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Auto Dimming Mirror

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Mr. Bubbles, Sep 30, 2014.

  1. Mr. Bubbles

    Mr. Bubbles New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2014
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    Location:
    Gladewater, TX
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Curious if anyone can give me any info on the auto dimming mirror on a '14 Prius IV. Just got this about a little less than a month ago (all ready have 3,000 miles) and am not too impressed with the auto "dimming" mirror. When cars drive behind me at night, I can see that the mirror turns a bit green when the lights hit just right. It has a bit of a dimming effect but very little. It also doesn't seem to want to stay "dimmed" when the car behind me isn't exactly in that sweet spot. It is bad enough that I even went to the local auto parts store and picked up some 35% tint and tinted the mirror. This helped a bit, but nothing like the regular non auto mirrors that I am used to. Is this a normal complaint or could I possibly have a faulty mirror. By the way, this is my first Prius and have to say that I am really enjoying driving it and trolling the forums and getting tips. Hopefully I will be able to give contribute to the forum in the future. This is, by the way my first post so go easy on me : )
     
    #1 Mr. Bubbles, Sep 30, 2014
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    This car is under warranty, just bring it to the dealer and see what they tell you. It won't cost you anything and if it's defective, they'll give you another one. Why troubleshoot this yourself? You have til 3 years/ 36k miles to have someone sort the problem out for you.
     
    #2 JC91006, Sep 30, 2014
  3. Mr. Bubbles

    Mr. Bubbles New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Gladewater, TX
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    You are right and I probably will mention it to the dealership in a couple of weeks when I take it in for its first service. I just wanted to be a bit more educated for when I take it in. Don't want to argue with them about a problem if it is not faulty. Thanks for your reply!
     
    #3 Mr. Bubbles, Sep 30, 2014
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome and congrats! i can't say if it's working correctly, but i can say that some people find they don't dim enough, and some find that they do. i've had four, and never liked them. if you've had them before and think they work well, maybe yours is defective. i prefer the mirror tilt tab, works every time and nice and dark, but my old eyes are sensitive to light. all the best!(y)
     
    #4 bisco, Sep 30, 2014
    NR427 and retired4999 like this.
  5. dkelly

    dkelly Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2010
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    Location:
    Gilbertsville, PA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    The problem is that the horizontal span in the tailgate that runs between the upper and lower glass panels is in just the right spot to shield the sensor from headlights from behind. Get within or beyond a certain distance and all is well but for most traffic it just doesn't work. There are a number of threads here with more details along with some makeshift solutions.

    Personally this drives me nuts. It's hard to believe this design made it all the way through to production.
     
    #5 dkelly, Oct 1, 2014
    chrisj428 likes this.
  6. Paul Schenck

    Paul Schenck Active Member

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    Jun 15, 2013
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    Location:
    Fresno, California
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Agreed horizontal spanner is a problem. I found the mirror worked best for me as high up toward the headliner. This put the sensor in line of sight of headlights. I confirmed my mirror was working with a little flashlight. I'm happy with it now.


    iPhone ?
     
    #6 Paul Schenck, Oct 3, 2014
  7. Mr. Bubbles

    Mr. Bubbles New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2014
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    Location:
    Gladewater, TX
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Cool. I wasn't aware that you could move the mirror up and down. I will give that a shot when I get off tonight. Thanks for the tip!
     
    #7 Mr. Bubbles, Oct 3, 2014
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