[SonnyandSam]

I just updated my post with a new link that has all of the images and consolidated the posts. Hope they are helpful everyone.

Thanks Jared. I just ordered a 2017 Kia Forte mirror on ebay. New but just $100. The wiring in the back is similar to yours. Most mirrors have a wiring harness that plugs into the back of the mirror. Mine comes out through the mirror holder like yours.

 

[SonnyandSam]

My Experience Installing a Rearview Mirror -- Part 1

So today I finished installing my rear view mirror with HomeLink and compass on my 2017 Kia Niro Touring. The install was quite easy although some car electrical knowledge is handy.

I needed to report this as two separate messages because the system only allows 5 photos per message. So I broke the install description into two messages.

1. Purchase a mirror. Like others have said, buy a Kia mirror on Ebay for another model; new or used. Why Kia did not offer an Electrochromatic mirror with HomeLink and compass is beyond me. All the other high tech gadgets and they couldn't offer anything more than a 1950's manual mirror? My mirror was for a 2011 Optima (I think). The Ebay seller listed it as a 2016 Forte mirror. It appears that the wrong mirror was in the OEM box. The instructions say 2011 Optima, and the notes from the mechanic noted it appeared to be the wrong mirror in the box. Other than the greasy fingerprints from the mechanic, the box included the mirror, Kia Motors instructions, a HomeLink Quick Reference Card, and the entire installation hardware kit including 3 T-taps; the harness assembly; 3 wire ties; foam tape; and the wire cover. A brand new returned mirror for about $100. Plenty of used mirrors available for half that.
   
   I purchased this particular mirror because based on the Gentex codes on the back of the mirror, I think I was getting the latest version of HomeLink v4.0. Most mirrors on Ebay seem to be v3.0. I did a lot of research about the Gentex mirrors which are basically the same on most every car brand. Most any mirror will work on your Niro as long as the mount is the V-shaped mount.
   
   
2. Remove your old mirror. Use a Torx T20 screwdriver to remove the screw holding your mirror to the windshield. Lift your mirror up to remove it. Do NOT pull the mirror towards you or you run the risk of damaging your windshield.
   
   
   
3. Install new mirror. Slide the new mirror over the mirror mount being careful to run the mirror wire up through the opening in the mirror holder. Install and tighten the mounting screw.
   
   
4. Lower the overhead console. Open the sunglasses holder by pushing on the holder. Up top, there are two Phillips head screws that you need to remove. Remove the console by either using a nylon body tool around the front edge, or by putting both hands up inside the sunglasses case and pull backward carefully. You are trying to remove the front of the console closest to the windshield. Pull back and down; the whole console should be released and come down easily. There are also two tabs on the side of the console and two long black tabs in the back so be careful not to break these.
   
   
   
   Caution: There are two nylon speed nuts in the metal roof used to screw the two screws you removed from the top of the sunglasses holder. You can see one of them in the upper left corner of the first picture above. They are quite loose. Remove these carefully and save them; or you will lose them like I did. Both disappeared into the roof. Hopefully, I did not create a rattle for myself. I spent far more time going to three auto parts stores and Home Depot to find something that would work in their place. By the way, Home Depot had the best solution; but it still was not a perfect fit.
   
   
   
5. Install wiring harness. Run the mirror wire into the headliner and into the area for the console. The headliner pulls down easily. Be careful not to pull down too far though. I ran the wire to the left as you are sitting in the driver's seat. Attach the wiring harness if you have it. Cover with the harness connectors with the sticky foam pads in the hardware kit or use electrical tape. If you have no wiring harness, you will need to create some pigtails to run from the mirror wire to the wires going into the white connector. About 6-8 inches long. Detach the white wiring harness attached to the overhead console. These wires power your map/courtesy lights. I chose to avoid using the green wiring harness which goes to the sunroof power switch. Less chance of a costly mistake....
   
   
   Word of Caution. I went to my local Kia parts department to get a copy of the wiring schematics for the overhead console. Yes, they gave me a copy after a week's wait; but it was in black and white and I needed it in color to ID the wires. So I used my multi-meter to determine which wires were ground and power.
   
   Black = ground
   Red = always hot
   Yellow with black stripe = Always hot
   Yellow = Always hot except if the map/courtesy light switch is turned off. (I avoided using this wire.)
   
   I found no accessory wire, i.e. a wire that only becomes hot when the ignition is turned on. HOWEVER, because our cars are not "normal", i.e. hybrids, I found that either the yellow with black wire does turn off completely or the vehicle turns all power off completely after a certain amount of time that our smart key leaves the area. In any case, my mirror and compass do turn off completely and does not apparently cause any drain on the battery. And everything else works, too!
   

See Part 2 of the installation in the next message.

 

[SonnyandSam]

Mirror Installation Part 2

Installation Part 2

1. Install the wire T-taps to the ground, red and yellow/black wires. I'm not going to tell you how I attached my wiring harness because every wiring harness may have different color wires. You just need to figure out which wires are ground, hot and hot/switched. My T-taps have a female connector. My wiring harness has male connectors. Plug the appropriate male connector into the female connector on each wire. (OK, insert dirty joke here.) Insert white wiring harness back into the overhead console.
   
   
   
2. Test your new mirror. Make sure the led lights green. Test the compass. Cover the electronic eye to see if the mirror darkens, etc.
   
   
3. Reinstall the overhead console. Put the two black plastic tabs in the back of the headliner first and then press the remaining tabs and console back into the headliner. Install the two screws.
   
4. Install the wire cover that comes with the installation kit. This covers the wire coming out of the mirror up to the headliner.
   
   
   
5. You're Done!! Here is my final mirror installation. That's my radar detector mount under the mirror if you are wondering.
   

It really is pretty easy. It would be nice if there was a Niro mirror with the wiring harness and instructions. Maybe in 2018? The other plus is the mirror itself is a little larger than my original mirror; and it holds more firmly so that my radar detector attached to the mirror stem does not shake the mirror as much. Next weekend I hard-wire my radar detector.

Good luck with your installation. Remember also, any car stereo installation place can install your mirror for you for a modest cost if you are unsure of yourself.

 

[[email protected]]

What did you get at the Hone Depot to replace the clips that dropped down. I lost mine also, got it together but then had to take it back apart and they both were lost. Thanks

 

[Frank Srp]

Homelink only works in the daylight

Hello,

I just installed my auto dimming mirror with garage door controls and everything works great except the Homelink only works in the daylight. I was wondering if anyone else has run into this issue?

FYI: When I press the Homelink button durring the day it will blink red and at night nothing.

 

[Frank Srp]

Homelink Buttons don't work after dusk

So, I have followed this thread and installed my Auto dimming mirror with Homelink. During the day everything works great. However, after dusk the Homelink buttons stop working. Come the following morning they work again.

Any thoughts?

Frank

 

[atc98092]

Apologies for stirring up an old thread, but I'd like some clarification if possible. I just leased a 2019 Niro PHEV, which came with an auto-dimming mirror. Therefore, all the necessary wiring should already be in place. What I desire is Homelink. Is the as simple as removing the original mirror and putting the new one in its place? Is it necessary to remove any trim, or is the existing wiring connection accessible without removing anything? I haven't even had the car 48 hours yet, so haven't looked closely at the mirror. Kia does list the Homelink mirror in their accessory pamphlet, so I'm assuming there's no real issue installing it.

 

[njerald]

you wired it wrong....