Ok so after a long winter I noticed that I must have left my mirror heater on too long. Have a little spot. I was looking at the switch that turns it on and off and its a simple push-on release-off. Duh right. But what if that switch was replaced with a momentary switch that activated a timer that automatically turned off the heater after a set time.

I found this website with a timer that will work. A long delay timer. Simple circuit that as built per the schematics turns off in 35 minutes. This is adjustable with resistors. The timer activates a relay to run the 12V for the heaters. I think it can be made without the second switch to turn off the timer/circuit.

Seems pretty straight forward right? Does anyone know what a safe time is for the heaters to be on? 30 minutes sound ok..

http://diy-electronics-projects.blog...lay-timer.html

 

I've never seen anyone try it out yet, so let us know if it works =P

I just replaced both my mirrors from the burn marks.

 

Yep I'll pick up the parts from radioshack and see what I can do. Doesnt look hard at all.

 

Arguably the way it should have been done right at the factory.

A relay timer should do the trick. Back in the day (15-20 yrs ago) I used to do all sorts of stuff like that (add on circuits) but being upside-down under the dash to install it all has gotten tough for my older bones.

 

Oh definitely, there's no reason it they shouldnt have done it this way. I hope to have a prototype by monday or so and in the car by next week.

What do you think would be a good time to have it run?

 

^It's not like a lot of ice or snow truly gets clogged up there. Or if it does you should be clearing it BEFORE you drive so that you can use the mirrors.

So I'd say 5-10 min max...

 

Neat project idea. I'd go with 12 minutes as a run time for them.

 

it is a good project idea ... should've come from the factory like this

 

35 minutes is nothing compared to what many drivers with the brown mirrors likely had it on for. I'm willing to bet there have been many cases where the driver will push the button in, forget about, and leave it on for days on end.

 

I think 14 minutes and 27 seconds would be perfect :P

 

Wow nice find! please keep us updated and take plenty pics.... On another note does anybody have a link or DIY on replacing spotted mirrors? My passenger has 2 shite stains and it bugs the HE double L out of me....

 

omg my car must be a twin! please tell

 

Yep that would be me lol. I'm thinking that 30 minutes is probably ok. I've had times when I was driving that I needed it on for at least 30 minutes due to heavy snowfall. Plus it'll be easier to build since I dont have to mod the original plans. But 15 would be just as easy. I wonder if I can make a variable timer. Push once for 15, twice for 30, 3 times off.. hmmm.

 

quick update. I went to radioshack. They had everything except the IC and relays.. so not helpful. Gonna go to a computer store tomorrow to get everything.

 

ok I got most of the parts for the timer. But I couldnt find the right relay. If anyone knows where to get one, please let me know.

I need a SPDT ~3A 12V relay with a 200-300 ohm coil. This last part is the hard one to come by. Might have to modify to accept a different coil.

 

I believe you meant to say H E Double hockey sticks!!!!

 

Welp got the components even if they arent exactly what I needed, but we'll see how it works. Here's a picture before its all soldered together.

 

working on getting the unit together. Shouldnt be much longer before its ready to test.

One question. I was working on the car today and couldnt get one of the clips under the dash off to remove the lower dash. Any tips on how to get it to release? Its the clip on the left side of the steering column.

 

Lots of force...

 

lol thanks. I'll try it again. I just dont remember it being that hard the first time I pulled the dash apart. The other clips just popped out..

 

Even after such a harsh winter, I never used the heated mirrors. What's the point? Can't you just remove the snow by hand?

 

I was at the dealer today and they said that its rust, not burning. Is he bs'ing because it looks damn close to burnt!

 

My solution is a little less elegant, but to me, much more effective. I put Multivex mirrors on both sides, and the view is fantastic as they eliminate blind spots. I installed them on my MR2 and motorcycle as well. I highly recommend them.

 

I've had my mirrors ice and fog over during snow storms. Ya you can clear it by hand but that's what heated mirrors are for

lol never heard of glass rusting..lol

 

Yes it is indeed rust caused by the circuit. It usually starts at the bottom of the mirror. I did replaced both. It's cheap, and takes 2 minutes to replace with a flat head screw driver (yeah I had the manual

I think it's a little bit overkill to add a timer on the switch, compared to the time and cost of the replacement just my 2cents

 

Does this 'mirror burning' appear as coin-sized rust/brown spots underneath the side mirror surface?

I've never turned on my mirror heaters and yet I have these spots on my mirror. They seem to randomly appear after car washes.

 

^^I also never used the mirror heater, even if we have a lot of snow around here during winter and did get that "burn/rust" on both mirrors. I had to replace the driver mirror first 2 years ago, and the passenger last December.

Rust is caused by humidity/water with non stainless metal so I guess the heater is not the main CAUSE of the problem. Thats why I think that installing a timer might not prevent the issue...

 

lol I have a LOT of time on my hands lately, so its really not a big deal to try this out. Plus I love these kind of little projects.

On a side note, I realized I got the wrong transistor. This one is for a 6v input. Not helpful on a car. Back to the store at some point.

 

^^I feel ya those kind of little project are always nice from collecting parts to the finishing result. It's a bit sad that you'll have to let time tell if this mod helps !

 

Same here. I have the rust spots on my mirrors and have never used the mirror heater. The spots are about the size of a dime.

 

could there be two issues at play here. On my right mirror the white lettering that says things are closer, all turned brown... Dont know if rust did that. Looks like it got roasted.