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prius v auto dimming mirror fail?

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by lonelymango, Jun 18, 2012.

  1. lonelymango

    lonelymango Junior Member

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    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    I've recently noticed that my v's auto dimming rear view mirror has stopped working, or at least appears that way. I'm not sure if it's because of the tint because I have used my iPhones led to test it by shining the light from inside of the vehicle but it still fails to dim.

    Just wondering if anyone else had this problem. I have less than 3000 miles on the v but I wanted to know if anyone has resolved this before I take it in for service which may result in taking half a day without my v. This mirror was great when it worked.
     
    #1 lonelymango, Jun 18, 2012
  2. rogerv

    rogerv Senior Member

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    No offense, but is it turned on?
     
    #2 rogerv, Jun 18, 2012
  3. Cap'n

    Cap'n Junior Member

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    That's an excellent question / suggestion. They're easy to unknowingly turn off when you reach up to adjust the mirror. Many's the time ...
     
    #3 Cap'n, Jun 19, 2012
  4. lonelymango

    lonelymango Junior Member

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    none taken. yes, i've turned the mirror off (no green light) and on (green light) and still, no dimming.
     
    #4 lonelymango, Jun 22, 2012
  5. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    If the v has the same mirror as the 2010, then you probably won't see much if any dimming compared to other vehicle makes or models. On the Gen III hatchbacks (I can't speak for the c or v) the spoiler blocks most of the light hitting the sensor on the mirror unless its adjusted just so. I've had my car for three years and I don't even notice the dimming anymore. Should it work better? Yes. Is it a deal breaker? Absolutely not.
     
    #5 RRxing, Jun 22, 2012
  6. st-bob

    st-bob Hi-miler

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    To test the auto-dimming mirror, cover the front light sensor with a black piece of cloth, cardboard, business card etc. In the daytime, the mirror should begin dimming but only when the headlight are on (unless you've done an after-market install).
     
    #6 st-bob, Nov 23, 2012
  7. Frank Kwong

    Frank Kwong Junior Member

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    2015 Prius v wagon
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    Five
    I cover the front sensor "square" (facing outside) with my finger and no dimming. The I cover the front part with my hand covering left half of the mirror and I see dimming. Where is the actual sensor doing the dimming? For now, no dimming at all in night time driving. Took it to the dealer and they said they have to keep the car overnight for testing.
     
    #7 Frank Kwong, Jul 21, 2015
  8. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    The sensor
    On the mirror-side, facing the rear of the vehicle.
     
    #8 RRxing, Jul 21, 2015
  9. jacktechie

    jacktechie Junior Member

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    Frank, you are testing correctly, so looks like something internally broken. I installed this about 8 months ago and it still dims. What I did not know at the time was there is no North indicator on the Nav. If I had known that, I would have ordered a Gentex with a compass.
     

    Attached Files:

    #9 jacktechie, Jul 24, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 24, 2015
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