Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 518

POWER
MIRRORS
CONTENTS
page page
DIAGNOSIS 2 SERVICE PROCEDURES 3
GENERAL INFORMATION . .. 1
G E N E R A L INFORMATION
This group covers power outside mirrors and the
automatic day/night inside rear view mirror, which
are available options on Ram truck models. Following
are general descriptions of the major components in
the power outside mirror and automatic day/night in­
side rear view mirror systems. Refer to Group 8 W -
Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit descriptions
and diagrams.
POWER MIRRORS
The power mirrors are connected to battery feed at
all times. Each mirror head contains two electric mo­
tors, two drive mechanisms and the mirror glass.
One motor and drive controls mirror up-and-down
movement, and the other controls right-and-left
movement.
The mirror glass is the only serviced replacement
part for the power mirror assembly. If any other com­
ponent of the mirror unit is faulty or damaged, the
entire assembly must be replaced.
POWER MIRROR SWITCH
Both the right and left mirror are controlled by a
single multi-function switch located in the left door
trim panel (Fig. 1). The switch knob is rotated clock­
wise (right mirror) or counter-clockwise (left mirror)
to select the mirror to be adjusted. The switch knob
is then moved in a joystick fashion to control move­
ment of the selected mirror up, down, right, or left.
AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR
The automatic day/night mirror automatically
changes its reflectance to reduce glare in all types of
driving conditions. A thin layer of electrochromic ma­
terial between two pieces of conductive glass make
up the face of the mirror. As light conditions change,
two photocell sensors adjust the reflectance while re­
ducing glare from headlamps approaching from the
rear.
The mirror incorporates 2 sensors. The ambient
sensor (forward facing) detects normal outside light
levels. The headlamp sensor (rear facing) detects
Fig. 1 Power Mirror Switch
light levels received at the rear window side of the
mirror. When the difference between the two levels
becomes too great (light level received at rear of mir­
ror is much higher than front of mirror), the mirror
begins to darken.
The mirror switch controls whether the automatic
dimming feature is on or off. When on is selected, the
switch is lighted by an integral LED. The mirror will
only operate when the ignition switch is in the ON
position. The mirror also senses the back-up lamp
circuit and turns off whenever the transmission
(manual or automatic) is in reverse.
The automatic day/night mirror can not be re­
paired. If faulty, the entire assembly must be re­
placed.