Japanese accessory: Auto Mirror Fold Mod

We don't get to have no power folding mirrors on our v in the USA.

 

forget the folding mirrors, get the 7 seater here in the states

 

Thanks Isoya. Where did you buy the module? Might be a good idea here in the states.

 

I bought the genuine auto fold mirrors. I've yet to install it but it's a lot more complex taking out the door panel than the aftermarket ones (for which they are 2 variants)

 

A) That mirror mod is sofa king cool. I think the first thing I would do if we could get auto folding mirrors in the US would be to hack the trigger on a switch so I could fold them in while underway. For long trips, especially when I'm using ECC for hundreds of miles this would reduce drag, but still allow use when needed. Flip the switch and see behind.

 

^^^
I wouldn't assume that folded mirrors will reduce drag.

 

Yeah sure, I wouldn't assume that either, but until someone lets me drive my v into a wind tunnel we'll just have to make educated guesses.

 

One of my early modification is the 3 in 1 light mirror from JDM ( DIY JDM style side mirrors combo lights (Signal+Parking+Courtesy lights) | PriusChat ) . By then there was no folding ones but later the after market folding mirror came out but none will be compatible with the combo JDM.

 

Does the bypass cable affect the functionality of the mirror retraction push button switch on the driver's door armrest? Does depressing the button still retract the mirrors while operating the vehicle? Must the button be in the up position for the automatic retraction feature to work?

I am asking because I am wondering if the bypass cable would work on other Toyota vehicles with power retracting mirrors like my Sienna.

 

Thank you for the reply. The disable switch you did not mention previously is a key element. Can you install the disable switch in an easy to reach location or do you have to remove the kick panel to activate it?

People have found that it can be necessary to turn the automatic folding feature off in icy weather to prevent the mirror retraction motors from failing when the mirrors are frozen in place by ice build-up. Some cars come with a three position mirror retraction switch - Retract, Off, Auto - to address this issue.

I will see if I can find electrical connectors in my Sienna identical to those in your Prius+. The "problem" with the Sienna is that it is quite wide - over 6 inches wider than the vehicle it replaced. My main concern is people hitting its mirrors while walking between it and other cars in parking lots and potentially breaking the turn signal lenses in the mirrors.

 

I checked the passenger side (right side) kick panel of my LHD Sienna yesterday and there was no mirror related connector like you have in your Prius+.

But when I checked the driver side (left side) kick panel of my Sienna a few minutes ago ... EUREKA! ... there is a connector just like the one in your Prius+ with the same wire colors.

So ... would you please, please tell me more about the switch that allows turning off the automatic mirror folding and tell me where you bought your bypass cable? Someone on the Club Lexus forum said that there are a number of companies selling the bypass cable but I have not found one yet.

 

Nevermind. I found the cable and switch on eBay - advertised to work on a long list of Toyota models with power folding mirrors.

Thank you for posting this topic.

 

This is a great mod!

I fold in my mirrors religiously. I'm sure I do it much more than necessary, but I prefer to be in the habit of folding them in rather than having to remember to do so when I'm parked in a tight space or on a particularly busy/narrow street. I see it as a courtesy to other drivers, as well a a way to reduce the possibility of returning to my car and finding a damaged/missing mirror (which is exactly what happened with the previous owner).

However, I would not advise folding in the mirrors while driving due to safety issues. Moreover, it is almost assuredly a vehicle code violation.

 

Thanks for the response. The kit I found is on the U.K. eBay: Toyota auto folding side mirror control alphard estima corolla prius yaris etc.. | eBay

 

I haven't ordered yet. Was going to look further. Where did you buy yours?