Electronic Relay
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Electronic Relay
I'm trying to hook up a electrochromic mirror in my '98 vette. There are four factory wires Black(Common), Orange1(12V Always), Orange2(12V when interior lights are on), and Brown(.37V when car is running). I've determined that I need a relay to hook up to the brown wire to flip the 12v switch in the relay and essential turn on the mirror when the car is on. However, there are tons of types of relays at radio shack and I'm wondering if anyone has any electrical experience can help me figure out which one I need to buy. Thanks in advance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 807
Likes: 21
From: Los Altos CA
One of the orange wires is on when the headlights are on. It is the one that runs the orange console flood light. Since you normally only need the electrochromic mirror when the lights are on, this one should work without a relay. That is the way mine is set up and I am happy with it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
Likes: 156
From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
to make the mirror work, it needs 12V ignition switched power.
you could just hook up the 12v. hot wire, but you run the risk of killing your battery if the car sits for an extended period of time.
I had to run a 12v. ignition switched wire when I installed my electrochromic mirror, I later needed to install a relay to make the map lights come on when the doors open.
there is not much to "tear apart", the moldings just pop off, and the fuse panel is very easy to get to.
you could just hook up the 12v. hot wire, but you run the risk of killing your battery if the car sits for an extended period of time.
I had to run a 12v. ignition switched wire when I installed my electrochromic mirror, I later needed to install a relay to make the map lights come on when the doors open.
there is not much to "tear apart", the moldings just pop off, and the fuse panel is very easy to get to.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach, FL FL
follow these instructions;
http://www.c5forum.com/diy/electro_mirror.php
All you have to do is splice the wires, very easy...
http://www.c5forum.com/diy/electro_mirror.php
All you have to do is splice the wires, very easy...
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by RPOZ4Z
to make the mirror work, it needs 12V ignition switched power.
you could just hook up the 12v. hot wire, but you run the risk of killing your battery if the car sits for an extended period of time.
I had to run a 12v. ignition switched wire when I installed my electrochromic mirror, I later needed to install a relay to make the map lights come on when the doors open.
there is not much to "tear apart", the moldings just pop off, and the fuse panel is very easy to get to.
you could just hook up the 12v. hot wire, but you run the risk of killing your battery if the car sits for an extended period of time.
I had to run a 12v. ignition switched wire when I installed my electrochromic mirror, I later needed to install a relay to make the map lights come on when the doors open.
there is not much to "tear apart", the moldings just pop off, and the fuse panel is very easy to get to.
