Can auto-dim mirrors "wear out"???

[TxMike]

I ask this because on my wife's 2000 Toyota, and on my 2003 Zed, the auto-dim mirrors seem to have become less and less effective over the years. I first thought I was just getting used to the dimmed look, but I don't think that is the case any more.

The auto-dim feature used to be VERY noticeable in both cars. But now it seems almost non-existent on her car, and significantly less effective on mine than when it was new.

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[20ducks]

Well Mike, it all has to do with the dimming fluid. If it isn't changed on a regular basis one gets degradation. My zed, for example, had it changed earlier in April, to Spring dimming fluid. I also had the air in my tires changed to Spring air and improved my fuel mileage by 2 mpg. Trust me on this one......hehe.






















:wink:


btw, I have no experience in this mirror issue. After writing the above, I wish I did.

 

[TxMike]

Ahh... that explains it! I must have accidentally used turn signal fluid when I changed mine out.

 

[20ducks]

Ahh... that explains it! I must have accidentally used turn signal fluid when I changed mine out.

Exactly!

 

[TxMike]

But seriously folks.... :roll:

I've done a little searching around on the net, and I have an idea of how the electrochromic gel works, but I can't seem to find any discussion of the longevity of the devices, and/or what could cause them to lose effectiveness, other than physical damage to the system, or maybe degradation of the seals inside the unit.

It seems odd to me that BOTH of my vehicles have exhibited this over time, but has no one else noticed this phenomenon?

 

[enfield]

My 4 year old Infiniti (2004) has auto-dimming mirrors and they are as good as on my Z4.... I have not noticed any changes for the worse....

 

[pvr]

Could the sensor just get dirty which means that it receives less light?