GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Inside Rearview Mirror with Automatic Day-Night System Operation

The inside rearview mirror consist of 2 photocell sensors. The headlight sensor, located on the front of the mirror, is used to determine light conditions present at the mirror face from sources behind the vehicle. The ambient light sensor, located on the rear of the mirror, is used to determine exterior light conditions present at the mirror. At night, the inside rearview mirror will automatically darken to reduce glare from headlamps behind the vehicle.

In daytime conditions, the mirror operates at a normal, clear state due to the high exterior light conditions that are indicated by the ambient light sensor. When the vehicles gear selector is placed in the REVERSE position, backup lamp voltage is supplied as an input to the inside rearview mirror. In night time conditions only, the inside rearview mirror monitors the backup lamp voltage to disable the automatic day-night feature. This allows the inside rearview mirror face to gradually change to a normal, clear state and allow the driver to see objects in the mirror clearly when backing up.

Inside Rearview Mirror with Compass System Operation

The inside rearview mirror consists of 2 magnetic field sensors that control compass displays. Each magnetic sensor is responsible for 2 headings. There is a north/south sensor and an east/west sensor. The inside rearview mirror supplies each sensor with a signal and low reference voltage. As the vehicle travels with or against the earth's magnetic pull, there will be a change in voltage on one or both magnetic sensors. As the voltage changes at the sensors, the inside rearview mirror will change the heading of the compass display.

Driver Outside Rearview Mirror with Automatic Day-Night System Operation

The automatic day-night feature of the driver outside rearview mirror is controlled by the inside rearview mirror. The inside rearview mirror supplies a signal and low reference to the driver outside rearview mirror. At night, the driver outside rearview mirror will automatically darken with the inside rearview mirror to reduce glare from headlamps behind the vehicle. Refer to Outside Mirror Description and Operation for further description and operation of the driver outside rearview mirror.

Inside Rearview Mirror with OnStar® Switch Operation

The inside rearview mirror with OnStar® has 3 switches on the right side of the mirror face. For more information, refer to OnStar Description and Operation.