 2012 8:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
lozz
3.0 24v
Posts: 11908
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:18 pm
Location: where-ever

Re: Dimming mirror, existing rain sensor

Post by lozz »

Hi,
as much as ican Remeber, There was only Member" Him big cheif that Retrofitted the Dimming mirror, iirc he used a Laguna one, imight be wrong on that tho,
Himbigcheif as not been on the Forum in a while, shame realy as he wouid be the Best person to ask on how to fit one,

There are 406 ones floating around but theyre expensive, one here Ebay link as you will see Pricey, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PEUGEOT-406-E ... 3cc5594e97

Im looking into fitting one,but not on a 406 Alaguna, as far as ican see you just use a feed from the Light to get one up and running,
User avatar
mjb
Site Admin
Posts: 7983
Joined: Wed May 31, 2006 9:06 pm
Location: Stoke

Re: Dimming mirror, existing rain sensor

Post by mjb »

Chances are it'll be a right pain to get the reverse wire routed, and it's really not worth it given how slowly the mirror reacts - just switch the thing off before trying to reverse
<steve_earwig> I think this forum is more about keeping our cars going with minimal outlay than giving our cars more reason to go bang
User avatar
lozz
3.0 24v
Posts: 11908
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:18 pm
Location: where-ever

Re: Dimming mirror, existing rain sensor

Post by lozz »

Reverse wire?

sorry lost me there, :?
User avatar
mjb
Site Admin
Posts: 7983
Joined: Wed May 31, 2006 9:06 pm
Location: Stoke

Re: Dimming mirror, existing rain sensor

Post by mjb »

3 pins on the connector - +12v, ground, and a wire indirectly connected to the reverse light switch on the gearbox. When there's 12v on this wire (ie when you're reversing), the mirror un-dims.
<steve_earwig> I think this forum is more about keeping our cars going with minimal outlay than giving our cars more reason to go bang
User avatar
lozz
3.0 24v
Posts: 11908
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:18 pm
Location: where-ever

Re: Dimming mirror, existing rain sensor

Post by lozz »

Ah rite,
thanks for the info 8)
User avatar
RayneR
3.0 24v
Posts: 635
Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2011 1:13 am
Location: Portugal

Re: Dimming mirror, existing rain sensor

Post by RayneR »

i've fitted a laguna/megane one with no problems at all ... just connected to the light of cigar lighter, so when i turn on the lights it will turn on the mirror.

edit : Initially i used the 406 mirror mounting, you will need to do a hole to pass throw the wires(it is a bit strange because the mounting is black and mirror beige ) so then i moded the laguna one, and now it's with the laguna's.

Can take pictures if you want.

edit 2:

only con about using the laguna's:

Image

Here when i have the chance, i'll try to paint the windscreen with something black on the interior....

now the interior:

Image

Now in the next picture, if you notice closely the superior part will need to be sanded, but i sanded a bit too much on mine, but not so ugly.
Image
2000/May 406 Estate 2.0 HDI 110bhp DW10ATED now with 205k km & now with cruise control & now remaped @ 134bhp :lol:
8Jb9
2.0 16v
Posts: 127
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:48 pm

Re: [SOLVED] Dimming mirror, existing rain sensor

Post by 8Jb9 »

That was easy!! Clipped the old mirror off by pushing forward (in the direction of the car) parallel to the windscreen until it released (same approach as this video). Tucked away next to the rain sensor itself was an original connector for the mirror, wrapped in what is now 15 year old masking tape (sticky, yucky!). Removed the tape, tried to remove some of the residue with isopropanol, and connected the replacement mirror. The replacement mirror was then clipped back on.

Mirror tested, and found to be working!
Post Reply