autochromatic mirror for '85 Continental

[Nick]

will an auto dimming mirror from an XR7 Cougar work in my car?

[pro-five-oh]

Does it have a three pin connector on the back of it? If so then it will.

What year is your Conti? It will need to be a 1984-up for this to work.

[Nick]

I'm not sure if its a 3 pin connector or not. My car is an '85 Continental. I found a picture of the mirror in my owner's manual. They look the same. I will ask the guy if it's a 3 pin connector.

[Charles A.]

You can install any mirror you want provided you have a way to add wiring for it. If your car didn't come with this option chances are it doesn't have the wiring for it. (If the wiring IS already there then you're all set!)

I just installed an electrochromic mirror in my '95 TC which came out of a '98 Crown Vic. I pulled both the mirror and wire harness.

Since my TC doesn't have a "plug-in" for this option, I had to splice the other end of the harness to get the appropriate feeds to the mirror. The newer mirrors only need 3 inputs:

1) IGN +

2) Ground

3) +12V when backup lamps are on


The backup lamp feed is a safety feature which causes the mirror to "un-dim" when you put the car in reverse so you can see to back up. You can eliminate this wire but I don't recommend it.

Depending on the location of your wires this can be a simple job or a bit of a hassle. On mine for example there is no gear selector switch at the column so I had to run a wire all the way back to the trunk for the backup lamps feed!

Good luck and write back if you have any questions. . .

Charles

[pro-five-oh]

Those three wires are all that is necessary for the "old" Lincolns too.

William Shirley (you can look his email up here) has installed an auto mirror in his Mark VII and it was a simple plug in deal.

I think that the 80s Contis and Marks already have the wiring because the automatic headlight dimmer is up there.

[Nick]

I hope the wiring is up there or else I'm stuck with a mirror I don't need. How is the swap done? I never changed a mirror before so I will be in the dark when the mirror arrives. Thanks

[Charles A.]

Hopefully your older model mirror has an attachment bracket with a set screw. This will require an allen wrench (also known as a hex key). Simply loosen the set screw and slide the mirror off the mounting tab (which stays affixed to the windshield.)

Installation is the the reverse of removal. Tighten the set screw until the mirror is snug (don't over tighten!). If it comes loose later you can use some thread locking compound to hold it firmly in place. Plug it into the wire harness and you're in business.

BTW, if you break the mounting tab off the glass or it falls off from age, you can buy a special glue to reattach it. Follow the directions and be sure to let it set for several days before installing the mirror. Also be sure the glass is thoroughly cleaned before reinstalling the mounting tab.

The newer mirrors use the same mounting tab but have a proprietary snap-lock bracket with a hidden spring clip. These are a pain in the rear to remove and require a special tool that you can only get from the dealer or an automotive tool supplier.

Good luck!

[Nick]

I finally got the mirror in the mail. It doesn't look like it plugs in. Does anyone know if the wiring is the same so that I could just splice it?