Auto Dimming Mirror Cadillac Catera I

DESCRIPTION

Electrochromic day/night rearview mirror automatically changes reflectance to reduce glare from headlights. At night, as glare of headlights from behind increases, mirror will gradually become darker to absorb glare. During daylight or when gearshift lever is in Reverse, mirror will be clear and fully reflective. On some models, driver's side outside mirror will also be an electrochromic day/night mirror that is controlled by inside mirror. On some models, inside rearview mirrors also include a compass.

OPERATION

Day/night mirror(s) use a thin layer of electrochromic material between 2 plates of conductive glass. Two photocell sensors signal levels of light to a logic circuit. A forward-facing photocell sensor measures ambient light levels. A rear-facing photocell sensor measures glare from approaching vehicle headlights. When logic circuit senses more light from the headlight sensor than the ambient light sensor, the electrochromic drive circuit applies voltage to mirror(s). Approximately 1.15 volts is applied to mirror(s) when a large amount of glare is present, causing mirror(s) to darken. Voltage will be reduced to 0.01 volt when both photocells indicate the same light level.

When gearshift lever is shifted into Reverse, battery voltage is applied to mirror reset terminal. Mirror will gradually change to a clear state for better vision when backing up.

Variance

Using COMPASS button at bottom of mirror, press and hold until appropriate zone number appears in display. (Scheme 3) After button is released, display should show letter "C" and will need calibration. See CALIBRATION.

Calibration

If after 2 seconds, compass does not show a direction, check for possible magnetic interference (magnetic antenna mount, etc.). If the letter "C" appears in compass window, mirror needs calibration. Mirror can be calibrated in one of 2 ways, either by driving in circles at 5 MPH (8 km/h) or less until display reads a direction, or driving an every day routine.

Scheme 3

SYSTEM TESTS

Note. To identify connectors and wire colors, see WIRING DIAGRAMS .

AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR SYSTEM CHECK

1. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Move gearshift lever into Park. Move mirror switch to MAXIMUM, ON or MIRROR position, if necessary. Cover ambient light sensor (windshield side of mirror) with a dark cloth. Shine light on headlight sensor (on mirror side). Mirror should gradually darken.
2. Move gearshift lever into Reverse. Mirror should gradually lighten to a clear state. Move gearshift lever into Park. Mirror should gradually darken. Remove cloth and light. Mirror should gradually lighten to a clear state. If vehicle is equipped with compass, turn on compass. Compass direction display should be on.

MIRRORS INOPERATIVE

1. Perform «AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR SYSTEM CHECK»(/cadillac/catera/i-1996-2001/remont/mirrors/#auto-dimming-mirror__automatic-daynight-mirror-system-check) . Go to next step.
2. Disconnect automatic day/night mirror connector. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Using DVOM, check voltage between mirror harness connector terminal No. 11 (Brown wire) and ground. If battery voltage exists, go to step 4). If battery voltage does not exist, go to next step.
3. Repair high resistance or open in Brown wire between automatic day/night mirror and fuse block. Go to step 9).
4. Using DVOM, check resistance between automatic day/night mirror terminal No. 8 (Black wire) and ground. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to step 6). If resistance is not less that 5 ohms, go to next step.
5. Repair high resistance or open in Black wire between automatic day/night mirror and ground. Go to step 8).
6. Turn parking lights on. Using DVOM, check voltage between automatic day/night mirror terminal No. 9 (Brown/Blue wire) and ground. If battery voltage exists, go to step 8). If battery voltage does not exist, go to next step.
7. Repair high resistance or open in Brown/Blue wire between automatic day/night mirror and multifunction relay K134. Go to step 9).
8. Replace automatic day/night mirror. See «REARVIEW MIRROR»(/cadillac/catera/i-1996-2001/remont/mirrors/#auto-dimming-mirror__rearview-mirror) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
9. Reconnect all connectors and components. Perform procedures in «AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR SYSTEM CHECK»(/cadillac/catera/i-1996-2001/remont/mirrors/#auto-dimming-mirror__automatic-daynight-mirror-system-check) .

MIRROR DOES NOT LIGHTEN TO A CLEAR STATE IN REVERSE

1. Perform «AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR SYSTEM CHECK»(/cadillac/catera/i-1996-2001/remont/mirrors/#auto-dimming-mirror__automatic-daynight-mirror-system-check) . Go to next step.
2. Turn ignition on. Move gearshift lever to Reverse. If back-up lights are on, go to next step. If back-up lights are not on, locate and repair problem in back-up lighting system. See appropriate wiring diagram in EXTERIOR LIGHTS article.
3. Disconnect automatic day/night mirror connector. Move gearshift lever to Reverse. Using DVOM, check voltage between automatic day/night mirror terminal No. 10 (White/Black wire) and ground. If battery voltage exists, go to step 5). If battery voltage does not exist, go to next step.
4. Repair high resistance or open in White/Black wire between automatic day/night mirror and automatic transmission range switch (located on left side of transmission housing). Go to step 6).
5. Replace automatic day/night mirror. See «REARVIEW MIRROR»(/cadillac/catera/i-1996-2001/remont/mirrors/#auto-dimming-mirror__rearview-mirror) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
6. Reconnect all connectors and components. Perform procedures in «AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR SYSTEM CHECK»(/cadillac/catera/i-1996-2001/remont/mirrors/#auto-dimming-mirror__automatic-daynight-mirror-system-check) .

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Note. Electrochromic mirror cannot be repaired, and must be replaced as an assembly. DO NOT use ammonia-based cleansers on electrochromic day/night mirrors. Spraying cleansers directly on mirrors is not recommended.

Note. For removal and installation procedure for outside mirror assemblies, see POWER MIRRORS article.

REARVIEW MIRROR

Note. It is not necessary to use tools or other objects to pry mirror mount or mirror away from windshield. Use of tools may damage mirror, mirror mount or windshield.

1. Rock mirror from side to side, and pull mirror down firmly. DO NOT pull rearward on mirror, or mirror support or windshield may be damaged. Disconnect electrical connector. Unsnap mirror base cover.
2. To install, center bottom of mirror to lower part of support. Using a ring motion from side to side, push mirror up firmly. When mirror is fully seated, a click should be heard. Snap on mirror base cover.

WIRING DIAGRAMS

Note. See WIRING DIAGRAMS in appropriate POWER MIRRORS article.

See also:
• POWER MIRRORS
• WIRING DIAGRAMS
• AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR SYSTEM CHECK
• REARVIEW MIRROR