Kia Forte BD Quiz
Body Electrical System

Electrochromic Inside Rearview Mirror

In this manual: Body Electrical System
General Information — 8Maintenance — 32Engine Mechanical System — 47Engine Electrical System — 17Emission Control System — 10Engine Control System/Fuel System — 32Clutch System — 11Manual Transmission — 11DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) System — 16Drive Shaft and Axle — 8Suspension System — 26Steering — 9Restraints — 11Brake System — 27Body (Interior and Exterior) — 119Body Electrical System — 98Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning — 27
13steps
~78min
3/5difficulty
Done 0 of 13

Circuit Diagrams

Wiring Diagram

Description and Operation

Description

The ECM (Electrochromic Inside Rearview Mirror) automatically dims to protect the driver's eyes when it detects glare from vehicles behind. A sensor in the mirror determines the brightness and the headlight glare from the vehicle behind reflected in the mirror. A chemical layer inside the mirror reacts to the glare and adjusts the reflectance from 10 to 70%. When the reverse gear is engaged, the mirror becomes bright regardless of surroundings. The ECM receives power, ground, and reverse signals, and uses two sensors to measure glare intensity.

  1. The front sensor determines whether the surroundings are dark enough to activate the function.

  2. The rear-facing sensor detects glare on the mirror. If glare is detected, the sensor sends a signal to dim the mirror.

  3. The ECM dims to the level determined by the rear-facing sensor. When glare is no longer detected, the mirror stops functioning.

    (1. Status LED, 2. ON/OFF Switch, 3. Rear-View Sensor, 4. Forward-Looking Sensor)

Auto-Dimming Function

To protect your eyesight during night driving, your mirror automatically dims when glare from vehicles behind you is detected. The auto-dimming function can be controlled with the dimming ON/OFF button:

  1. Press and hold the function control button for more than 3 but less than 6 seconds to turn off the auto-dimming function. The green status LED turns off.

  2. Press and hold the function control button again for more than 3 but less than 6 seconds to turn on the auto-dimming function. The green status LED turns on.

Repair Procedures

Inspection

Check this by performing the procedure below to confirm that the ECM operates normally.

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position.

  2. Cover the front sensor.

  3. Direct light onto the rear-facing sensor.

  4. The ECM dims as soon as the rear-facing sensor detects a specified brightness level.

  5. When the reverse gear is engaged, the ECM does not dim.

    If light is directed at both the forward-looking and rear-facing sensors, the ECM should not dim.

Removal

  1. Remove the mirror wiring cover (A).

  2. Disconnect the connector (A) from the mirror.

  3. Loosen the screw, then remove the inside rearview mirror (A).

Installation

  1. Install in the reverse order of removal.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Forte BD quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.