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[iansoutham]

Guys, I have one of the auto dimming interior mirrors retro-fitted into my CDX Estate (1998 model) but since fitting the shades into the back, I have found that the mirror starts in the clear position but quickly moves to the semi-dimmed position once the ignition is turned on.

I have had the unit apart and there is a dip switch with "high" and "low" positions. From factory, it appears to be set in the "low" position. Removing the switch, or putting it into the "high" position seems to make the mirror work again.

Any idea what it is actually for?

[TheBoy]

Suspect its for sensitivity

[iansoutham]

I agree, but you would think that it would work the opposite way as the inside of the car is now darker? More light needed to make it dim in the low sensitivity position, not less.

[Entwood]

I agree, but you would think that it would work the opposite way as the inside of the car is now darker? More light needed to make it dim in the low sensitivity position, not less.

Nope .. inside of car is darker, so the mirror "thinks" it is night time, so goes to "dim" mode expecting bright lights on cars behind .. it acts BEFORE the lights hit it .. not after .. otherwise you would get blinded first then it would dim .. an unsafe procedure.... 

Just watch it in action .. it doesn't go bright/dim/bright/dim etc etc as cars come and go behind you ... when it gets dark around it, it goes to dim mode.. when it gets light around it, it goes to bright mode ... 

[Andy B]

I agree, but you would think that it would work the opposite way as the inside of the car is now darker? More light needed to make it dim in the low sensitivity position, not less.

Nope .. inside of car is darker, so the mirror "thinks" it is night time, so goes to "dim" mode expecting bright lights on cars behind .. it acts BEFORE the lights hit it .. not after .. otherwise you would get blinded first then it would dim .. an unsafe procedure.... 

Just watch it in action .. it doesn't go bright/dim/bright/dim etc etc as cars come and go behind you ... when it gets dark around it, it goes to dim mode.. when it gets light around it, it goes to bright mode ... 

but it uses the sensor on the front of the mirror ie nearest the windscreen, to determine whether it 's dark outside & whether it then dims when it sees a car's lights behind,  so it won't make any difference to the sensor whether the rear windows are clear or bricked up.