I'm not sure, but I think the automatic dimmer for the inside rear view mirror on my 2001 XKE Convertible no longer functions. It is possible that it is now permanently on dim, but I can't tell for certain. The green "on" light works when I toggle the automatic on/off switch, but I can't get the mirror to respond in any way I can observe.

Does anyone have any advice on how to make the auto feature cycle so I can confirm it is working?

 

The putting something behind the mirror, like a park pass, see if it's working that way. The mirror a notorious for leaking, but you would see the liquid in the mirror.

 

try putting, sorry.

 

This is from memory, so should be taken with a huge grain of salt.

I'm pretty sure there are sensors in the mirror that detect light levels looking both forward and backward, and then some algorithm goes to work and decides how much dimming is needed. An electrical current actually does the dimmimg.

If this is close to being right, then maybe you could start the car in a dark environment, give it a little time to settle on a dimmimg level, and then shine a flashlight on the mirror from a direction that would simulate a following headlight. An increased amount of dimming should then show up over a period of, what, something like ten seconds, I think.

Worth a try maybe ...

Good luck,

 

Thanks Dennis07. The mirror works. I successfully tested it by closing the garage door, setting the ignition to position II (on but engine not running), turning on the headlights, and then shining a small flashlight into the lens along the bottom left edge of the mirror. I could clearly see the reflection darken in about two seconds. Obviously, it is the lights from a following vehicle which triggers the dimming, but I wasn't sure.

 

My 2001 XKR has a perfect oval about 1/2 inch high and almost to both edges of the mirror that is clear. The rest of the mirror is not clear and is a bit fuzzy. Any ideas what that is? I also do not have a garage door opener button in the plastic cover which was standard in the '01 XKR. Wonder if I have a replacement non oem mirror. It has a sensor and green light when it is on, but I can't see any difference in the dimmness when it is hit by headlights.

 

Mark, the garage door buttons are on the roof panel, not the mirror. It sounds like the liquid in your mirror is starting to break down and may start to leak soon. Check out this thread for more information on the mirror problem. Mine failed in a manner that sounds similar to yours. The oval you observe may grow (mine did).

 

K.Westra, I'm getting a double image looking through the inside mirror. This is all the time. I was compaining to the wife about everyone following me had their brights on when I realized by raising or lowering my line of sight the 2 images would come to gether. I think the automatic reflection is suppose to be blue. In my double image only the top one is blue. When I get the images to come together the blue one diappears. Any ideas? Jack

 

I don't know, Jack. It could be the same problem, but I've never heard of it producing a double image. Any chance you could get a picture for us that would show this?

 

Keith, I still can't figure out how to add photos to the threads. Jack