So this thread is actually about a couple things related to the side-view mirrors.
1. They are switched by the ignition, meaning they will not operate with the ignition in the off (or even accessory) position. According to the manual, it's supposed to be this way. How would you go about disconnecting them from the ignition, and is it at all recommended?
B. The driving mechanism is a gosh-awful screw-drive mechanism. Because they're non-slippable, when they're moved by anything other than the motors (not uncommon for them to be moved unintentionally), they will end up being damaged. While I'm sure this is too complicated to be recommended, how would you go about changing it to a slippable friction-drive?

 

What are you talking about? It seems like you're referring to power folding mirrors, but didn't mention that.

I wired my JDM power folding mirrors using a DPDT relay, and a OEM Honda timer relay.

 

No, I'm referring to the power-adjusting mirrors (although I'm pretty sure the car was only offered with manual-fold as stock, so power fold wouldn't be in the manual). Did forget to mention that this relates entirely to the power mirrors!

 

You're right, sounds complicated. Makes it seem easier to do something like gut the current mirrors and put in your preferred drive mechanism, Maybe even use guts of different mirror system. Why not skip all the mechanisms and swap in a manual set of mirrors. Curious as to why you don't like the OEM ones.

 

The mirrors crunch when moved by hand. If that is done enough, they will stop working. Additionally, they're unusable when the ignition isn't in the on position, something that I've never had on another vehicle before.

 

Ah, I see. You could wire it differently to get power whenever you want, but I've never felt the need as they adjust with the driver's memory positions.

 

You have the memory "seat" feature (which is more than just seats)?? Lucky!!

 

Fuse #4 (7.5a) under the dash provides power to the ABS/TCS control unit, Power mirror actuators, Power mirror defoggers, Seat heater relay, BSC control unit. It's a yellow/blk wire. The yellow/blk wire (one branch of it) runs to the power mirror switch connector that provides power to the defogger (pin 3) and mirror position (pin 1). You'd have to clip the yellow/blk that powers the mirrors and run a separate power lead to it that is hot without the key in the RUN position. Bear in mind that the Mirrors will no be fused from the other source so you need to check the fuse rating of the other supply. If I were to do this, I'd power from something that's on in the accessory position so there's no power in the door when the key is off. I would also leave the defogger as is.

The "memory seats" are called the Driver Position Memory System (DPMS). The DPMS does seats and mirrors.

I don't have DPMS but have never felt the need to adjust my mirrors with the key off.

 

Figures that it's tied to other systems, and more complicated than it's worth. Also, DPMS is a much better name than Chrysler has for it (which literally is memory seats)

 

LOL...this is a 20 year old car.

Do you adjust your mirrors that much?

Also, I personally would warn against going around as you may inadvertently introduce a parasitic draw to your battery.

Yes, DPMS. The car keyfobs have a function that moves the mirrors/seats to the preset positions of 1 or 2 on the memory seat module based on which keyfob (they too should have a number 1 or 2 on the back labeling) was used to unlock the car.

 

Never had any other car with them tied to the ignition, and it's never ever been a problem for their batteries. Unfortunately, our car does not have its key fobs; only the keys. No idea what happened to them. They're probably still up in Canada somewhere (and this car hasn't been there in years--it was already in the US for some time when we bought it).

 

Update: I rolled the car today after adjusting the mirrors (which fall out of adjustment because of how old they are and how crappy the roads are). It took me awhile to realize the car wasn't started, too. I might just get rid of the power mirrors entirely and put in some manuals, depending on how complex it is.