Gentex Rearview Mirror

[CamrideA4]

I thought I'd throw this up for anyone that's wanting to replace their dead auto-dim mirror with something cheaper than an OEM replacement (~$300). I bought the Gentex GENK2a mirror on Amazon for $75. To install this you do have to remove the stock mount on the windshield and installed a new metal button (comes with the mirror). I'll get some pics up later but the install was really easy, here's what you need to know.

1. Remove the stock mirror by pulling the cover off the wiring harness, unplugging the wiring harness then turning the whole mirror/mount counter clockwise 90 degrees. It will come off easily.

2. Remove the metal button mount from windshield. I heated mine up with a butane torch for about 1 minute (being careful to always move it so one spot didn't get hotter than the rest) then took a carpenter blade and pressed it flat against the windshield and sliced through the stock glue. Once it was at temperature it was really easy. If you don't heat it up it's almost impossible to cut through, believe me I tried.

3. Install new button after thoroughly cleaning the glass surface (make sure you scrap all the old glue off). Instructions are on the package, but basically you wipe the glass down with some cleaner (comes with it) then you put the glue on the metal button, press it on the window for about a minute and then leave it for 15 minutes. When I took the original mount off it left a black circle that it was mounted to, I left that on (it looks very difficult to get off) and mounted the new button on it. That way I didn't have to mark where to put it, just center it in the circle.

4. Wiring the new mirror is very simple if your car came with an auto-dim mirror. There are 6 wires in the wiring harness that comes out of the headliner, but you'll only need the black and white wires. Black is ground, white is acc power (only powered when the car is on). Then just wire it into the Gentex as cleanly as possible. If you don't have an auto-dim mirror to start with you'll need to run the wires somewhere they can get ground and acc power.

At some point I'm going to see if I can make a wire cover so you can't see the wire coming out of the headliner. If I get something that looks clean I'll update this post.

And yes, I do know you can send your stock mirror in somewhere and get it refurb'd for about the same price. I didn't know this when I bought the Gentex, and I'm actually happier this way as it's brand new and I can turn it off if I want as it has a power button. Plus I have Amazon Prime so I got this overnight for $4. :)

Pics installed:









I still haven't spent any time trying to cover the wire. It really doesn't bother me much so it'll probably take me a while to get to it.

[ricekikr]

Pictures please.

[silvera4q]

^x2

[SS92]

Who refurbs mirrors? Got a link??

Pics :)

[CamrideA4]

Sorry, I forgot I posted this thread. I'll get pics tomorrow night and put them up.

[CamrideA4]

Pictures added (finally).

[x Wild Bill x]

Nice job on the install and write up, my mirror decided to let the magic fluid out, so I'm looking to repair/replace it. Do you have a name of the company that will refurb our mirrors? and do the side mirrors still dim with the new rear view?

Thanks,
Bill

[CamrideA4]

Nice job on the install and write up, my mirror decided to let the magic fluid out, so I'm looking to repair/replace it. Do you have a name of the company that will refurb our mirrors? and do the side mirrors still dim with the new rear view?

Thanks,
Bill

I thought it was Gentex themselves, but I'm not sure. I think I read that on voretex in the B5 section. I'll see if I can find the thread.