aldebaran Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 If you have the standard rearview mirror and would like to upgrade it with a OEM Volvo or aftermarket autodimming mirror (electro-chromatic), then read on.Caution: Image intensive writeup with over 30+ photos.This is the overhead roof console of a Model Year 2005 or later S40 with a moonroof. The first step is to remove the plastic cover to access one philips screw. The plastic cover I am referring to is the one with a 'Volvo' sticker on it, in the lower photograph.There are only two small tabs that hold it in. Pry lightly with a thin bladed screw driver, on the side near the rear corner to release it. Once you have one side free, you can use your fingers to pull the cover off. It is unnecessary to pry the other end out.This is the cover removed, showing the tabs on the right side.Remove this philips head screw.Once you have removed the screw, gently pull straight down on the console. The fasteners are not tight and the console should release easily. Don't pull down too hard!Next unplug the two green connectors from the console.And you should be able to tilt the entire console towards you once you have released the two green plugs.Over on the right side, you will see a black sticky tape covering the electrical supply for your new autodimming mirror. Remove it and release the white plug from its niche. The black plug by my thumb is for the auto rain sensor, which I don't have. If you have this option, it will be connected to the sensor on the windshield.This is the white plug!Next, route the wire through the front portion of the console through the small channel. This will keep the wires neat, tidy and hidden behind the plastic overhead console. At this point, you may plug back the two green plastic terminals, reattach the overhead console back to the roof and secure the philips screw.This is how the wire should look if it's done correctly. The wires should emerge from the channel in the overhead console.Next order of business is to remove the mirror housing.Just grab one half of the plastic cover and pull lightly. It should come apart like two peanut shells with little effort.This is it.The next few steps are what I would consider the most difficult.This is the mirror stem once it is removed. There is a metal catch that must be moved out of the way in order for you to rotate the mirror and release it from the windshield anchor. If you don't do this, you will either snap the anchor off the windshield or worse, crack your windshield.The arrow on the mirror stem shows the direction in which to pull on the latch.This is the windshield anchor after the mirror was removed. Notice the small semi-circular notch in which the metal latch will lock into. It must be pulled in this general direction in order to twist and free the mirror.In two simultaneous motions, pull gently on the locking latch whilst twisting the entire stem to the left (counterclockwise). Use firm but not excessive force. You will feel the spring clamps loosen when the stem turns 45 degrees. You may then pull down gently and the mirror will fall away from its windshield anchor point. The mirror in the photo below is no longer anchored to the windshield. I am holding it up to show you how much to twist the stem. Never pull directly down on the mirror until the stem has turned 45 degrees. The internal steel clamps will not release until the stem is in this orientation.Install the new electro-chromatic mirror by reversing the procedure. There is no need to move the metal latch out of the way. You will hear it click into its locking position once the mirror is secure.Plug the electrical supply from the overhead console to the mirror.Replace the plastic covers.Voila, behold the beauty that is your newly upgraded electro-chromatic rearview mirror!Congratulations, you have just completed the upgrade.Miscellaneous photos:A compass.The photosensorsSize comparisons:The new mirror above and the old mirror with the manual lever doo-hickey below.Autodimming mirror is made by GENTEXI hope you find this guide helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serge Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Great work! Love detailed write ups.Does the OEM harness simply fit into the aftermarket mirror? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aldebaran Posted February 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Great work! Love detailed write ups.Does the OEM harness simply fit into the aftermarket mirror?Thanks Serge.They might if you purchase from Gentex since they are the OEM supplier for Volvo. The other brands may not fit without some modifications to them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serge Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Thanks Serge.They might if you purchase from Gentex since they are the OEM supplier for Volvo. The other brands may not fit without some modifications to them.Ah okay. I thought Gentex was 100% aftermarket and made universal ones. Got it!I love how Volvo tucked away all the wires for additional options into their own little clip.. super clever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owned Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Good work, Mr. Melvin. Pinned in the resource thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chilled man Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Great Write up But just to give everyone the heads up if your rear window is tinted dont waste your money. If not then its a great thing to have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mesoam Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 how many wires go to the gentex unit, 4?just trying to think of what it needs as an 850 won't have the hookuppower, ground, source (to what?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aldebaran Posted February 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Good work, Mr. Melvin. Pinned in the resource thread.Thanks Mr Adam!how many wires go to the gentex unit, 4?just trying to think of what it needs as an 850 won't have the hookuppower, ground, source (to what?)Looks like only three wires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mesoam Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 got colors? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aldebaran Posted February 2, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 got colors?Green with red?, Black, Yellow, judging from my pictures. I didn't pay any attention to it when I was installing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PyROTech Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 very nice, i personally like the volvo auto dimming mirrors, i find the contrast (contrast the right word?) very nice in regards to spotting police cars behind during the night when it dims. Mercedes should take a page outta volvos book on this one, the benz one just shows me basically headlights and no car outline. Not to mention the benz system has a failure were it seems to have a double image when viewing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aldebaran Posted February 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2007 Here are my first impression after using it during my drive up to Orlando early this morning (6.30am)1. The dimming is gradual and is proportional to the amount of glare.2. During full dimming, I do not see any distracting internal refections. I have a very light tint on my rear window.I am 100% happy with this mirror and felt was a worthwhile upgrade. Made my early morning commute glare free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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