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Electrochromatic Mirror Homelink installation instructions

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by garypear, Apr 26, 2005.

  1. garypear

    garypear New Member

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    I've downloaded Toyota's instructions for the electrochromatic mirror w/ Homelink (from Yahoo Prius 2G group: Database--> files --> manuals). I haven't seen the file here on PriusChat but if someone knows it's here on this site please state the location.

    Though it's generally well diagramed and worth looking at for anyone planning on installing the mirror, there are some questions I've got about it.

    1. Under "Recommended Tools" (5th box on the left column of page 1) is listed two Torque Wrenches: 0-60 lbf-in. and another 0-10 lbf-ft. But there seems to be no use for ANY torque wrench anywhere in the body of the instructions. Although there is a Torque wrench label under the "tools and equipment" symbol in Fig. D-2 on page 6, the only tool that seems to be needed (to actually screw the mirror into the windshield) is the Torx Head Driver, T-20. There is also a Torque wrench label under the "tools and equipment" symbol in Fig. F-1 on page 10, put the only tool that seems to be needed (to reattach the negative battery cable to the battery) is a 10mm socket wrench.

    2. On page 3, step 6 is "Remove the lower dash cover." The text states that it involves removing 2 screws, 5 panel clips and 2 locator pins. But in the corresponding diagram (Fig A-6, top), all that is labeled are the 2 screws and the 5 clips.

    Compare also Fig A-5 on the same page which has 8 circles which are apparently supposed to represent "eight ( 8 ) panel clips/locator pins." which of course gives the impression a panel clip and a locator pin are one in the same or at the same location, but that doesn't solve the discrepancy in step 6 / Fig A-6, top.

    3. Also regarding step 6, it seems steps ii. and iii. need to be reversed - or is it actually possible to remove the hood release cable from the hood release latch (ii) BEFORE releasing the 5 panels clips and 2 locator pins (iii)?

    4. Can anyone please tell me what's going on in Step C.1.ii (Fig C-2) on page 6? It tells me I need to "Detach retaining plastic tab by twisting and aligning with slot." What am I doing and why I am I doing it? Can't tell from the diagram but it seems to be part of A-pillar but why would I be removing something from an A-pillar that fits fine to begin with? Is it to enable placement of the mirror's wire harness?

    5. On page 7, step 6 (i) I am applying tape to the headliner. Will I actually be able to displace the headliner that much to be able to put those 4 pieces of 1/2 tape there as it looks in the diagram? It doesn't seem like the headliner (if it is what I think it is) would be able to move that much unless BOTH the driver's side AND passenger side A-pillars are removed.
     
    #1 garypear, Apr 26, 2005
  2. DanMan32

    DanMan32 Senior Member

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    Sounds like you should have an installer install it.
     
    #2 DanMan32, Apr 26, 2005
  3. jeromep

    jeromep Member

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    Re: Electrochromatic Mirror Homelink installation instructio

    I'm going to assume that you are either preparing to get the mirror, or you already have and from a Toyota parts counter. Well, if I may suggest and back up DanMan, this is where an installer comes in handy. This is one of those after market additions you can put on the vehicle after it is purchased, however it is best to let a Toyota dealer do the work because, 1. there is a good chance they have done it before and 2. their work is warranted and as such, if the headliner starts to sag, or the mirror doesn't operate correctly after a period of time, well it falls back in their hands to correct it.
     
    #3 jeromep, Apr 27, 2005
  4. garypear

    garypear New Member

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    Re: Electrochromatic Mirror Homelink installation instructio

    Dealer I went to today wants $289 just for the labor. They also didn't have and couldn't order the Toyota panel removal tool!
     
    #4 garypear, Apr 29, 2005
  5. DanMan32

    DanMan32 Senior Member

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    I think the Toyota Panel Removal Tool is simply a wide, slightly tapered plastic. Get a set of plastic scrapers for body work, or a scraper used for cooking prep.
     
    #5 DanMan32, Apr 29, 2005
  6. nmrickie

    nmrickie Member

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    Re: Electrochromatic Mirror Homelink installation instructio

    I installed mine myself -- it wasn't too bad (just a little tedious). I used a plastic putty knife to remove the panels. I also used these instructions:

    http://www.vfaq.net/mods/ECMirror.html
     
    #6 nmrickie, Apr 29, 2005
  7. nmrickie

    nmrickie Member

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    Re: Electrochromatic Mirror Homelink installation instructio

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(garypear\";p=\"84712)</div>
    This step is necessary to remove the A-pillar panel (I think most of your questions will be answered in the pics in the above instructions). It's hard to describe until you see it. There's this plastic piece that is kinda like a "T" that holds the panel, and you have to turn the piece with a pair of long needle nose pliars to allow you to remove the piece.

    I relied on the intructions in the above link more than the instructions that came with the mirror. The pics are great.
     
    #7 nmrickie, Apr 29, 2005
  8. Fatfenders

    Fatfenders New Member

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    Old thread, maybe new question. I'm looking at installing one of these mirrors, but according to this vendor http://www.metrotpn.com/ProductDetails.asp...amp;SortIndex=4 they maintain this cannot be installed in a vehicle with side curtain airbags. Since we have side curtains, I concerned this may not be an install I can perform.

    However, looking at the installation link in this thread, it would appear that the mirror was indeed installed in a car with side curtains. Anyone? TIA (Since I have no idea what side curtain airbags look like undeployed, I assumed the white, fabric looking cluster in the pillar was the uninflated airbag. :blink: ) Base on the install link, I would assume the vendor in the link I posted above is f.o.s. :wacko:
     
    #8 Fatfenders, Oct 28, 2006
  9. PriusInsight

    PriusInsight New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Fatfenders @ Oct 28 2006, 07:05 PM) [snapback]340072[/snapback]</div>
    My 2006 Prius has the homelink mirror and side curtain airbags. I think my mirror was installed at the port of entry.

    In general, many installers/dealers do not want to work near the airbags due to the fear of an inadvertant trigger.

    An alternative installation would be to open the headliner and take power for the mirror from the lighted vanity mirror in the sun shade.

    I would agree with previous posters and just have the mirror installed by a dealer. If possible, have the mirror installed as part of the car purchase...
     
    #9 PriusInsight, Oct 29, 2006
  10. DanMan32

    DanMan32 Senior Member

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    Toyota had discontinued allowing for the homlink mirror accessory if not factory installed and you have curtain airbags. Probably out of concern that the wiring harness for the mirror might interfere with the airbag deployment.
    The instructions have you route 3 or 4 wires from the mirror all the way to the driver side junction box. However you already have B+ and ground in the overhead console for the lights, so I suggest tapping there for those connections, and only route one wire down to the JB for ACC+.
     
    #10 DanMan32, Nov 1, 2006
  11. Fatfenders

    Fatfenders New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DanMan32 @ Nov 1 2006, 03:32 PM) [snapback]342088[/snapback]</div>
    Just dropping a note to say I installed the mirror today. I found the mirror on ebay and paid $167/delivered. The mirror was a dealer take-off where someone wanted one with a compass. The mirror was "as-new" and included Toyota's install instructions, new wiring, wire ties etc, just like a new one would have included. Bought it from this guy: http://motors.search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZwembleysells

    Install was absolutely no problem at all, following the instructions posted here: http://www.vfaq.net/mods/ECMirror.html

    Air bag deployment was not a concern and will not happen as the 12V ground (-) is disconnected before any disassembly is started.

    The wires for the mirror are in a 3-wire stip (molded together), so it was easy to keep the install neat and well away from the side curtain airbag. I ran the wires right along the top front edge of the roof and secured them to the harness running down the A-pillar with a zip tie about every 4-5". Install time was about two hours, start to finish.

    It sure is nice not having to carry a stupid door opener remote, plus I can now open the two doors on my garage, as well as one other at my mother's house.
     
    #11 Fatfenders, Nov 9, 2006
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