easy rear view mirror swap with garage opener

KBSI · #1 02-27-2015, 03:46 PM

I love my explorer overhead mod and do not need a rear view mirror with compass and temp. I also like using the console garage opener area for sunglasses, especially since my opener buttons do not align with the console. I can purchase a new opener or replace my rear view mirror with one that has homelink. I already have power ready through the console.

Who has added a rearview for garage openers and which are good fits? I don't wish to buy one with compass and temp and since I am due for a new windshield it does not need to fit the stock glued mount.

Mikerider · #2 02-27-2015, 05:29 PM

You can get a home link mirror from an explorer, they are lighted and let you control up to 3 garage door openers

KBSI · #3 03-03-2015, 03:31 PM

Thanks Mike,

I spent Sat AM walking around a junk yard. Lots of explorers, no home link. Lots of excursions, rangers, s10, suburbans ... No home links. I got one off of an 04 pathfinder, hooked black to black and yellow-red to switched power and programmed it up. Love it. $12. Cheaper than buying a universal remote and it frees up the OC space.

Thinking now of mountains the Garmin in the overhead console where the garage opener was.

Mikerider · #4 03-03-2015, 04:13 PM

Glad it helped! I love mine

Kurtsford · #5 04-11-2015, 08:28 PM

Where do you get the power from to run this ??

KBSI · #6 10-24-2015, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurtsford

Where do you get the power from to run this ??

I spliced into the switched radio power and unswitched cigarette lighter. I ran both over the glove box, up the passenger side pillar, and over to the overhead console mod i installed. Take your pick of switched or in switched power for garage door. I chose switched but will rewire to nonswitched next time I drop the console.

NewShockerGuy · #7 07-27-2017, 02:18 AM

Old thread but it gave me an idea. I want homelink in the ranger so I don't have to carry around the garage opener, but instead of buying explorer/mountaineer sun visors at around $70 that don't match my interior, I'm going to go with this: Pic attached.

I found a couple threads on other car forums of them retrofitting it into the vehicle. I am going to see if I can fit it below the gauge cluster. Should be pretty simple and I will have to remove my dash anyways to replace a blinking led in the cluster so for around $15-20 that they are going for on eBay I figured why not.

-Nigel

CalebJ · #8 07-27-2017, 05:33 AM

What is the homelink control that you attached a picture of? A link to an eBay auction would be great. Couldn't find it quickly for 'homelink dash', etc...

Bob C. of Indiana · #9 07-27-2017, 02:54 PM

https://www.ebay.com/i/252528411630?chn=ps&dispItem=1

tiredretired · #10 07-27-2017, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewShockerGuy

Old thread but it gave me an idea. I want homelink in the ranger so I don't have to carry around the garage opener, but instead of buying explorer/mountaineer sun visors at around $70 that don't match my interior, I'm going to go with this: Pic attached.

I found a couple threads on other car forums of them retrofitting it into the vehicle. I am going to see if I can fit it below the gauge cluster. Should be pretty simple and I will have to remove my dash anyways to replace a blinking led in the cluster so for around $15-20 that they are going for on eBay I figured why not.

-Nigel

Now, I like that idea. Gonna get me one of those.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob C. of Indiana

https://www.ebay.com/i/252528411630?chn=ps&dispItem=1

Thanx for that link.

If anyone parks their truck outdoors some of the time like I do, then I would suggest in wiring the homelink to a switched hot so no one can get into your garage if they break into the truck. Just a thought.

Bob C. of Indiana · #11 07-27-2017, 03:43 PM

Where does the "homelink" come in? Do the buttons work with any opener?

tiredretired · #12 07-27-2017, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob C. of Indiana

Where does the "homelink" come in? Do the buttons work with any opener?

Yeah, pretty much. Our last couple cars had Homelink on the Gentex mirrors and no problem programming them to our Sears openers. Works really nice actually.

Bob C. of Indiana · #13 07-27-2017, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiredretired

Yeah, pretty much. Our last couple cars had Homelink on the Gentex mirrors and no problem programming them to our Sears openers. Works really nice actually.

Thanks Butch,I have a Genie opener. Might have to look into this mod,but there again, I'm pretty lazy, it's easy to push the remote clipped on the visor.

ford4thot · #14 07-27-2017, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob C. of Indiana

Thanks Butch,I have a Genie opener. Might have to look into this mod,but there again, I'm pretty lazy, it's easy to push the remote clipped on the visor.

Yeah, IMO use your energy elsewhere

NewShockerGuy · #15 07-28-2017, 01:41 AM

I'll post pictures once I get it, should be next week. Bob posted exactly what I ordered except all black. At $20 to have a dedicated garage door opener in the truck it's worth it to me for a little bit of time that's hardwired..

The problem with garage door openers that clip to the visor is if someone breaks into your vehicle (which we know is super easy on rangers) they might not necessary steal the truck, but most people's registration is in the car... so all it takes is someone to break in steal the garage door opener then come back to your house and rob. I'm not that paranoid but it does happen. This is just a cool mod that is cheap and will look sweet/oem almost like nothing was there.

I am going to mount the unit most likely on the left side of the steering wheel. The right side I have a blue tooth puck/hand free so most likely not going to place it on the right, but you can see we have more than enough room on either side. I believe one might have to file down that center line but maybe not. I'll take pictures once I am done.

I was on the Audi forum and people take it a step further to mount the homelink somewhere in the center of the dash, but solder wires onto the homelink and custom mount the buttons elsewhere.
http://audi-diy.blogspot.com/2007/10...k-install.html

-Nigel