Swap Rearview Mirror To Auto Dimming Mirror [Archive] - GRRRR8.net

Seattle09GT

06-02-2009, 08:39 PM

I did this on my Grand Prix - was a bit of PITA and curious if the Pontiac G8 gods here know the answer to this one.

Changing the mirror wasn't hard on the Grand Prix, the two challenges was finding a mirror that was auto dimming with OnStar and did NOT have compass or temp display. That will be easier for the G8 as mirrors with a compass are a dime a dozen. The other hard part was adding the power to the mirror. I was told and the diagrams indicated the auto dimming part required 5 Volts DC. EASY! Just jumper the plugs with solder, no joy, didn't work, because it needed 12 Volts DC. Had to run the wire snake it in the harness, damn it was a pain.

So I figure you need the following for a G8

1) One auto dimming rear view mirror with OnStar, Passenger Seat Airbag Status and Compass. That shouldn't be that hard to find, I suspect these are a dime a dozen in higher end GM trucks/SUVs (I could be wrong on this)

2) The harness that exists should plug right in to the new mirror.

3) This is what I need -- what pin needs to be connected to put power to the auto dimming part of the mirror and is at 5 Volt DC or 12 Volt DC. Finally, how do you cleanly wire this up, or ideally add the wire to the harness without doing the hack job I did on my Grand Prix.

BluYa76

06-02-2009, 08:55 PM

I upgraded my mirror by getting one from an 07 Trailblazer as that was a direct swap that looked exactly like the G8's. Nothing needed to be done to make it work other than unplugging the old and plugging in the new. Other years will work I hear but I wanted one that looked exactly like the original. Hope that helps.

Seattle09GT

06-02-2009, 09:17 PM

That is a HUGE help. Holy ass crackers the wire is energized in the harness and they don't offer this as an option?!?

majesticix

06-03-2009, 03:04 AM

Yup piece of cake. I've tried with two different auto-dimming mirrors. BluYa76 is right though, aim for the 07 trailblazer if you can. Mine is currently out of a hummer and an exact replacement :)

G8Smitty

06-03-2009, 05:53 AM

Here is a thread that information on other mirrors that you can use.
http://forum.grrrr8.net/showthread.php?t=4110

TNTNT

06-03-2009, 06:13 AM

Yeah, the time you spend on E-bay trying to find a mirror will be much more than what it takes to put it in. It took me all of 5 minutes to swap it out. Definitely look for a '07 Trailblazer.

wreckwriter

06-03-2009, 06:18 AM

Good luck finding a 07 TB mirror. I've been searching ebay forever.

BluYa76

06-03-2009, 06:28 AM

Good luck finding a 07 TB mirror. I've been searching ebay forever.

I actually started looking before I bought my 09 GT in February cause it was a little difficult to find one. I got lucky for a good price a week prior to buying my 09 and it was installed within 10 mins of her being home. I wish I could take credit for this, but I got the idea from a member over at Trailvoy.com whom had just picked up a 08 GT and like the rest of us could not stand not having auto dimming. Personally this is one of the things that I can not understand why GM nixed it for our rides (well that and a few other things).

majesticix

06-03-2009, 07:04 AM

There are a bunch on eBay right now that will work.

Just do a search on "auto dim mirror onstar" and there are piles of them that should work. They unfortunately all have the "dot" instead of the phone picture on the button next to onstar, but still will function fine. Just try and get the one with no temperature, just compass or else you'll be looking at an error screen or have to tape off the temperature.

wreckwriter

06-03-2009, 07:06 AM

The key word is "should". I already tried one from something that was supposed to fit; it didn't (the wire cover thing didn't fit).

The one you just linked has temperature.

majesticix

06-03-2009, 08:58 AM

Strange. I had tried two different ones and both worked, one from an '03 envoy and another from a late model hummer (currently using). I removed the link since I noticed that one did have a temp in it. They did pop up fairly frequently, but usually the one with the dot (what designer came up with that ingenious icon, I don't know).

johnh

06-03-2009, 11:15 AM

x2 on 07 Trailblazer mirror

Plug and play.

EcoBrick Bob

06-03-2009, 07:25 PM

Seattle09GT

06-03-2009, 08:10 PM

Seattle09GT

06-03-2009, 08:14 PM

I have purchased 2 on ebay for both of my G8 GT's. Both cost less than $40. ea. shipped. I got them out of an 03' Tahoe-Suburban-Yukon - Denali etc.(Knew what I was buying as I have an 03' Denali XL) They have; compass, onstar, airbag light, & the unwanted temp, that I had to tape off by taking mirror apart. This takes about 5 min. At the same time I taped off the light under the pass. airbag printing, but left the on/off working. G8 Smitty posted instructions on taking mirror apart and install - above.
There are lots of these available. IRQ lists them most of the time.

Question - did the outside temp also display or does it not work? If the outside temp displays too then that is ultimately what I want. Ya I know, it shows itself if I push the button on the climate control but would be nice to have it up all the time at eye level. The "hey buddy the temp is dropping below 37 degrees" warning has saved my ass a couple of times through the years.

BluYa76

06-03-2009, 08:46 PM

Question - did the outside temp also display or does it not work? If the outside temp displays too then that is ultimately what I want. Ya I know, it shows itself if I push the button on the climate control but would be nice to have it up all the time at eye level. The "hey buddy the temp is dropping below 37 degrees" warning has saved my ass a couple of times through the years.

Nope, it won't display the temp.

Seattle09GT

06-03-2009, 08:57 PM

Thanks

Seattle09GT

06-04-2009, 12:49 PM

Good luck finding a 07 TB mirror. I've been searching ebay forever.

SCORE! I've been searching for Trailblazer, then I thought, Envoy, maybe the Envoy will have it, but couldn't find one. Then I got a wild hair of an idea. Saab 9-7x - it is is a glorified Trailblazer after all. SCORE - even found the 2007 with the phone versus the "white dot" and airbag display, compass only - the outside temp display was in the climate control system according to GM.

I plan to take the mirror apart to dim the airbag message. Just picked it up for $65 on eBay. SA-WEET!

Thanks everyone!

EcoBrick Bob

06-04-2009, 04:53 PM

Wow, this is great to know, lots of options then. I know that these mirrors are dirt cheap out of wrecks via salvage yards, that is where I got mine for the Grand Prix. However the Grand Prix wasn't wired for the auto dimming part of the mirror, so it made it a royal pain the ass - this makes it real easy, just have to keep my eyes open.

Once modded... the mirrors are plug and play...

Have a confession to make... bought one for like $20. that didn't have onstar...MY MISTAKE!!!! - so switched the one out of my Denali - no biggie as I haven't had onstar activated in Denali since year 3.

LESSON- Try to find a mirror picture that you can actually see all the buttons and features. And if still uncertain..... e-mail them for the features.

:hang:

Seattle09GT

06-29-2009, 09:16 AM

Installed. Saab 9-7x mirror from 2007 is plug and play with the "phone" versus dot, no temp display in mirror. The airbag indicator lighting seems dimmer than on the G8. I love having the mirror.

BluYa76

06-29-2009, 08:27 PM

Installed. Saab 9-7x mirror from 2007 is plug and play with the "phone" versus dot, no temp display in mirror. The airbag indicator lighting seems dimmer than on the G8. I love having the mirror.

Yeah my 07 mirror is also dimmer than the stock G8's airbag light. I truly don't understand why GM did not put this mirror in as with it being so low I'm always getting blinded by a truck.

scorpio ps

08-16-2009, 06:31 PM

J Wikoff

08-16-2009, 07:48 PM

My only guess is it has something to do with Bluetooth. My 09.1 only has the main harness.

Here's mine with the 07 TB mirror installed.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/jwikoff99/013-1.jpg

Mlozano

08-16-2009, 10:41 PM

My only guess is it has something to do with Bluetooth. My 09.1 only has the main harness.

Here's mine with the 07 TB mirror installed.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/jwikoff99/013-1.jpg

Do you have a part number for that TB mirror?

J Wikoff

08-17-2009, 05:30 AM

15812021

Seattle09GT

08-17-2009, 09:41 AM

No idea, I only had the main harness. I'm not aware of any additional wiring to the mirror for Bluetooth integration. Pictures would be very helpful.

Mlozano

08-17-2009, 09:42 AM

Man that OEM piece is expensive, looks like i'll head to the junk yard, thanks for the info.

wreckwriter

08-17-2009, 09:51 AM

I used a 2006 Trailblazer SS mirror. Went right on.

BigRichG8

12-26-2009, 01:55 PM

Hey guys, anyone know if the mirrors without the passenger indicator will work in our G8's?

Seattle09GT

12-26-2009, 06:44 PM

I don't know. But with that said if you're patient and look for a mirror out of an 06 or 07 Trailblazer, Envoy, or 9-7x you will eventually hit pay dirt.

Remikinz

12-26-2009, 08:04 PM

damn these mirrors are hard to find... :(

BigRichG8

12-27-2009, 04:02 AM

damn these mirrors are hard to find... :(

Your right, new is expensive and used is hard to find so I went with one on ebay from a malibu without the passenger indicator.
Will let you know if it works.

Sheffield Steve

12-28-2009, 01:21 PM

Yes, it works just fine.

Hey guys, anyone know if the mirrors without the passenger indicator will work in our G8's?

DRCUSTOMPARTS

12-28-2009, 01:26 PM

damn these mirrors are hard to find... :(
No they're not, just search Ebay for Gentex 261 and you'll find a truck load of them. Here's 60 of them, just choose the one with the features you want.

http://desc.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=Gentex+261&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=1&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_dmpt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&_odkw=Gentex+261&_osacat=0&_rdc=1

Remikinz

12-28-2009, 02:13 PM

^ Oh damn there are alot of mirrors lol none with the passenger indicator though... I guess I dont really need that though... hmmm

Seattle09GT

12-28-2009, 04:50 PM

Patience young Jedi, patience...

DRCUSTOMPARTS

12-28-2009, 04:59 PM

If you don't have any small children that might sit in the front passenger seat, any of those mirrors will work.

BigRichG8

12-30-2009, 05:15 PM

This may only apply to 2008's but my stock mirror has a second wire coming from the mirror to the plastic cover over the mounting plate.
What is this for?

BigRichG8

12-30-2009, 05:16 PM

BigRichG8

12-30-2009, 05:23 PM

Went to install a self dimming mirror I purchased from Sellers. My stock 09 mirror has the plug but then there is this other thin wire going into the back of the mirror. I don't see where it would fit in the new one. Any ideas.

Same with mine and it's not bluetooth. No bluetooth in 2008.
Don't know what it is, and hope we don't need it because the auto dims don't have it.

DRCUSTOMPARTS

12-30-2009, 05:31 PM

I didn't notice a second wire on my 2008. I just unplugged the harness from the stock mirror and plugged it in the auto dim mirror and it works fine.

BigRichG8

12-30-2009, 06:13 PM

I didn't notice a second wire on my 2008. I just unplugged the harness from the stock mirror and plugged it in the auto dim mirror and it works fine.

This may be the difference, I have a V6 with the base radio.
Maybe the GT's which have the upgraded radio do not have the same mirror.
Sure would like to verify this.

DRCUSTOMPARTS

12-30-2009, 06:49 PM

It's possible that you do have a different mirror. You can compare your connector to the one in the link below, if it's the same it should work. Also you can unplug that 2nd wire and see if it effects anything on your mirror.

http://cas07.businessflow.ms/Current/media/item_image_sheet.aspx?domain=lkqonline.com&item_guid=10849a19-b43e-4f83-a62a-e8ce9e5734d7&image_guid=5636f676-2cc2-4360-9fb0-d0bf74d76330

wishman

12-31-2009, 10:19 AM

Same with mine and it's not bluetooth. No bluetooth in 2008.
Don't know what it is, and hope we don't need it because the auto dims don't have it.

My autodim has another wire connected to the mount as well. I pulled it out and it looks like there's 4 wires vs 6 wires on ours. The only think I can think of is maybe the direction?

DRCUSTOMPARTS

12-31-2009, 10:31 AM

If the wire is connected to the mount it's a ground.

Tripower

02-07-2010, 12:41 PM

I didn't notice a second wire on my 2008. I just unplugged the harness from the stock mirror and plugged it in the auto dim mirror and it works fine.

My autodim has another wire connected to the mount as well. I pulled it out and it looks like there's 4 wires vs 6 wires on ours. The only think I can think of is maybe the direction?

Here's a pic of the rear of the mirror showing the harness on the right and the single wire on the left.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w226/tripower66/G8/DSCN2129.jpg

dv327

02-07-2010, 01:17 PM

This is an easy mod to do. Plug n play with an 09 Saturn Aura replacement.

DRCUSTOMPARTS

02-07-2010, 02:42 PM

Here's a pic of the rear of the mirror showing the harness on the right and the single wire on the left.
So where does that wire connect? I don't recall seeing it when I replaced the mirror on my car.

Tripower

02-07-2010, 03:06 PM

So where does that wire connect? I don't recall seeing it when I replaced the mirror on my car.

It runs up the base of the mirror like the harness. I didn't mess with trying to take it apart but was looking at what was back there. It looked/felt like it may have been hardwired to the back of the mirror and wasn't attached via a connector. It was hard to see for sure and I didn't feel any sort of a release tab like on a connector.

Tripower

02-07-2010, 03:07 PM

This is an easy mod to do. Plug n play with an 09 Saturn Aura replacement.

1 or 2 wires on the back?

Seattle09GT

02-07-2010, 08:57 PM

I think you got screwed on that mirror - never seen that before on a GM mirror with OnStar feature

Tripower

02-07-2010, 09:49 PM

I think you got screwed on that mirror - never seen that before on a GM mirror with OnStar feature

If you're talking to me, then you've seen it now as that's the mirror as installed from the factory. It sounds like others also have have the "2 wire" mirrors factory installed.

J Wikoff

02-08-2010, 06:36 AM

Is that wire not for the compass module in the mirror mount?

Seattle09GT

02-08-2010, 11:00 AM

If you're talking to me, then you've seen it now as that's the mirror as installed from the factory. It sounds like others also have have the "2 wire" mirrors factory installed.

Wow, weird. I've had three GM products with auto dimming mirrors and OnStar controls - none of them had a second "wire" lead off of them from 2001 to 2009. I can't say that for all vehicles and all products. The mirror I got for my G8 to install out of a 2007 Saab 9-7x had the single harness connection. I plugged and played it in the parking lot of the store I bought the right size torx driver to do the swap with.

Tripower

02-09-2010, 07:40 AM

Is that wire not for the compass module in the mirror mount?

That's a thought as the single wire is on the compass side of the mirror. Only thing is the "1 wire" mirrors have a compass too.

kevinm0131

12-26-2010, 06:29 PM

Tri Power or scorpio, have you had anyone figure out the "mystery" wire? I have one too on my GXP. I was all set to grab an auto di, but maybe not.
Any help out there?

Lucifer

05-03-2011, 05:42 PM

Tri Power or scorpio, have you had anyone figure out the "mystery" wire? I have one too on my GXP. I was all set to grab an auto di, but maybe not.
Any help out there?

Bump for new info before I order a 07 TB mirror.

Whitey72

05-03-2011, 05:56 PM

Had no clue mirrors were different. Had an 09.1 and now have a gxp. Both mirrors had 2 plugs. Looked identical. Guess I got lucky with the mirror I ordered.

Sent from my Android

BigRed585Lbs

05-04-2011, 04:10 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250802038307

TireDoc

05-04-2011, 04:24 PM

wreckwriter

05-04-2011, 04:26 PM

Google up the owners manual for whatever vehicle the mirror came from. Calibration procedure will be in it.

BigRed585Lbs

05-05-2011, 04:33 AM

For your edification and enlightenment:

http://sm.gpona.com:9001/si/home.do

Note to Admins: You might want to make a "sticky" of this.

TireDoc

05-06-2011, 05:24 AM

for your edification and enlightenment:

http://sm.gpona.com:9001/si/home.do

note to admins: You might want to make a "sticky" of this.

thanks !!!!

hikeskool

06-03-2012, 06:59 PM

Nice mod, on my list!

TireDoc

06-04-2012, 04:25 AM

Not sure if it was just me, but it took about a week for the compass to figure itself out................

MeanGreenZ71

06-04-2012, 02:02 PM

subscribed. Ive hated the manual mirror since I got the car....

HVYCHVY

06-04-2012, 05:35 PM

This is an easy mod to do. Plug n play with an 09 Saturn Aura replacement.

I used a Gentex 511 on my vehicle. OnStar, auto dim, compass, no airbag light and single wire hookup.

locrzn#92

06-04-2012, 07:32 PM

Love my manual, as long as my arms work I'm keepin mine. Kids today are just too lazy to even reach up and switch the mirror, gotta get your exercise somehow. Ha

lovellsG8

11-22-2013, 09:35 PM

I just did this today with the Saab 9-7 mirror today only issue i have had is with getting the compass calibrated. Ill try to mess with it again tomorrow.

WhatNext

11-23-2013, 02:27 AM

Compass calibration - try driving in a circle. I recall that was the method for one of my cars.

lovellsG8

11-23-2013, 12:36 PM

I drove in 4 tight circles and it didn't do anything. I saw another method on a Saab forum that i am going to try out tonight when the local store parking lot is empty

JimmyJazz

11-23-2013, 01:19 PM

I don't really remember but it seems I had to hold the button's for a long time, about 40 seconds, about 10 second's after they flash to get into set mode. And then it took 5 or 6 circles. Sorry, that's not much help but it seems it took me 3 tries before it set.

lovellsG8

11-23-2013, 09:24 PM

yeah i had to hold the button down for about 10-15 seconds then a C popped up in the display. I did about 2 circles then it recognized the direction and has been working great ever since. My mistake before was i didn't hold the button down long enough. Once it got the zone setting i would set the zone and then i did the circles. After i read the instructions once again i had the ah ha moment and did it the right way.

JAFO

11-25-2013, 04:12 AM

Swapped mine fro a 9-7s as well. Initially was heading NW or NE instead of E or W. Put mirror in calibration mode, drove to work and it was set. Have VERY few turns on my trip and it still calibrated on it's own. Took most of the 30 mile drive (90%+ interstate). Compass wasn't the reason I swapped so it wasn't a huge deal to me.

Chewy

11-25-2013, 06:29 AM

I put mine in, went to the round-about and went around it one full rotation and BAM, been dead nuts since! That was 5 years ago!

TxNessie84

02-05-2014, 03:53 PM

It runs up the base of the mirror like the harness. I didn't mess with trying to take it apart but was looking at what was back there. It looked/felt like it may have been hardwired to the back of the mirror and wasn't attached via a connector. It was hard to see for sure and I didn't feel any sort of a release tab like on a connector.

Ever figure this out? I have two wires on my 09 GT and the 07 Trailblazer mirror I got off ebay only has the harness.