Thread: Anybody pulled apart an Electrochromic rearview mirror?

I suspect that once they're shot that's about it. By all means check dry solder joints etc, but it could also be a deterioration in the gel substance. Other posters have described the gel as corrosive.. are there any leaks you can detect?

They were manufactured by a company which was swallowed by the giant Magna Donnelly corp. Magna Donnelly then launched a recall several years ago (around 2007-2008) when a lot of the ones fitted to Range Rover P38s began to fail and leak gel. The recall was discontinued a couple of years ago.

The same mirror was fitted to Holden Statesman/Caprice models late 90's and perhaps later as I remember. A search of rangerovers.net and this forum may bring up more details as to which Holden models. If so you might be able to get a reasonable one from a wrecker

Quite a number of people who didn't /couldn't take up the MD recall offer for whatever reason elected to bin the defective part and buy a newer/better one from eBay and which incorporated GPS mapping screen/reversing camera capability etc. At that stage, the cost of the eBay offerings were less than the listed price for a 'genuine' replacement (not surprising!)
cheers

Can't help with the mirror, but hoping you can help me? Any chance you can slide under your rangie and tell me what the color codes are for the wires on the speedo drive on the transfer case? I have a spaghetti ball of wiring and plugs I need to sort out

Actually I may be able to help with the mirror, wonder if my 93 lse has the same mirror?.

Originally Posted by Hoges

Quite a number of people who didn't /couldn't take up the MD recall offer for whatever reason elected to bin the defective part and buy a newer/better one from eBay and which incorporated GPS mapping screen/reversing camera capability etc. At that stage, the cost of the eBay offerings were less than the listed price for a 'genuine' replacement (not surprising!)
cheers

I have 2 of the mirrors, neither of which works. I'd be interested in any more info on the quote above if it's readily available.

Even when working '100%' they never had the retina-preserving capacity of the low-tech 'prismatic' dipping mirror.
When mine goes, I'll be replacing it with anything but original.

Yes, the Magic Mud is corrosive to certain plastics, so I'm reliably informed by an independant LR specialist...so when it leaks out, the dashboard is ... - join the dots...

Since it's a stick-on windscreen mount, it might accept a Ford/Holden/Volvo/Jap/anything else mirror. That black plastic bit going up to the roof is only a dressing for the wires.

Originally Posted by Hoges

I suspect that once they're shot that's about it. By all means check dry solder joints etc, but it could also be a deterioration in the gel substance. Other posters have described the gel as corrosive.. are there any leaks you can detect?

They were manufactured by a company which was swallowed by the giant Magna Donnelly corp. Magna Donnelly then launched a recall several years ago (around 2007-2008) when a lot of the ones fitted to Range Rover P38s began to fail and leak gel. The recall was discontinued a couple of years ago.

The same mirror was fitted to Holden Statesman/Caprice models late 90's and perhaps later as I remember. A search of rangerovers.net and this forum may bring up more details as to which Holden models. If so you might be able to get a reasonable one from a wrecker

Quite a number of people who didn't /couldn't take up the MD recall offer for whatever reason elected to bin the defective part and buy a newer/better one from eBay and which incorporated GPS mapping screen/reversing camera capability etc. At that stage, the cost of the eBay offerings were less than the listed price for a 'genuine' replacement (not surprising!)
cheers

I cant see any leaks. I've had the mirror in my hand with the 2 wires coming off it that go to the plug. Looks fine to me. The one I've got has the 2 map lights under it (which both work fine, hence the unit is getting power). I've got an electronics bod who may be able to trouble shoot it 4 me.. BUT, if Superquag is right, I'm wondering if its worth it.

Originally Posted by Vern

Can't help with the mirror, but hoping you can help me? Any chance you can slide under your rangie and tell me what the color codes are for the wires on the speedo drive on the transfer case? I have a spaghetti ball of wiring and plugs I need to sort out

Actually I may be able to help with the mirror, wonder if my 93 lse has the same mirror?.

I can have a look, just as long as its not pouring rain .
I also have a PDF Manual on CD, can cross check there too.
Interested in the mirror.

Does your PDF have an electrical wiring diagram for a soft dash rangie?.

I can see a slight discolouration in my mirror, which lends weight to the idea it's on the way out.
My $95,000(RRP) Classic shares the ignominy of Failure with my First Car, an $1,000 '67 XR Falcon with it's plain mirror.
Every one in between has managed to turn High Beams into Parking-lamp brightness. I don't think I'm being unreasonable...

Anyone got a link to one of those aftermarket electros...that they have experience of and does the full job ?