[rbetz]

Can any of you folks who have the day/night mirror installed explain the two buttons on the bottom of the mirror, one on each side? From the picture on the website it appears that they may turn on/off what appear to be two small lights to the inside of these two buttons? Hard to tell what they do from the picture and description online. My dealer says it will cost about $276 for the parts and installation. Is it worth it? The description online says it quickly installs using current mirror attachment but the mirror attachment that came standard with my Pilot doesn't look like the photo online. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[PrG]

Not that simple

I don't believe that installing the day night mirror will be as simple as mounting it into the existing attachments. The reason being, that the day night mirror, again speculation, is powered and needs to be connected into a power source that most likely will be your interior domelight.

PrG

 

[rbetz]

My Thoughts Exactly

Didn't think it would be such an easy installation. Think the dealer will have to handle this one.

The two 'buttons' and what appear to be small lights located on the bottom, outside of the mirror have me stumped as well.

 

[hop23]

I think hparts.com has the installation instructions online. And the Pilot web site indicates labor at 0.6hr.

 

[ChiefPilot]

rbetz...

The "lights" on the day/night mirror are actually one LED and one sensor. The left-most switch turns the automatic day/night function on and off. The LED indicates the position of the switch.

The other right-most button similarly controls the electronic compass function of the mirror and the associated display.

If you have an opportunity to review the installation instructions, you'll see that a power cable needs to be snaked down the driver's A-pillar and connected to the fuse box under the dash; ...Not all that difficult if you're handy.

 

[banningjr]

1. I let the dealer do the installation. Ripping out the roof is not my idea of fun. (especially with some of the issues already surrounding the edge of it.) My dealer had it listed as a 30min job so it was in the neighborhood of $35 to do it. Well worth the piece of mind.

2. The buttons - sorry folks no lights. The button on the left is to activate/ deactivate the mirror from its auto feature. The button on the right is for turning the compass on/ off as well as setting your current compass zone. My dealer did not do that part and it is probably just as well. If you travel anywhere with this thing you may want to change the zone so your compass is still correctly pointing to magnetic north.

It is rather larger compared to the regular mirror but I love the option.

 

[Brett727272]

Picture?

Could someone post a picture of the mirror from the interior? I'm a bit worried about it being too big.

 

[autobahn]

Instructions On-Line

http://www.collegehillshonda.com/instructions/03pilot/mirror.pdf

 

[PrG]

Compass

So how does the compass work ... you have to use an actual compass and point the vehicle north in order to calibrate the mirror? Sounds like too much work, there isn't some type of gyro or magnetic system that once it turns on it is ready to go ? Compasses are great but my little GPS is a much better option.

PrG

 

[rbetz]

Responses

Thanks for all the responses. This will make for a more informed decision.

 

[jfrano]

Part of the setup routine, which my dealer missed, is to Program your Zone. The directions have a zone chart. I believe you hold both buttons simultaneous and then the zone numbers come up. If you don't you'll likely have the wrong reading. The directions also mention that the compass may malfunction, in which case it suggests to drive in a circle slowly so the compass can recalibrate itself (I guess I shouldn't try that in the Lincoln Tunnel or even worse, the George Washington Bridge!)

It is NOT an easy installation.

I didn't like the original mirror, it seemed that you couldn't get the entire rearview top to bottom, in the mirror.

I'm an outdoorsy guy, so I like the compass and the outside temp display.

Joe

 

[rbetz]

Worth It?

Is it worth $270+ for parts/labor to get this mirror?

 

[banningjr]

Prg, you don't have to face north. You get an actual list with it that helps you set your zone.

It is bigger than the regular mirror but that one should be in a Civic! I like it, it gives the interior a better feel.

 

[Len]

I like it a lot, and am glad I paid for it.

 

[banningjr]

Here are some shots for you as well as the paper they give you with the mirror.

 

[banningjr]

Front

 

[banningjr]

Rear...notice the zone map.

 

[bengelking]

pictures

Your workbench looks like mine

I'm really glad I got the compass and auto-dimmer. IMHO should have been standard equipment.

 

[Brett727272]

Thank you!

banningjr, thank you very very very much for the pictures! they really helped me in my consideration of this accessory. :4:

I think it is a wee bit bigger than the standard mirror, but for the uses of it, its worth it.

 

[MDXlite]

Made by Donnelly

If anyone cares, these mirrors are made by Donnelly, a popular OEM maker (ie Audi). They make one with temp and compass for the Odyssey (same mount) and is a popular dialogue on the Odyclub site.
I installed one on our Odyssey a found it to be pretty easy. I have one in the box for the Pilot and it's the same mirror minus the temp since the Pilot has it already.
Calibrating it is very easy assuming you can drive in a circle and the auto dim works very well.
It's worth it and I agree, should be standard at least on the EX or EX-L.

Cheapskates.