auto dimming mirror fix
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Joined: Jun 2014
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auto dimming mirror fix
I have the typical problem with the auto dimming driver's side mirror - seal broken, fluid causing discoloration. I can add a photo later.
Is there a repair I can do that lets me simply allow all the fluid to come out, then reassemble? I'd like to avoid taking the whole thing apart, putting in new glass, etc. I'd rather re-use what I have if possible.
Is there a repair I can do that lets me simply allow all the fluid to come out, then reassemble? I'd like to avoid taking the whole thing apart, putting in new glass, etc. I'd rather re-use what I have if possible.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
No thoughts on fixing the auto dimming function, but if my mirror goes, here is what I will do. Hope others can help you.
B835L FOR 97-04 CORVETTE 03-06 CHEVY SSR Mirror Glass Driver Side Left +ADHESIVE | eBay
B835L FOR 97-04 CORVETTE 03-06 CHEVY SSR Mirror Glass Driver Side Left +ADHESIVE | eBay
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 82
Likes: 6
Thanks, was looking for some option to not have to replace the mirror glass at all. I am not trying to repair the auto dimming, just make the mirror so I can actually use it. It's hard to see due to the purple and yellow discoloration and as of this year there are bubbles too.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Yeah, you can take it apart but a stick on mirror is significantly easier and so cheap, I wouldn't even bother. Was the first thing I did to my car.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,461
Likes: 354
From: Madison Alabama
Same issue on my Z16, will probably go with stick on option to repair bit its not that bad yet. However, this is a great example of what worries me as technology advances on new cars. I mean shouldn't this feature have lasted longer than 16 years? Especially on a $50K plus car when new!
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Same issue on my Z16, will probably go with stick on option to repair bit its not that bad yet. However, this is a great example of what worries me as technology advances on new cars. I mean shouldn't this feature have lasted longer than 16 years? Especially on a $50K plus car when new!
Cars don't last forever.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,461
Likes: 354
From: Madison Alabama
Nope, 3 year/36k was basic warranty. But that's not my point. And yes, cars do not last forever but something as simple as a rear view mirror should. Funny how the 38 year old mirror in my 1982 is working flawlessly.
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Joined: Jun 2014
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Do you see the edge of the stick on mirror?
Also, the rear view mirror is fine since it wasn't exposed to the elements like the driver's side outside mirror was. I think that is definitely one of the reasons the seal fails. Freeze/thaw, etc. I've only had the car 5 years, I can't know for certain if the previous owners kept it in the garage like me.
Also, the rear view mirror is fine since it wasn't exposed to the elements like the driver's side outside mirror was. I think that is definitely one of the reasons the seal fails. Freeze/thaw, etc. I've only had the car 5 years, I can't know for certain if the previous owners kept it in the garage like me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,602
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From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
I have ordered the stick on mirror from ebay from the link above. I feel like it is intended to replace the glass in the stock mirror rather than just be stuck on top of it. I feel like that would look much better than just sticking it on top of the the stock glass too. However, I'm not sure how to remove the stock glass and clean up the tinting liquid that has oozed inside the stock mirror. Does anyone know how to do this? Are there any good videos showing this? I suppose I could try to (gently) shatter the glass on the stock mirror, and then remove the broken pieces, but I am hesitant to do this. What is the "proper" way to do this (other than replacing the entire unit with another OEM auto-dimming mirror)?
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,602
Likes: 3,321
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Simpler? Absolutely.
New cars will never be simple again. The buying public wants too much for too little, and the government wants too many safety features. Those days are long, long gone.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,461
Likes: 354
From: Madison Alabama
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 856
From: Walhalla South Carolina
I have ordered the stick on mirror from ebay from the link above. I feel like it is intended to replace the glass in the stock mirror rather than just be stuck on top of it. I feel like that would look much better than just sticking it on top of the the stock glass too. However, I'm not sure how to remove the stock glass and clean up the tinting liquid that has oozed inside the stock mirror. Does anyone know how to do this? Are there any good videos showing this? I suppose I could try to (gently) shatter the glass on the stock mirror, and then remove the broken pieces, but I am hesitant to do this. What is the "proper" way to do this (other than replacing the entire unit with another OEM auto-dimming mirror)?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 828
Likes: 103
From: Olney MD
Just a data point to think about- I had a 2004 BMW 325i and the autodimming inside mirror started deteriorating (leaking). I found a guy on Fleabay who would fix it. You'd send him your mirror and about a week later it was back in your hands, all fixed. Maybe he'd provide the same service for Corvettes if someone looked into it.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.