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Heated side mirrors

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by mgb4tim, Dec 16, 2009.

  1. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    I have a type-III. Do I have heated side mirrors? I've had them in many other cars, but they always had a little symbol etched into them showing they were heated. In my American cars (Ford and Cadillac), they were activated with the rear defrost. In my Japanese cars (Suzuki) there is/was an actual heated mirror switch.

    So, if I have them, when do they come on? I've RTFM when I got it, but don't recall seeing it, as it was August and I wasn't concerned about it then.
     
    #1 mgb4tim, Dec 16, 2009
  2. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    If you have them they come on with the rear defrost. There are no markings to show they are there. Check the Toyota US (toyota.com) website for to see if your model has them.
     
    #2 David Beale, Dec 16, 2009
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  3. 'E'

    'E' Erik

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    According to Toyota's website the heated mirrors are standard on all models.
     
    #3 'E', Dec 16, 2009
  4. Bobsprius

    Bobsprius BobPrius

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    Page 289 of the Manual...To turn the heated mirrors on, hit the Rear Defog switch and they are activated then...

    And do a Darn good job I might add! ;)
     
    #4 Bobsprius, Dec 16, 2009
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  5. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Like Bob said, you have them. Why they did not put on the symbols, I have no idea. Good question.
     
    #5 spiderman, Dec 16, 2009
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  6. DanMode

    DanMode Brooklyn Prius Guy

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    Well, since they are standard on all models, I guess there would be no reason to put on symbols for every window. What I don't understand is why they are only activated by the rear defogger setting and not the front?
     
    #6 DanMode, Dec 16, 2009
  7. ksstathead

    ksstathead Active Member

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    I think tying them to rear is the right choice. For me, once I clear them of ice I rarely have to deal with them again, whereas the front and side windows ice and fog during trips.
     
    #7 ksstathead, Dec 16, 2009
  8. risingsun

    risingsun seeker of the way

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    Every car I have ever owned with heated mirrors (4 different vehicles) had them tied to the rear defroster. Must be somewhat of an industry standard.
     
    #8 risingsun, Dec 16, 2009
  9. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    My Subaru Outback (99) had a separate switch for the heaters and they had the symbols on the mirrors.
     
    #9 spiderman, Dec 16, 2009
  10. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    Thanks for the info on the heated mirrors and the Rear Defroster controls. I have not needed mine yet so had not even looked to see how they are controlled.
     
    #10 jdcollins5, Dec 16, 2009
  11. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    An amazing true fact: The FJ Cruiser does NOT have heated side mirrors!

    One would naturally assume an SUV would have them, as virtually every other vehicle in Toyota's lineup does. A remarkable gaffe.

    Naturally, most FJ owners assume their vehicle has heated side mirrors
     
    #11 jayman, Dec 16, 2009
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  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The 2010 doesn't have the mirror image (hahaha get it?) on the rear defroster.


    jay, typical Toyota cost cutting. I'm compiling a feature/price list for Toyota passenger vehicles and you'll be surprised what you thought was a carryover model actually lost some equipment.
     
    #12 Tideland Prius, Dec 16, 2009
  13. venom700

    venom700 Just call me Brian...

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    I love how we get this standard but we can't even get fully automatic (on/off) headlights from the factory, even though the wiring & sensors are already installed. What a crock.
     
    #13 venom700, Dec 17, 2009
  14. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    Thanks for the answers. I haven't needed them yet, either. So, now I can be ready and not have to worry about scraping the mirrors right away.
     
    #14 mgb4tim, Dec 17, 2009
  15. DanMode

    DanMode Brooklyn Prius Guy

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    I could've swore the ol' 2003 Ford I used to drive around had the side mirrors turn on with the 'front' defroster. Hmm. Guess you learn something every day. Thanks for the info!
     
    #15 DanMode, Dec 18, 2009
  16. Jerzy

    Jerzy New Member

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    I've got the gen 2. This black stripe (heating element ) can be seen on the driver side. Is this correct?
    Thx,
     
    #16 Jerzy, Nov 17, 2023
  17. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Not sure how visible the heating element is just by looking, but if you've got a thermal imager you can see it within seconds after turning the rear defogger on.
     
    #17 ChapmanF, Nov 17, 2023
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