Hey all,
Well, first I'll admit that this question applies to a '99 Explorer Limited, not an F150 (but I do have a '98 F150 Lariat, so maybe that counts). First, this truck has the auto-dimming rearview mirror, that also contains the auto headlight switch. Well, both features are kaput right now. The mirror is permanently stuck on 'dark-out' mode. This isn't too bad in the daytime, but at night the mirror is all but useless if I'm wanting to use it to back up out of a driveway or something. It's like it thinks there's bright lights hitting it all the time. At the same time, the auto-headlight feature has quit working, too. I just have to turn the headlights on the old-fashioned way. If there was a wire broken to the mirror, does it default to 'dark' mode, or is the mirror naturally in dark mode and requires power to 'lighten up'? This has been a big puzzle for a while. I've looked in the manual and cannot find a fuse or relay that reads "mirror/auto headlight", etc.
The second questions pertains to the stereo. I am familiar with the procedure for removing the head unit from an F150, but I didn't know if, on an Explorer, you had to remove the center panel piece that goes around the radio/AC vents/temp controls. If it has to come off, I really can't tell how. It's like it's permanently attached to the dash, and I don't want to pry on it too hard and break something or tear up my dash. My 2-year-old filled the cassette slot with pennies, and now the display has shorted out. I wanted to see if I could remove the unit and get the pennies out and get the display back. Anybody had a similar situation? Thanks for any help. Later!

P.S. I promise, I do have an F150. This is just its little cousin!

 

Fuses 11 & 36 power mirror functions. Fuse 11(7.5 amp)will power the red/yellow wire at mirror with key in run position and fuse 36 (7.5 amp) will power green/yellow at mirror,this one is hot all the time. With no power to mirror it should default to clear. Is mirror dark with key off?If it is I would suspect mirror.The radio removes without taking trim off if it is a factory unit. Just insert special tools and pull out. It is common on this year explorer for the display to burn out while the unit still plays music. Don,t be to hard on the little one,it probably wasn't their fault.

 

Thanks, Stan! Yes, the mirror is dark at all times, key in or out, on or off. It seems like it would have to be getting power to stay dark. But whatever is ailing the mirror is affecting the auto headlight switch, too. I used to leave it on and never had to touch the dash headlight switch. If the whole mirror assembly has pooped out, would a replacement fix the problem? And if I did get a replacement, how would I go about disconnecting the old one? There is a massive wad of wires that go to the mirror that disappears into the headliner, and I haven't seen a place where there is a disconnect. I really don't want to pull the headliner down. Anyway, thanks for the help, and I hope to hear from you soon. Later!

 

The wiring unplugs from back of mirror.Look close may be a small clip you will have to release on connector.You are right about power turning mirror dark.I would unplug wiring to mirror and if mirror stays dark it has to be mirror assy.