Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

Technical => 940 Series (Giulietta, Mito and 4C) => Topic started by: Red Giul on August 09, 2013, 02:41:42 PM

Title: Electochromic Rearview Mirror
Post by: Red Giul on August 09, 2013, 02:41:42 PM
Could someone educate me on how the electrochromic rearview mirror works in the new Giulietta, please? According to the user manual, it should work automatically. There is no switch to turn it on/off, either. But, there are two little LEDs on the frame of the mirror that never come on. I know in my VW, there is a switch on the mirror. When it is pressed, a little green LED comes on. But there is no such indication in the Giulietta to show if it's on or off. Thanks.
Title: Re: Electochromic Rearview Mirror
Post by: shiny_car on August 09, 2013, 05:17:28 PM
If it's like the 159 mirror, it has a push button switch on the underside edge, below where it's written 'auto'. There is an 'indicator' to confirm it is switched on; not an LED though, just a peek hole through which it changes to 'green' when on; a second peek hole for the sensor.

Firstly, your car obviously has to have the electrochromic mirror! Not wanting to sound like a dick, but are you sure it's fitted?

If no-one confirms before me, take a photo and show us. If there's no obvious button/sensor/indicator hole, then chances are it's not fitted to your vehicle.

:)
Title: Re: Electochromic Rearview Mirror
Post by: Red Giul on August 12, 2013, 11:15:37 AM
There is an indicator on the front which never comes on. There is also a sensor on the front as well as on the back facing the windscreen. Also, according to the user manual it is standard on all Giulietta models including QV. But, I just never see the indicator on and there is not a switch to turn it on.
Title: Re: Electochromic Rearview Mirror
Post by: Cool Jesus on August 12, 2013, 01:00:21 PM
The designers have gone for the electrochromatics to be set on auto full time. Hence making an on/off button is redundant. Mine was on fulltime auto in the 159, why would you have any other way? The LEDs you mention are actually sensors for the climate control and day/night sensor for the chromatics to work. The owner's manual does say it reverts to day use when put into reverse. Change between reverse and forward and see if you notice a change in the tint? It would be more noticeable at night with headlights behind you, try it at a set of lights and freak out the guy behind you  8)
Alternatively a little flash light across the sensors should show a change in the tint at night...
Title: Re: Electochromic Rearview Mirror
Post by: Evan Bottcher on August 12, 2013, 02:15:20 PM
FWIW I find the electrochromatic rear-view on our 159 quite irritating if I'm in traffic at night, I usually turn it off.  I find it affects my depth perception looking in the mirror, making it difficult to see how far behind cars are.  Further out of town on the highway it's excellent.
Title: Re: Electochromic Rearview Mirror
Post by: Red Giul on August 12, 2013, 03:35:51 PM
thanks Cool Jesus. I'll give all that a try.
Title: Re: Electochromic Rearview Mirror
Post by: Red Giul on August 14, 2013, 02:42:55 PM
Reporting back. Tried with a touch at night. The mirror darkened considerably. It works. Thanks again for all your input.