Hi everyone, new to the forum and to the Ford Ranger. I'm installing an auto dim mirror with the compass and temp gauge and need help with the 12v keyed power wire. Can I tap into the radio wiring harness 12v ignition/acc wire? Will that not drain the battery? I've done some searching and read that tapping into the dome light would cause the battery to die. Some how to's I've read are a bit confusing because they includes headlight mods with the wiring. Would this be ok, or is there a better place to wire it to?

Thanks for everything. This forum has helped me a lot.

 

Yes.
No problem with the battery unless you leave the switch in ACC for a very long time.

 

That's what I used too.

 

Awesome!! Thanks for the quick replies.

 

Hey guys! I installed this mirror yesterday and hooked it up throughout the stereo like we talked about. It looks great at night and have full visibility of the compass and temp, but when I got in the truck today (very sunny and bright with the snow) I can't see anything, but I it's working if I cup my hand around the mirror and see the faint light. Any ideas? Is there an adjustment I need to make? I don't have a manual because I bought it off eBay. Thanks.

 

There might be a dimmer wire in the mirror connections that connects to the dimmer wire of the Ranger. If there is one and if it is powered all the time, the display would be dimmed all the time. And (sigh) what year is your Ranger?

 

It's a 2001 XLT. There wasn't a dimmer wire to the mirror. Just 4 wires. Power, ground, and two for the temp sensor.

 

Does it have any light sensors? There MIGHT be 2 - one in the glass to dim the mirror for following lights and possibly another in front to sense ambient light.

 

Yes I believe it has sensors. I was told to try putting a bright flashlight on the back sensor to the left but that didn't work. I've also tried covering the sensors and flooding them with light but neither worked. Might just be a bad mirror.

 

Gentex makes most of the domestic OEM and accessory mirrors, so there's a good chance that yours is one too. Try these:

http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...n+instructions

http://www.gentex.com/automotive.html

 

HAHAHA yeah that never gets old

 

Alright, it was the sensor in the back of the mirror. It wasn't realizing it was day and was dimming all the time. Contacted seller and 2 days later had a new one to install. Works great!

If anyone is interested in a mirror I got it from eBay seller cgshaw2010. He only deals with mirrors. Great experience.

Thanks for all the help and replies. The pics came out crappy, but once the weather gets nice I'll get a photo garage going.