Auto-dimming mirror removal?

[HeatXfer]

Has anyone here pulled their stock, auto-dimming rearview mirror for any reason? I originally installed a Wolfbox 4k dashcam mirror with the 2k rear camera for whenever I run my cargo pod, but I like it so much I'm going to leave it there permanently. It's currently strapped to the stock mirror but I'd like to remove the stocker and use the Wolfbox alone with an "OEM" adapter. I can't see or find the release tabs like the non-electric mirrors have. It looks like it might rotate off its base like a quarter-turn quick-connect, but I don't want to try that without knowing for sure. I'm waiting for Wolfbox to get back to me with adapter availability.

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[airline tech]

Affirmative - Rotate CCW to remove

 

[HeatXfer]

Aha! Thank you! I looked for a view like that on a few Ford parts sites but had no luck.
Thanks again! ?

 

[TheExtra404]

This thread is so on the nose for me. I was just thinking of getting the Wolfbox dashcam mirror, and I also have the auto dimming mirror. Also figured I should look into a permanent install.

 

[HeatXfer]

I confirmed that none of the Wolfbox 'OEM' mounts will work with a 5G Ranger. I wasn't sure how to get the stocker off the windshield, and I was afraid to twist the stalk for fear of popping the adhesive or cracking the windshield, but AT's post from the service manual was pretty clear: All you have to do is pry that top tab out of its notch and then twist. It pops right off. I was checking wrecking yards for the cheap stock, non-autodimming mirrors so I could cannibalize the base for use with the Wolfbox, but after a couple of hours on the internet I was able to find a very similar stalk with the same hexagonal mount. Because I'm cobbling parts together, I'll wait to post the results if I'm successful.

Two drawbacks of strapping the Wolfbox to the stock mirror is that the forward camera's view out the windshield is partially blocked by the windshield's anti-collision camera inside trim piece, and the Wolfbox starts to feel awkwardly close when strapped to the stocker. If I'm able to mount the Wolfbox closer to the windshield, that will eliminate those two problems.

 

[TheExtra404]

Thank you for the update on your journey. Looking forward to your findings.

 

[Frisbeterian]

Also following. Hoping to catch a wolfbox g900 at a low price for prime day.

 

[HeatXfer]

Also following. Hoping to catch a wolfbox g900 at a low price for prime day.

Waiting for one part to come in, then I'll post the setup. So far I really like it.

 

[Digglesworth]

Waiting for one part to come in, then I'll post the setup. So far I really like it.

Looking forward to seeing what you did. Super interested in getting a wolfbox soon.

 

[Frisbeterian]

Me too! Mine comes in today.

 

[HeatXfer]

Here's an update:

I received the bracket and the back plate to mount the Wolfbox in place of the OEM mirror, but it holds the Wolfbox too low and at the same forward position as when it's mounted to the stocker. I got the bracket from AliExpress, I'm not real happy about using them, but at $4-$6 each I get all tingly. Amazon has them too, but @ $20ea. I've found that the brackets are probably made by the same company and no matter where you order them from, the same model numbers are used. The bracket I ordered was an Anshilong #65. I think a #3B or #33 would probably work better, but I've got a workaround for the #65. I also need to get some M2x15mm screws to mount the plate to the back of the Wolfbox.

While doing the swap, I discovered that power to the mirror circuit continually cycles on & off if the stocker is not connected. There must be some kind of feedback, amp draw or minimum resistance for he dimmer circuit to stay powered. I only found one power adapter for the ranger from a company called 'Donger' in Hayward, Ca. (yep, "The Donger")

Anyway, here's a link to their website
(It's only a buck more on Amazon w/free Prime delivery)

So with that being the bigger issue, I've got to figure out a way around the power problem without running a wire down to the fuse box or cigar lighter.

In any case, I was able to modify the #65 to my liking. I've got to trim that tail off so it will fit under the windshield trim piece, but it puts the Wolfbox where I want it. I'll update regarding the power issue.

 

[airline tech]

In trying to understand exactly what the voltage issue is with the Wolfbox plugged in.

When do you see the power fluctuate? Drive or Reverse as I am wondering if the Reverse input is causing power to fluctuate, dependent on if the aftermarket mirror is tapped into that wire on the connector.

This is how the OE Mirror works.
so, this would be varying voltage (inside the mirror) dependent on lighting hitting the sensors.
and when reverse is selected.

So how many wires does the Wolfbox have on the connector? that is connecting to the Auto-Dim connector C9039
and does the Wolfbox have (Auto-Dim) functionality?


System Operation- Interior Auto-Dimming

The interior auto-dimming mirror uses 2 integral photoelectric sensors to detect exterior lighting conditions. When the forward facing sensor detects daytime conditions, the rearward facing sensor is inactive and the mirror glass stays in a high reflectance mode. When the forward facing sensor detects nighttime conditions, the rearward facing sensor is active. When bright lights (glare) are detected by the rearward facing sensor, the mirror glass is electronically darkened. To provide increased visibility when backing up, the interior rear view mirror automatically returns to a high reflectance mode any time reverse gear is selected, regardless of exterior lighting conditions.

 

[airline tech]

Another question is what is the specs on the Cam, you are tapping into a 15-Amp circuit with only 2 items on that fused circuit.
Auto-Dim Mirror and Exterior Mirror Control - Switch for side mirror adjustment

 

[HeatXfer]

A.T., thanks for your input. There are no issues when the Wolfbox is connected to the OEM mirror power as long as the OEM mirror is connected as well. The power cycles off & on about once every 2-3 sec. only when the Wolfbox is connected and the OEM is not. The truck was in Park when I experienced the power cycles, I haven't tried it with any other gear/position. The Wolfbox does not have auto-dim: no ambient or rear facing sensors, just standard dimming of the LED screen, same as a tablet or laptop. I'm not using the reverse function, it's not hooked-up.

I haven't confirmed this, but when the Wolfbox is plugged in, I assume the OEM mirror would still function normally.

The power tap dongle is a 3-wire, but only 2 go to the Wolfbox to the female USB-A connector.

 

[airline tech]

I never really paid much attention to this - At Night, but this may be the reason.

Exterior - Auto Dimming

The LH exterior mirror equipped with an auto-dimming mirror glass. The LH exterior auto-dimming mirror function is controlled by the interior auto-dimming rear view mirror. The exterior mirror glass only darkens when the interior auto-dimming mirror detects bright light from behind the vehicle during nighttime conditions.

The only info I can find on this are the descriptions posted.
I do not see any feedback monitor reporting from the BCM or how it controls the circuit power other than the internal sensor on the mirror.
The only thing that could possibly alter the voltage is the Reverse Signal (input) or the L- Mirror has a sensor on it, which by description it does not.

Thats why I was asking how the OE connector integrates with the Wolfbox Mirror.
Are there only 2 wires or 3 wires for the mirror - connecting to the OE (3-Wire) connector, more specifically - I am looking for what is the mirror doing with the Reverse Signal (Input)

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