My Auto Fold and Tilt Mirror Project is DONE!

vinnysca · Jul 22, 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bobc @ Jul 21 2007, 06:51 PM) [snapback]482925[/snapback]</div>

Vince, glad that worked out! It all looks great!

Just so the info is out there, here's the detailed email I sent to Vince as to what the issues are and what pins need to be swapped. It may all look confusing but it isn't. What's different are the way this mod taps into existing wires in the car. Unlike the reverse tilt module which uses a wire tap similar to one you get at Radio Shack, this mod uses all pins.

I've just had a busy summer this summer. I had hoped to do up documents with photos on all my mods but haven't had the time so far...

Vince will also have some comments on cutting part of the mirror housing so that that mirrors fold flat against the car doors. From a previous thread, one of the JDM mirrors doesn't fold flat.

Also Vince, do you remember which wire from the motor terminal goes to pins #9 and which goes to #10?

-------------------------------

THE BASICS:

The module does fold both mirrors.
The US version of the car is wired differently than the JDM one:
In that, there's no wires in the car that connect to the folding motors in the mirrors. So, we have to
run the wires ourselves.
And, one of the wires called for in the JDM manual is different in the US version.
The mirrors fold and unfold when the car is locked/unlocked.
The module needs a constant power source, even when the car is not running.
The module uses another power source to monitor when the car is on or off.
While the connections look complex, the module is just tapping into existing wires similar to the auto-tilt
module.
Other than running two wires from the passenger's mirror through the car to the driver's side, all the
connections are made in the driver's side door.

IN A LITTLE MORE DETAIL, the taps included with this module are just slightly more complicated than with the auto tilt module or the LED signal mirrors. Rather than using taps, the existing US wires are unplugged from connectors, the JDM wires are plugged in in their place and the US wires are plugged back into using the additional connectors supplied with the module.

The module gets constant power from the power window control switches in the driver's side door. The module monitors whether the car is on or off by tapping into the mirror up/down control on the driver's side door. It also connects to ground here, too.

The connections are straightforward except that we have to run our own wires from the mirror folding motors located in the mirror housings to the module located in the driver's side door.

The constant power tap called for in the JDM manual doesn't match the US wiring diagram. We need to tap into another wire on the same harness.

IN DETAIL:
In the JDM module manual, Page 5 instructs on accessing the door lock. These wires specifically go to the door lock motor.

Page 6 shows plugging two wires from the module into the door lock connector and plugging back in the two US wires that were removed on page 5. This is a different way of just tapping into the existing wires. The existing wires are pin #1 (green) and pin #4 (Yellow). From diagram JDM 6-1, it looks like the white wire from the module replaces the yellow wire and the White wire with the black stripe replaces the green wire. In 6-2, the yellow and green US wires get plugged into the 2 pin harness supplied with the module to maintian the original connection. When all said and done, the US Yellow wire should make the connection back to its original pin in the US harness and the same for the US Green wire.

Diagram JDM 7-2 shows where to secure the wires.

Diagram JDM 7-3 shows where the module just gets plugged in between the wires running from the car body to the up/down mirror control switch. In our cars, this is one of the wires that we disconnect from the console everytime we take the driver's side door apart. This is the 10 pin connector. The module taps into this to get power to run the folding motors and the ground. The US pink wire (pin #7) brings the power in and the White/Black wire (Pin #8) is the ground. The JDM module matches up with this.

What's missing is that there are no wires in the #9 and #10 spots. These are the wires that run out to the folding mirrors. So, we'll need to run our own wires from the mirror motors (More on this later...). There are two terminals for each folding motor. Wires from these two motor terminals need to be tapped into the wires going into the #9 and #10 pins of connectors B and C of the JDM module. On the JDM wiring diagram(Page #14), These are labeled as "MF" and "MR." I can only guess that these stand for "Mirror Forward" and "Mirror Reverse." So, run two wires from the driver's side mirror motor and connect to the JDM wires plugged into connector C in the #9 and #10 spots. And then, two wires need to be run from the passenger's side motor to the #9 and #10 in JDM connector B. The thing is, I can't remember which motor terminal would be connected to #9 and which would be connected to #10 (!) (Vince, do you remember?). So, temporarily attach the wires to the B and C connectors and swap them around on pins #9 and #10 until you've got the both mirrors folding when the car is locked.

Page 8 of JDM diragram shows the tap into the power window connector. This is the other harness with the larger gauge wires that we disconnect from the control panel when we tear the driver's door apart. According to the JDM diagram, we need to remove pin #10 from the US connector and plug the JDM pin into that. Looking at page #14 of the JDM diagram, this is where the module gets it constant power from--Meaning, there is always a voltage supplied to the module, even when the car is off. The problem is pin #10 goes to the left hand side, rear power window motor. Looking at the US diagram, there isn't constant power there. So, the Japanese car is wired differently than ours. As I look at the diagram, the only feasible place that has constant power coming is the #7 pin (violet), labeled "BW."

If this fails, get power from the door courtesy light. I'm currently using this for constant power for another mod. Tap into the red wire of the door courtesy light. This is the wire with the power.

So, from this, you can either follow the JDM diagram using pin #7, if it works, or just use a Radio Shack tap on the door courtesy light wire.

On page 14 of the JDM, part A is the module. Here's what I think the labels stand for:
Pin#
1-Mirror Forward heading to the Switch (And the driver's side motor)
2-Mirror Reverse heading to the Passenger's side Motor
3-Mirror Forward heading to the Passenger's side Motor
4- +B Constant power
5-Ground Motor (Although, there is no ground for the motor but this is the ground coming from the car body.)
6-Accessory Power Motor (This is the power that becomes active when the car is powered up.)
7 Motor Reverse heading to the Switch (And the driver's side motor)
8-Door Lock
9-Door Unlock
11-Ground heading to the Switch
12-Accessory Power heading to the Switch

As for running wires from the folding mirrors, I used a pretty light gauge wire. Something around 20. The motors don't draw that much power. I ran the wires through the protective vinyl that houses the wires of the LED signal mirror. To make the connection to the terminals of the folding mirror, it looks tough since the terminals are so far recessed inside the motor mount and are close together. What I did was scrounged up some female pins. Extra pins can be found in the connector at the base of the turn signal indicator on the steering wheel. Thes can be pinched with pliers to shape them to fit over the bigger pins of the motor terminals. Two other options, are to visit a salvage yard. Any small pins off of a late model Toyota will work. The third option is to size up the size pins you need and order some from Newark.com. I went the last route. These didn't fit perfectly but I just squeezed them a bit with pliers so that they fit snugly on the motor terminals.

I soldered these onto wires and covered the exposed wire and terminal with shrink tubing. Because I live in the Northeast and there's tons of road salt and sand in winter, I then filled the whole terminal cavity with silicon. See the photos I've included. There's one that shows a portion of the back of the mirror mount, the two terminals down inside (barely), the two wires with terminals attached, covered in shrink tubing and an unused terminal. To check the connections, hook up a 9v battery to the wires. The motor should whirr.

Lastly, I've posted this several times but in case you haven't seen it, there's a real easy way of running wires through the rubber boot that connects the car door to the car body. A Home Depot, or the like, buy a 12-14" zip tie. It had just the right stiffness and flexibility to do the job without folding or doing damage to the boot. Slide the pointed end through the boot and use electrical to attach the wires to the zip tie. Then, pull the tie back through along with the wires.

When I get back to the States, I'll alter my folding mirrors so that they automatically close and I don't have use the manual switch. I'm also thinking that I'll keep the switch to turn the module on/off so that they mirrors don't always fold when the car is locked.

Cheers,
-bob
[/b]
Click to expand...

Thanks Bob for posting the installation instructions for the auto fold mirror.

As a thankyou, I disassembled my driverside mirror again so that I could take several pictures of the wiring.

Here you go guys...

1. The first picture is the pic of my tap to the red wire of the driver's courtesy flood lights.

2. The second picture shows the connector that I redid, connecting to the fuse side of the auto fold harness.
This wire connects to the constant power wire of the courtesy light.

3. The third picture shows connector B and C of the JDM harness that Bobc had nicely labeled in his instructions. **As per his instructions, take the #9 & #10 pins from connector "B". This is where you'll be connecting the wires from the auto fold mirrors. As far as I remember, THE DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR WIRE'S NEGATIVE SIDE IS TAPPED TO THE #9 WIRE. THE POSITIVE SIDE IS TAPPED TO THE #10. THEN, THE PASSENGER'S NEGATIVE WIRE IS TAPPED TO THE #10 AND THE POSITIVE SIDE IS TAPPED TO #9. Do test this first to make sure it works. The way I tested it, was to connect the module harness and then closing all the doors and remotely locking the doors.

4. The fourth picture shows how I connected both mirror wires to #9 and #10 wires.

5. The fifth picture shows the underside of the driver's side auto fold mirror motor assembly. There is a portion of the underside that stops the mirror at an angle when closed. I USED A DREMMEL TOOL WITH A GRINDING BIT TO GRIND DOWN SOME OF THE PLASTIC. BY DOING THIS, YOU WILL MAKE THE CLOSING ANGLE SMALLER. THE MOTOR WILL FOLD IN AND STOP, REGARDLESS OF HOW FAR YOU GRIND IT DOWN.

6. The sixth picture shows how close the driver's side mirror closes after grinding that part of the mirror.

7. The seventh picture just shows how close the angle is when the passenger side mirror closes. It literally hits the window and stops. This is because the right side mirror assembly's angle is closer. There is no way to change it. This is the way the mirror assembly is made.

8. The eigth and last picture just shows the back of the motor assembly with the wires attached with silicon seal. It dried up and is now WATER SEALED!

Don't hesitate to ask questions guys!

Vince.

darelldd · Jul 22, 2007

Anybody want to put that all together in one cohesive explanation/pictoral package? If not, is it OK if I hack away at it to post on my site??? This is something that should be lost in the "archives" here... something that has proven to be less than reliable.

If somebody can make a Word doc or PDF of this whole procedure, I'd be happy to host it for the enjoyment of everybody.

mee081224 · Jul 23, 2007

Uh did anyone say the price of these folding mirrors?

vinnysca · Jul 24, 2007

For those of you guys or gals who are deciding on doing the auto fold mod AND if you also happen to have the WEATHERTECH window deflectors...

HERE IS WHAT I DISCOVERED AFTER A FEW DAYS...

As you know, the passenger side mirror folds in very closely to the window. In fact, the mirror housing HITS against the window. I noticed after washing my car today, the part of the edge of the weathertech window deflector butts against the bottom edge of the mirror housing (the black trim part). AND that it had chipped away a part of the laquered finish off the black trim. No big deal. Here's my solution:

Get a DREMMEL and use the round drum-like sanded attachment and make a half-moon indentation to make way for the mirror from butting against it. SEE ATTACHED PIC!

I remedied the small chip by buying a black touch up paint from the auto store. OR, better yet...(I should have done this first but had thought about it after I already painted over the chip), buy black laquered paint that's used for model airplanes/boats, etc. I would think that it would be a better paint medium to use on plastic trim. <_<

Vince.

Loveit · Jul 25, 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(scm2000 @ Jul 18 2007, 03:41 PM) [snapback]481179[/snapback]</div>

Cool, but what are they for?
[/b]
Click to expand...

When you have folding & tilt mirrors like this, then it is a whole lot easier to park the car especially when backing up, (you can see the white lines and back the car in according without wacking the back end of the car), and to adjust the mirrors without having to get out of the car to do it manually.

Although I don't have a Prius yet, (someday!), I use the side mirrors on my van for parking, backing up, and checking for the traffic around me. Thank goodness I don't have to get out of my car to make the adjustments.

Also, if it's a tight squeeze to park your car in the garage, you might want to fold in at least one of the mirrors, preferably the passenger side.

Spouse knocked off a side mirror pulling his car into the garage. Needless to say, it was the passenger side.

vinnysca · Jul 25, 2007

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(loveit @ Jul 25 2007, 12:09 AM) [snapback]484508[/snapback]</div>

When you have folding & tilt mirrors like this, then it is a whole lot easier to park the car especially when backing up, (you can see the white lines and back the car in according without wacking the back end of the car), and to adjust the mirrors without having to get out of the car to do it manually.

Although I don't have a Prius yet, (someday!), I use the side mirrors on my van for parking, backing up, and checking for the traffic around me. Thank goodness I don't have to get out of my car to make the adjustments.

Also, if it's a tight squeeze to park your car in the garage, you might want to fold in at least one of the mirrors, preferably the passenger side.

Spouse knocked off a side mirror pulling his car into the garage. Needless to say, it was the passenger side.
[/b]
Click to expand...

The auto fold mirror will only fold in automatically when the car is shut off and then the remote control lock is activated. But, Bobc will be tinkering on a "manual" switch-type override so that one can selectively fold the mirrors in when needed. Say, when you are at a carwash.

Vince.

exbauer · Apr 7, 2008

Re: My Auto Fold and Tilt Mirror Project is DONE!

I like the auto fold mod. But, would rather have a switch to get it to fold. Do you think the button from the new Tundra or Sequoia would fit in the switch blanks where the TCS button is? They have the auto fold mirrors in the top of the line models. There are 2 blanks next to the TCS button. They don't have any Tundras or Sequoias at the dealer I am close to take a look at.

Anybody?

vinnysca · Apr 7, 2008

Re: My Auto Fold and Tilt Mirror Project is DONE!

I was thinking of installing a manual override switch for the folding mirrors. But, nobody including myself have figured out how to do it. As for the switch, and EV button will probably do, or, a Japanese version of the intelligent park assist button seen of the European and Japanese Prius.

Vince.

exbauer · Apr 7, 2008

Re: My Auto Fold and Tilt Mirror Project is DONE!

Ah okay, I am just worried about the motor burning out with it folding and unfolding all the time. How is your mirror holding up so far? Any complaints on the auto fold module?

SZ92 · Aug 16, 2008

Could you put this into one guide that explains how to do everything with some pictures? It would greatly be appreciated.

PriuStorm · Aug 16, 2008

Would/could you use this if cruising alone on the freeway to improve your mileage?

vinnysca · Nov 24, 2008

Re: My Auto Fold and Tilt Mirror Project is DONE!

This is a REALLY late reply, as I've relocated and have been busy.

So far, no problems with the autofold mirrors. The motors have not changed their behavior in speed whatsoever.

Vince.

cairo94507 · Nov 25, 2008

Re: My Auto Fold and Tilt Mirror Project is DONE!

PriuStorm said: ↑

Would/could you use this if cruising alone on the freeway to improve your mileage?
Click to expand...

Uhh what? like flaps on a jet? I can't think of a better way to get into an accident than to fold the side view mirrors in while driving.

ilusnforc · Nov 25, 2008

Re: My Auto Fold and Tilt Mirror Project is DONE!

When I had a Honda Insight I did try a roughly 25 mile drive home on the freeway with the mirrors folded (in light traffic with lots of blind spot checking to compensate) and did not notice any appreciable benefit. Although I have seen some (in the Insight community) remove the side mirrors completely, thus doubling any reduction in drag because by folding them the mirror is still there, just a smaller profile. Still, the benefit to folding/removing mirrors has to be so miniscule that you might as well start (and I know I've read this answer in many other threads) removing those pretty plastic panels in the engine bay and take out anything cosmetic that has any weight at all and you'd probably gain the same benefit of folding/removing mirrors after a few pounds, or maybe skip a lunch... lol... really though, if you're going to go to the extent of folding/removing mirrors you might as well take out the passenger seat, rear seat backs and bottom pad, carpets, mats, spare tire, remove the antenna and emblems... you'd have to go to the extremes of dropping weight and drag to notice any appreciable difference.

jorgeez · Nov 26, 2008

Re: My Auto Fold and Tilt Mirror Project is DONE!

Impressive work on that one! Good job!

halpos4 · Nov 28, 2008

Re: My Auto Fold and Tilt Mirror Project is DONE!

ilusnforc said: ↑

When I had a Honda Insight I did try a roughly 25 mile drive home on the freeway with the mirrors folded (in light traffic with lots of blind spot checking to compensate) and did not notice any appreciable benefit. Although I have seen some (in the Insight community) remove the side mirrors completely, thus doubling any reduction in drag because by folding them the mirror is still there, just a smaller profile. Still, the benefit to folding/removing mirrors has to be so miniscule that you might as well start (and I know I've read this answer in many other threads) removing those pretty plastic panels in the engine bay and take out anything cosmetic that has any weight at all and you'd probably gain the same benefit of folding/removing mirrors after a few pounds, or maybe skip a lunch... lol... really though, if you're going to go to the extent of folding/removing mirrors you might as well take out the passenger seat, rear seat backs and bottom pad, carpets, mats, spare tire, remove the antenna and emblems... you'd have to go to the extremes of dropping weight and drag to notice any appreciable difference.
Click to expand...

LOL,I have the Autofold mirrors installed and i used Vinnysca and bobc's directions and advice posted here on PC.[Thank you Lads]
But there's going to extremes to save fuel and having mirrors folded would be just too dangerous IMO.but maybe they could be used to slow the car from 120KPH down to 119KPH and deploy the parachute also[but only in emergencies]

EZW1 · Nov 28, 2008

Folding in the mirrors will reduce dynamic drag (drag induced when the vehicle is in motion). Folding in the mirrors presents a slightly smaller profile to the slipstream and therefore reduces drag... but like ilusnforc, I wouldn't do it unless I was along on an open stretch of highway.

TharakaD · Nov 5, 2015

may be its a lame question, possibly answered earlier that i could not locate
I have JDM 2010 gen 3 as in profile pic.

it has folding mirrors with motors ..etc

can I make the mirrors fold automatically when i lock the car from touch handle or when its locked + ignition off..

My Auto Fold and Tilt Mirror Project is DONE!

vinnysca New Member

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