Have a 2007 F150 with what I think are two self-dimming exterior mirrors. Dealer is telling me that I only have one. How do I know for sure who is right and who is wrong.

 

Exterior or rear view ?

Don't know for sure on the '07, but my '06 Lariat is only rear view mirror that dims.

To know for sure take a look at the truck sticker, or check an auto site for the list of standard features on an '07 XLT.

 

I think you're right as usual on this Steve. In my search for a puddle lamp module, I looked at the parts catalog for outside mirrors all the way up to 2008. I've never seen anything that is described as "self-dimming".

- Jack

 

On my 08fx4 the driverside and rearview mirror dim.

 

Well Jack, I guess this is another case of I was wrong. badassfx4 has the rear view and side mirrors on his '08. Sounds like something that might have started in '07 ???

Well, can't get it right all the time

The Tasca Ford parts web site does not show anything for '07 & '08 mirrors with Auto dim ?

http://www.trademotion.com/pages/ind...8&pageid=10207

-Steve

 

I'm pretty sure I checked Tasca, among several others. But, of course, NOTHINGS perfect! I actually never did find the puddle lamp module in the parts catalogs. Another forum member in the King Ranch forum came up with the part number after talking with a parts guy (who knew his stuff) in one of these places.

Guess it's all live and learn! Seems like they could come up with one that extends as a tow mirror AND has power fold too if they could make them auto dimming.

I wonder what percentage of the cost of a truck is tied up in "gadgets"? (Of course I DO love the gadgets - even though they do fail now and then! I tried to see if I could fix some non-working window switch lights recently - I've never seen such a tiny LED and I really see no way to work on it or even test it.)

- Jack

 

Jack,

One would think power fold would be that much more important on tow mirrors, then the regular ones, maybe the 'break away' function for the power does not work too well with that much mass in the wind ??

If you think gadgets, think about the engine. If you look at the posts in this forum, there are quite a few common threads, that would apply to XL as much as King Ranch trim level.
The items like power windows / power door locks would not apply to the lower trim packages, but there are about as many posts for XL, XLT, STX owners installing PW, remote start systems, and PDL.

Airbag lights, adding aux lamps, 12 V DC outlets, ODB port not working, problems with headlamps, etc, these would all be common over any trim level truck.
Same with the Engine section ( when I had time to troll both forums ), the problems were the same over any trim level, and the 5.4 had quirks, as did the V-6 and smaller V-8 ( DPFE ports clogging on the throttle body comes to mind ), so one engine displacement was not without a little quirk that the other engines did not have.

Don't know why Ford has not gone to it yet, but the car mfgrs stopped with manual windows, as this added costs to the production line ( carrying 2 door gut sets ). Show a 5 YO a crank window, and see if they know what to do with it

Steve

 

Hi Steve. I know I can put the **** towing mirrors on to my "standard power folding" mirrors and they do very well in the wind. And, they stick out like crazy, so I can see down the sides of my 8-foot wide trailer.

The "auto dim" feature seems pretty useless to me. With the factory tinted rear window, and now my bed cap, I don't think the auto dim even functions for the inside mirror in the Ford. And, on my old 91 Honda, with a tinted backlight, I never bother to adjust the mirror to the anti-glare position - the tinting takes care of it all. I know I never notice any glare in the side mirrors, in either vehicle.

But, whenever I park my truck in an outdoor lot (or when I pull it into the garage) I always fold the mirrors in. I think power fold is one of the best features Ford's put on those things - after power adjust.

- Jack

 

+1

 

On my 08 the drivers and interior are dimming mirrors and I have to say, the dimming part is ok, but whatever film they use to make the dimming part on the drivers door always makes the mirror have water spots even since day one, a just fresh wash still looks spotted, not too found of it, IMHO. Nice concept but poor execution, IMHO.

BTW- a quick way to tell on the outside mirror is if you have a 1/8" border all the way around of non tinted mirror around the darkened center viewing square, then its dimming...if that makes sense?