New Auto Dimming Mirror (w/ compass and temp guage)

After catching a ride in my mothers van (a Toyota Sienna) - I noticed that it has a auto dimming mirror WITH a compass and outside temp guage. Since we were already making a trip to the Nissan I asked about a similar product for the X's. They do have them (listed as an optional extra for the 2k1's). I wanted to know if anyone has tried to install one of these yet on their X. The two questions I have are 1- where did you wire it into the electrical system (since something has to power it) and 2- where does the temp guage go?

If you look on Xterraparts.com I think they have an installation guide. I remember seeing it somewhere - and yes, it involves a fair bit of wiring, since it must also be hooked into the reverse gear (so it automatically un-dims so you can see) along with power, headlight sensor (so it doesn't dim during the day) and the temperature probe.

I happen to like that mirror and wish my X had it. I'm considering getting it aftermarket and doing the install myself, but the costs I've seen were kinda high. I think though, that they can be had for $216 or so.

Also, check out Mito Corp. which has these same mirrors. The installation instructions are there also.

I think the mirror is definately worth getting. We had it put on ours and I have no regrets!

I got one from Xterraparts and installed it myself..

as for wwhere it is wired into the electrical system.. I only rn power to it.. I did not hook it to the reverse gear. (I did not feel the need)

the temp sensor I put inot the grill so it is fairly accurate.

Is the temp and compass circuitry built into the mirror itself, or is there a separate "brain"?


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- Dan
2000 Silver 4x2 XE 5sp

the compass circutry is in the mirror.. the temp is in the sensor I believe..

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2000 Xterra White
4x4 3pack w/xtras
SWXC Member# 2
www.geocities.com/swxterraclub/SouthwesternXterraClub.html

OK now I'm confused... Carlton hope you can help.
I called marlboro nissan and asked them about this item. Here's what i was told.

Apparently 2001 Xterra's come pre-wired for the mirrors. To install all you have to do is pull the taped up wire harness down from the head-liner and click the connectors on the mirror and bam, your installed.
My question... Is this true? Carlton how was was installation experience with this thing? Was thier some sort of clip that you cut and spliced to install, or is this guy not tellin the full scoop.
What did the instructions say?

Secondly, I've scanned Xterraparts.com and can't find it.

What gave me the idea was when I saw these as an accessory in the new frontiers and thought "frontier = xterra" in terms of front end" (no flames please, they are similar )

Please help...
Thanks



[This message has been edited by kennedyusmc (edited November 29, 2000).]

Whoa, seriously?

If the 2001 X's are already wired... I'm gonna run and get me one uh them thar mirrors post-haste.

Not that I don't like to tinker, but if it's that easy... I was already considering a compass (later to replaced with GPS) and have a cheezy inside/outside thermometer that I picked up at Target (matches the interior!)

Not to dime anyone out, but that's what Jamie @ Marlboro Nissan explained to me.

Carlton, where are you? can you clarify?
Also, do you have a part number for the accessory you installed. That would be much appreciated.

Boarderphreak, look in your headliner right above your mirror, tell us what you got. Didn't you say you saw the installation instructions on Xterraparts.com? If you could link me there... I've searched the site from top to bottom and can find nothing.

So far I've seen a lot of talk about this item, but am yet to find any info on one other than this message board.

It turns out that the installation instructions that I saw came from that Mito Corp site...

I'll take a look and see about the wires... I have a 2001 SE, so it should be there, if it is.

Here are the installation instructions from mitocorp.com (that Carlton mentioned).
http://www.mitocorp.com/mirinst1.htm



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Blue
'01 XE/3pk Auto
Just Blue 4x4

That's the one, Blue. Not Nissan-specific - just what the mirror needs.

I looked at my headliner, near the mirror - and found no such dongle. Perhaps it's in there somewhere, but it's dark out and I can't really check it out right now.

ElektroKen - or someone with a service manual should be able to verify this...

I believe he has the service manual for the 2000 model, not the 2001.

Hmmm... Bummer.

I'll be getting one... Eventually. I have better things to spend that kinda quid on right now, like hard steel, bigger rubber and brighter whites. ;>

Maybe a dealer (hint, hint) or someone that is going by one can take a look at one they have in stock?

Here's another aftermarket that's cheaper than the mitocorps one ($200). Also, you don't have worry about hookin it up to the rear backup lights.
This is probably the one I'll be getting.

http://www.donnellye.com/_private/prod01.htm

Also here's an Xterra owner who has given a description of how they installed it!

http://www.donnellye.com/customer.htm

I am back.. long afternoon and evening of shooting here in Dalas.. (photography that is)

Don't know about the prewiring.. I have a 2000 Xterra.. but I highly doubt that that is the case..

The install was rather simple.. you splice into some of the wires near the fuse box. then you run the wire for the temp guage into the engine compartment. The mirror is a swap with the existing one (you don't have to glue anything) The wires that go to the mirror are run up the A-pillar and under the headliner to the mirror.

I don't think that Xterraparts.com has it up on their site. You will need to call them.

hope that helps :-)

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. (I was shooting Graham Nash :-)

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2000 Xterra White
4x4 3pack w/xtras
SWXC Member# 2
www.geocities.com/swxterraclub/SouthwesternXterraClub.html

On another Xterra message board, this topic came up a couple of days ago and it was noted that the 2001 X was prewired for the electric mirror with compass and temp gauge. I do not know that for a fact, but am relating what a reputable member of the message board said.

Here is some specific info:

Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror
w/compass and temp. gauge part number 999L1-AM001
w/compass only part number 999L1-AM002

It is the same for Pathfinder, Xterra, Frontier, Quest,Maxima, Altima, and Sentra.



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West TXterra

This gets weirder and weirder. I have a '01 and I just wired my Valentine One Radar Locater from the fuse box, up the A-Pillar, under the headliner, and down past the stock mirror where it sticks to the windshield. During this process, I encountered NO SUCH WIRE HARNESS! If its tucked back farther into the headliner, fine, but I didn't see it. I would buy the mirror from Nissan TODAY if the pre-work was done! Is the temperature sensor there too?

Steve? Is anyone out there who can refute or support this? Ian?

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Thanks,

kjw & the
"PNUT-MNM"

Wow! Were David and Stephen there?



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Mojo
Spring, TX, USA (suburb of Houston)
2001 Xterra SE 4x4
Super Black with silver Waag brushguards

nope.. just Graham.. he even sang a song for out little group.. it was cool.. "Our House"

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2000 Xterra White
4x4 3pack w/xtras
SWXC Member# 2
www.geocities.com/swxterraclub/SouthwesternXterraClub.html

No all 2001 Xterras were wired for the dimming mirror/compass/temp guage. Go to xterraparts.com and follow their installation instuctions. Apparently later 2001 models were wired. You can tell by what kind of mirror mount you have.

If you've found the install instructions on xterraparts.com, please post the link. Also, what qualifies as "later" for the 2001?



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Blue
'01 XE/3pk Auto
Just Blue 4x4

It seems that PartsPeddler has been paying close attention to the board because the mirror(s) are now on the front page of the xterraparts.com online store. Just go to http://www.xterraparts.com/onlinestore/merchant.mv? and there are links for both mirrors (with and without the temp display).

"Steve? Is anyone out there who can refute or support this? "

I'll look into it. I didn't know you guys were all interested in it, and so I may even make a webpage just about this item. If you ever need me you should e-mail me at steve@marlboronissan.com or post on ITW, as I don't get over here very much. (Just not enough hours in a day.)


BorderPhreak, why don't you give me a call and I'll see if I can get you some sort of special deal on one of these. If you want one and it's just a question of what it costs I'm sure I can do something for you. I'm at 800-689-6560 Tues-Sat.

http://www.xterrastore.com

I really don't see the need for the mirror.
If you want to see how cold it is outside
just roll the window down and stick your head out. The only time I ever had a problem with
high beams from other vehicles, is when a
lifted Ford sitting on 44 inch mudders got behind me. And is a compass really necessary?
If you have to go someplace thats warrants a
compass, I think a cheap Timex, with compass
will do just fine.

How interesting...
The mirror offered by donnellye is the same that's offered by Xterrapats. Click on the user's instructions and check it out. I also believe this thing will wotk in an 2000 with a slight amount of wiring/electrical work. Might need a new mirror mount is all.

Well, I installed one of those indoor/outdoor thermometers that I picked up from Target this weekend. It was cheap - and it's a good thing. It's crap.

The indoor works only after the unit itself normalizes to the temperature in the cabin. If you get in the X and it's 32 degrees in and out, then hit the heater until it's 60 inside... Until the whole unit warms up, it'll read whatever it wants (cold plastic).

The outside sensor I place in the door jamb. Only problem is, I think it's too near the top, where there appears to be a vent/hole going through to the engine compartment. It's freezing outside, yet my outdoor sensor says 40-50 degrees! My guess is that engine compartment air is warmed, and somehow passes through that opening... I haven't really looked yet, so I'm not sure. I'm gonna try and re-locate the sensor.

If neither works out, TO THE TRASHBIN with it!

OK, I just spoke with Jamie in the parts dept. of Marlboro Nissan and he got his Nissan rep. involved. Here's the skinny:

1. There is no "pre-wired" harness that the new mirror simply plugs into. The mirror needs Power, Ground, and Temperature Probe connections. It comes with excellent instructions, tailored to the Xterra to explain where to mount the probe, where to tap power, and where to ground.

2. There is a discrepancy between the actual mirror mount on the windshield glass. The new mirror is a "wedge mount" type whereas the stock mirrors on the '00 X are "channel type." According to the Nissan Rep. *ALL* '01 XTerras have the Wedge housing on the glass and are therefore "compatible" with the new mirror. A Y2K-X would require a new windshield mount.

So... the only thing that would scare me is trying to remove the old mount without shattering or cracking the windshield. Also, just in case the Nissan guy is wrong (it's happened before...) you can take off your existing mirror and look to see if you have channel (bad) or wedge (good). There are pictures to compare with on XTerraparts.com. Also, Marlboro Nissan's "Internet Rate" is $168.00 which is cheaper than XTerraparts.

Happy wiring!

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Thanks,

kjw & the
"PNUT-MNM"

Well, I've checked and my 2000 Xterra has the old style button for the mirror

But after reading some info on the donnelye site I gather that one could heat up the button on the windshield to soften the adhesive and then use maybe dental floss to remove the button.

Then maybe one could order a new style button from Nissan and remount it with the proper adhesive.

What does anybody think of this?

From a thread on another board, you can change the clip. According to Steve Richardson at xterraparts.com, the part number for the clip is 72708-4B000.



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Blue
'01 XE/3pk Auto
Just Blue 4x4

Originally posted by blue:

>From a thread on another board,
>you can change the clip.
>According to Steve Richardson at
>xterraparts.com,the part number
>for the clip is 72708-4B000.

okay, thanks will see if button will come off.

Russ

I bought one of those mirrors before I knew about the channel vs wedge mounts. I have a 2000 X with the wedge. let me know if that heating up the mount and using floss to pick it of works. I want my mirror!

does anybody else know of a good way to remove one of those without cracking the windshield?

Xterraparts.com has installation instructions, including how to remove the stock mirror.



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Blue
'01 XE/3pk Auto
Just Blue 4x4

Hopefully this will end the question about whether or not an '01 comes wired from the factory. It does not! My dealer told me it does. XTerraparts.com (where I bought the mirror) says on their website it is wired for it and they confirmed it on the phone. Well, it isn't. That being said, installation is very easy. About 1-1/5 hours. A bit less if you hurry. And it was well worth it. The quality of the mirror is excellent (thanks Donnelly). I really wanted it for the temp. and compass, but the auto-dimming works awesome too. Very happy, but now I know it's only 15 degrees out right now--how depressing!

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'01 Solar Yellow XE 3 Pack.

I finally took the plunge and removed my 2000 year model, slot type mirror mount. So that I can order the new wedge mount & dimming mirror with temp guage.

1.) Prep,by removing stock mirror. Using a 8d nail and inserting in bottom hole and pushing up does the trick.

2.) Prep, by taping around the mount with clear shipping tape as insurance to protect window from scratches.

3.) take permanent marker and trace mount outline on outside of window. (test this, and be sure it will not rub off, but will come off with alcohol later, test in dark area of window on outside edges.)

4.) Prep mount by taking a q-tip and Acetone and applying to edges of mount to soften glue. (hey it helps, not sure about window on this, but no ill effects here.)

5.) Carefully take a thin hacksaw blade and slowly work from top or bottom and sawing through glue, go slow and don't apply force which will either break window or scratch window. Keep blade flush to window as possible.

6.) take your time it takes a while.

7.) Once mount is off, apply more acetone to clean up remaining glue. (I used this and box cutter knife/blade to cleanup.

8.) I also took time and throughly cleaned the window with hot soapy water to insure no Acetone left on window.

RESULTS: mount off, minimal scratches, and only on mount are which will be covered up by new mount. (i.e. 1 small nick)

Much safer than heat which will affect laminate in window. (bubbling). Just don't force it in any way.

10.) Order new mount and mirror if not already done.

Hope this helps.

Russ
WY_Xterra

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Xterraparts.com

Code: 999L1-AM001
Price: $179.95



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01~XTerra SE
V6 4x4 Auto

You guys are gonna hate me for this but....

I have a 2001 with the "wrong" mount for the mirror. I got the mirror for Valentine's day. What to do....

I took the old mirror off and after 5 seconds of diliberation I tried the new mirror on the old bracket. It took a "little" force (if I did it again, I'd use some lithium grease) but it slid down and sort of "snapped" in place. Its good and tight and I left it there.

I'm not saying it will globally "work" for everyone but I'm guessing now that Nissan is covering their butts in case someone uses too much force and snaps a hole in their windshield. All I'm saying is, "try it." Use some grease and some lite force and it will work.

Your mileage may vary, but my mine looks great!

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Thanks,
Puhnutmenum

I have one of the earliest '01 models and the dealer's mechanic called the glass company to come install a new "button" and the glass guy discovered my X had the correct one on it, making his trip unnecessary. (I got mirror & installation free, so I let them deal with it.)

BTW -- I love the mirror.

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2001 SE 4X4
Alpine Green

Chuck's Backpacking Bonanza

I have a 2001 XE 4X4 and I looked at my mirror mount and it is the wrong type. It is the channel type and Xterra parts.com says that it is the wrong type. So when someone says that all 2001 X's have the new wedge style mount they are wrong. I also looked behind the front grill and I saw something that looked like a temp sensor under the horn. Can someone tell me what it is. It looks like a little button with wires comming out of the back of it and it is mounted under the horn and to the same bracket. Thanks.

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"I want the world, I want the whole world, give it to me."

Veruca Salt
Willy Wanca's Chocolate Factory

I think what you saw is a temperature sensor for the A/C. I'm not 100% that's what that is, but I think so. Anyway, it isn't wired for it like sooo many say it is. It isn't hard though. Just busy work, nothing difficult.

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Eric Konarske & Lara, my X
'01 Solar Yellow XE 3 Pk. 4x4

UPDATE TO MIRROR MOUNT QUESTIONS!!!!

OH MY, BOY I'AM I DUMB!!!

okay, enough caps,

For those of you who have a 2000 extra and wanting to install the EC mirror.

I finished installing my today, but found out that the OLD style button will work. It is the Mirror mount/attachment that has the wedge vs channel in them.

My old mirror, including the bracket/mount that goes on the button is a channel type, the new mirror is a wedge type.

BOTH will work the the original windshield button.

So before you take the risk of removing the mount (which is possible) order the mirror and see if it will fit on the button. (betcha it does.)

Russ

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I got an auto-dimming rear-view mirror...

It looks really cool with the temp & direction guages...They actually work too. What a surprise...I've installed stuff like this before and it didn't work.

I got mine installed 1week after I purchased my rig...The dealership installed it for me...They only charged $165.00 for the mirror, & $25.00 labor to install. It turned out to be a very good deal for me.

I recommend this mirror highly to anyone who owns a 2001 X...

Good Luck,



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Andy
x_whistler
PNWX Member

I too just got a Donnelly auto dimming temp/compass rear view mirror.
I had it put into my 2001 X that was originally purchased in April '01. It was all part of the deal for me to buy the vehicle so I'm not sure how much it costed exactly, but it was around $300 (Can$).
It works great and as a bonus it actually helps block the sun from coming in over the top of the mirror (where the sun visor doesn't help) because it is taller than the standard mirror.
The temp and compass seem very acurate.
The autodim I don't know about. I haven't had it too long and nobody's had their brights on behind me yet. Also, the Xterra has tinted back windows that already reduce some glare.
Here in Calgary weather can change drastically during the winter months due to chinooks so it's nice having that temp guage.

i just got one from xterraparts.com (it was a christmas gift though). I am going to hook it up sometime this weekend.

Is it a possibility to get some kind of group rate on the mirror if enough people bought at the same time?

Is it possible to get and install the 2002 version of the compass/ temp gauge(the one where it is above the map lights instead of on the mirror) in an earlier model X? I'm a fan of how that looks.

Hey Guys,

I installed mine about 2 days efter I bought the truck. The install is not to bad. You have to remove both plastic kick panels, both door sill plates and the welting on between the doors and the body. You also have to remove both plastic grab handles from the "A" piller and the plastic covers under the handles. Why remove both sides. Because the Temp sensor wires come up the passenger side and the power wires come up the drivers side "A" pillers.

The temp sensor wiring goes thru the wiring boot in the firewall on the passenger side of the truck and the power is sourced from the fuse box directly using a funky fuse tap device which came in the kit. the instuctions reference fuse #20 7.5A ELEC-ACC 6th from the top and 4th from the left.

The Nissan Part Number is 999L1-AM001 and I got a heafty discount of the mirror from my dealer. The price I got equals the price on XterraParts.com less shipping of course.

One prerequisite, YOU MUST HAVE THE WEDGE TYPE MIRROR MOUNT. No exceptions here. The mirror will only slide on and tighten up on the wedge mount. XterraParts.com sells the replacement wedge mount to glue on your windsheild but I would not try and remove the old mount unless I had full coverage insurance 0 deductable on glass breakage.

There are one or two more tricks to the install but I have wasted enough server space already. Post further questions here or email me. I am going to putting together a how-to for the site for this install in the next few weeks.

Ekh.

I know I am coming in a little late on this, but WHO NEEDS a dimmer on their mirror? The tint on my '01 is dark enough! I think that holds a lot of the weight in the price. Secondly, I have searched the world over for a reliable dash/window mounted Temp. & compass guage, but there are nothing but cheap-os out there. Anyone seen a simple (or complex) temp/compass combo that has nothing to do with the mirror? PLEASE let me know! I miss the standard setup I had on my Cherokee Laredo before I got my X!