New '05 TL (no nav): the rear view mirror has an "auto" setting for night driving that supposedly detects headlights behind you and dims the mirror. However, I can't tell any difference with the auto setting on (green light on) or off. I wish the mirror would be dimmer than it is - it looks the same as in daylight. Does this thing really work? Is there any way to manually override and dim the mirror?

 

I just saw the 2nd generation post by hzm82 - I'm not sure that helps me. I just got this car last week, so I'm not exactly sure what to expect, and I'm under warantee of course.

 

Welcome to the forum. Happy to have you on board.

I definitely see a difference in my 04TL. I drove in an enclosed parking garage the other day, and couldn't see a thing out of my rear view mirror until I realized the green light was on and it was picking up the little bit of light still visible from the entrance. Turned off the green light and the mirror almost instantly changed back to daytime. At night you can also see a distinct difference, when driving in front of cars with headlights on, and pressing the button to change the mode.

There is no way to manually dim the mirror.

It is possible it is defective and not changing when you press the mode button. Give it a few more tries and then have it checked out if it is still not working to your satisfaction.

PS. Moved this from Tires & Wheels to 3G for you.

 

It is supposed to dim when it senses lights behind you. Next that happens, block the little sensor with your hand (use caution if you are driving) and the mirror should lighten up.

 

According to the manual the mirror dims when it detects light, then goes back to normal (non dimmed).

 

Incidentally, does anyone know how this system works? It's very cool.

 

Yeah, you should definitely notice a difference. Just last night someone was driving behind me with his brights on, and I could barely see ANYTHING out my rear view once I hit the button. However, my side view mirrors were blinding the hell out of me. The change is absolutely noticeable. When you're driving, keep the button off and notice how it looks. When someone gets behind you turn it on, it should blacken significantly. If it doesn't, take it back to the dealer to have it checked out.

 

i'm pretty sure it has a layer of liquid crystals and when current is applied, they will polarize (change orientation) and block the reflective layer underneath. i love that feature, works perfect. i can tell that it works when it's not really dark yet and i can see the skies in the mirror look darker then they should.

 

Are there different "grades" of shading? Sometimes it seems dimmer than other times, and I haven't figured out why yet.

 

The side-mirrors on my E-Klasse Mercedes dim. Another small Acura shortcut... Oh well, it's not THAT important.

 

You can cover the sensor facing the front of the car with your finger during the day and cause the mirror to darken. It is a good way to see if the mirror is working.

 

Sorry to bring this topic back.

But I just bought my first 2004 Acura TL with Navi last month and I didn't notice the difference while the button Auto is ON or OFF. Maybe mine is not working. I'll let it check out and feed back here.

 

While infront of a car at night. Press it. The headlights will go a dim green, and not glare. during the day= no difference except the little button will be lit up.

 

I love the dimming mirror, definitely noticeable.

 

You guys are rights, the difference is really noticeable during night drives in front of other cars.

 

I envy newer cars with side dimming mirrors. Older I get, the more lights at night bother me. I usually have to adjust the side mirrors when bright lights are behind me, thus reflecting the mirrors back at the drivers behind me, giving them the encouragement to pass me, else they enjoy blinding themselves with their own headlights. I usually have to adjust the rear-view mirror to the ceiling also when not in the TL.

 

Haven't had a car that didn't have a prismatic rear view mirror that you could tilt. They pretty much became standard equipment before I was born.

 

Yeah, try leaving it on auto, and wait for a car to come behind you at night, then look in the rear view mirror after looking in the side views and you can tell how much it dims the headlights in the rear view. Really bugs me the side view mirrors don't dim, they blind me at night.