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Mirror auto-dimming with window tint

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by fbret, Nov 9, 2008.

  1. fbret

    fbret New Member

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    Here's a side effect of window tinting I did not think of when I got my tint:
    Once the rear window is tinted, it seems the auto-dimming no longer works.

    It's not a big deal because the tint does cut of a lot of the headlights, but it is nowhere near as effective the mirror was.

    Anybody took the time to figure a mod? Relocate the light sensor?

    -Fred
     
    #1 fbret, Nov 9, 2008
  2. rigormortis

    rigormortis Active Member

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    i'm confused

    why would tinting the rear affect the auto dimming? the light sensor is on the front
    of the rear window.

    the sensor on the front looks for ambient light, it then tells the mirror to look for glare, when the glass detects glare.. or something.. so if you tint your windows you would need to relocate the entire rear view mirror? like maybe outside? on top of the car? hah
     
    #2 rigormortis, Nov 9, 2008
  3. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    The mirror looks for a differential between lighting in front and lighting in back. Bright light from behind tells the mirror to dim. The rear tint on the OP's Prius may be dark enough to fool the mirror, so that it doesn't dim. In theory, if the tint is that dark, you shouldn't need a dim mirror, but light perception is a tricky thing.

    Tom
     
    #3 qbee42, Nov 10, 2008
  4. mikepaul

    mikepaul Senior Member

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    I had my Prius tinted years ago, and I still think those darn Prius' HIDs are too bright when I'm being followed by one.

    Hey, wait a minute...
     
    #4 mikepaul, Nov 10, 2008
  5. EZW1

    EZW1 Active Member

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    Four Touring
    I've noticed the effect of the normal reduction of the darkness of the mirror with tint, but it will darken more if you get a truck with bright headlights right up on your arse. The mirror is still doing its job of measuring the amount of light coming through the rear window and compensating for that amount.
     
    #5 EZW1, Nov 10, 2008
  6. fbret

    fbret New Member

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    Yes, it is differential based.
    The tint blocks 90% of UV ( and I assume IR too). So I think it is independant from tint percentage.
    Last night, I tried to open the mirror, but failed. Anybody has an idea how to split the mirror open?
    I did try the following:
    put a piece of magic tape on the front sensor and sharpie it black. The 2 minute test I did seemed to show some improvement, but nothing like what I rememembered.

    -Fred
     
    #6 fbret, Nov 10, 2008
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