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  #16  
Old 09-27-2010, 10:57 AM
somidscr21 somidscr21 is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

Ya thanks Clinton. I realize that T taps seems easier Fourliter Dan, but if you read the instructions, it clearly says do not use them. That is why I asked about the butt connectors.
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  #17  
Old 09-27-2010, 04:59 PM
Fourliter Dan Fourliter Dan is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

been running t taps for over a year and have had no issues. just gotta make sure your conncections are solid!


edit: now for doing the auto dim lights i can see not using t taps....i would definetly use somthing else. i am running hid's and dont want to have auto lights with them. so with just an ohc and auto dim, i dont see any reason why you couldnt use taps. the wire that could potentially do damage is only used off the stereo
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Last edited by Fourliter Dan; 09-27-2010 at 05:05 PM. Reason: another thought
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  #18  
Old 09-27-2010, 05:04 PM
stephen.g.fiddes stephen.g.fiddes is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

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Originally Posted by Fourliter Dan View Post
been running t taps for over a year and have had no issues. just gotta make sure your conncections are solid!
X2. How would that possibly cause a short? Unless you are completely inept to wiring, there is no exposed metal. Just sayin'
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ok...i'll just come out and say it... you got's an auto. That alone revokes your right to brag about being part of the elite Level II's! Take that!
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  #19  
Old 09-27-2010, 05:23 PM
Clinton Clinton is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

Splicing with butt connectors will prevent problems which tap connectors can create in higher current circuits. Tap connectors are better suited for lower current and signal wiring
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  #20  
Old 09-27-2010, 09:49 PM
Fourliter Dan Fourliter Dan is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

like in an ohc....there is no high current in an ohc. even still but conncectors can fail just as easily. there not a slolid solder no mater what... but still useable and generally dependable. its all in the care you take
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  #21  
Old 09-28-2010, 10:37 PM
06ranger 06ranger is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

subscribed, very interested in this thread, and the auto headlight function w/ the mirror, could possibly alleviate the use of a headlight switch which would make plenty of room for a push button start or another mod in that particular hole... thanks for such a great write up
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  #22  
Old 10-01-2010, 02:37 PM
somidscr21 somidscr21 is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

I was looking to start this today, but I have a question on the wiring. I have one more wire coming from the mirror than this write up. I have the black ground wire, the black/pink one that gets cut, the white/purple that goes to the relays, the red/yellow that taps into the dome light, and I also have a green/yellow that is not listed anywhere I can see. Anyone know where it goes/what it's for?
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  #23  
Old 10-01-2010, 03:24 PM
rwenzing rwenzing is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

In the original Explorer schematic, the light green/yellow goes to an "always hot" fuse. One popular how-to by John Griggs (probably the originator of this mod in a Ranger) says to connect the LG/Y of the Autolamps Mirror to the light green/orange map light wire at the Ranger dome light. This map/courtesy lamp circuit is hot as long as the Battery Saver Relay keeps it hot.

I know that this method works because that it how mine is wired.
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  #24  
Old 10-01-2010, 03:27 PM
somidscr21 somidscr21 is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

Quote:
Originally Posted by rwenzing View Post
In the original Explorer schematic, the light green/yellow goes to an "always hot" fuse. One popular how-to by John Griggs (probably the originator of this mod in a Ranger) says to connect the LG/Y of the Autolamps Mirror to the light green/orange map light wire at the Ranger dome light. This map/courtesy lamp circuit is hot as long as the Battery Saver Relay keeps it hot.

I know that this method works because that it how mine is wired.
If this is the case, then what happens with the red/yellow wire because in the write up, that is said to be the always hot to the dome light.
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  #25  
Old 10-01-2010, 03:36 PM
rwenzing rwenzing is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

That one should be hot when the ignition is on.
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  #26  
Old 10-01-2010, 03:40 PM
Clinton Clinton is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

red/yellow - attaches to power behind the radio
green/yellow taps into dome light or OHC green/yellow

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  #27  
Old 10-01-2010, 03:59 PM
rwenzing rwenzing is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

Quote:
Originally Posted by Clinton View Post
red/yellow - attaches to power behind the radio
I originally had mine wired like that way (R/Y to radio "Hot in RUN/ACC") but later changed it.

Why? Here's a scenario. You stop for a drive thru burger after dark, park in the lot and turn the key to ACC to listen to the radio. You know what happens next - the Autolamps come on because the R/Y is hot in ACC. So, you reach up and turn the mirror switch off manually to keep the lights off while listening to the tunes. When you're ready to leave, then you have to turn the switch back on manually to make the "Autolamps" work! Kinda defeats the purpose if you ask me.

So, I later moved the mirror's red/yellow from the radio's "Hot in RUN/ACC" to a wire that is "Hot in START/RUN" like Ford originally did in the EX. My choice, believe it or not, was the red/yellow in the 2003 Ranger that powers a bunch of stuff in the dash when the key is in Start/Run. In a 2001~2003, you can pick up the R/Y at dash fuse 11 or several other places. Other years are likely to be different.

Caution: do not confuse this red/yellow with the heavy red/yellow at the headlight switch that is referenced elsewhere in this How-To.
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Bilstein 7100 rezzies, Cadillac/Mustang rear discs, Duff traction bars
Keypad Entry, Lock LEDs, ABS switch, sway bar discos
Heated seats, Explorer EATC, Trip Computer and consoles

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Last edited by rwenzing; 10-02-2010 at 04:37 AM.
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  #28  
Old 10-01-2010, 04:05 PM
Clinton Clinton is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

Quote:
Originally Posted by rwenzing View Post
I originally had mine wired like that way (R/Y to radio "Hot in RUN/ACC") but later changed it.

Why? Here's a scenario. You stop for a drive thru burger after dark, park in the lot and turn the key to ACC to listen to the radio. You know what happens next - the Autolamps come on because the R/Y is hot in ACC. So, you reach down and turn the H/L switch off manually to keep the lights off while listening to the tunes. When you're ready to leave, then you have to turn the switch back on manually to make the "Autolamps" work! Kinda defeats the purpose if you ask me.

So, I later moved the mirror's red/yellow from the radio's "Hot in RUN/ACC" to a wire that is "Hot in START/RUN" like Ford originally did in the EX. My choice, believe it or not, was the red/yellow in the 2003 Ranger that powers a bunch of stuff in the dash when the key is in Start/Run. In a 2001~2003, you can pick up the R/Y at dash fuse 11 or several other places. Other years are likely to be different.

Caution: do not confuse this red/yellow with the heavy red/yellow at the headlight switch that is referenced elsewhere in this How-To.
Very good point!
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  #29  
Old 10-01-2010, 04:20 PM
rwenzing rwenzing is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

BTW - I have two schematics that I made for Autolamps in Rangers - one is for 95~03 and the other is for 04~06. I was going to post them here but couldn't find a way to attach an image without hosting it myself.
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BW4406 manual transfer case, Aussie Locker, Torsen L/S, 4.10's
Bilstein 7100 rezzies, Cadillac/Mustang rear discs, Duff traction bars
Keypad Entry, Lock LEDs, ABS switch, sway bar discos
Heated seats, Explorer EATC, Trip Computer and consoles

2003 XLT 2.3L M5OD-R1 reg cab, 2011 Taurus SEL, 2016 C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid
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  #30  
Old 10-01-2010, 04:23 PM
Clinton Clinton is offline
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Default Re: Auto dim mirror install from an explorer

Quote:
Originally Posted by rwenzing View Post
BTW - I have two schematics that I made for Autolamps in Rangers - one is for 95~03 and the other is for 04~06. I was going to post them here but couldn't find a way to attach an image without hosting it myself.
Send them to STL, he can add them if you ask nicely!
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