rear view mirror w compass and temp

[jbv]

hey guys. i have an 08 fronty 4x4 that did not come with this highly desirable feature. the dealer does not have or know of any aftermarket integrated mirror for my fronty. i see there is some kind of aftermarket mirrors available from a company called Gentex.

so... does anyone know or has anyone added one of these mirrors to their fronty? anything high quality available? is this Gentex the real deal, OEM quality?

any input is appreciated.

[09eq]

Many people have used them. I want to myself but haven't yet. Also available with Homelink. Lots of info here on install = do search.

[Equator2011]

Gentex is OEM for most, Search Ebay and you might find a deal.

[Suzokie]

Donnelly is (maybe was?) another OEM / aftermarket rear-view mirror supplier.

Most Gentex mirrors have the temp/compass in the upper right hand corner of the mirror in a window within the glass.

Most Donnelly mirrors have the temp/compass in the middle housing, below the glass. I've had several Donnellys in the past but couldn't find one a (non-Saab) model with Homelink to operate my garage doors, so I went with Gentex. I'd buy another one again - only with an Amber display instead of green.

Beware - A lot of ebay sellers don't include the wiring harness, which for mine was a simple 3-wire hook-up: Constant power for homelink, switched power for the compass & dimming, and a ground. IMO, the outside temp display isn't worth the wiring effort. I had no desire to run a temp probe, but many here have done it.

[Nissan4Life]

Gentex is the OEM supplier for our trucks. The homelink/compass/temp mirror is the most expensive. $300~. The non-temp mirrors are much cheaper. Getting a used mirror is a good option. Jsut make sure they have the wire plug that goes into the mirror. Even if they cut the harness, as long as you have the connector it will be easy to splice the wires. Only 4(?) wires to deal with.

If you get the temp mirror, you will have to install a sensor outside of the cab and run it in. Not a big deal.

i have this mirror and love it.

There are many great write ups for the install. Took me a couple of hours (one night) to do.

[jbv]

thanks for the beta eh. ok, so i'm really interested in the outside temp feature. what i'd like to know is a) where do you place the sensor -where is it when it comes stock? i imagine the placement plays a role in how accurate it captures true outside temps. which leads into... b) do you feel it is accurate to outside temperature?

i wonder about the relative accuracy of both compass and thermometer....

i'm surprised that there would even be used ones. who the heck would take one out of their vehicle??

oh, while i'm at it, does it mount to the same base that's on the windshield now, or does that need modifying?

cheers.

[tgarner444]

I installed a gentex with the compass and temp to my 2009SE about a year ago. Mine has a green display. I think the model made for the Suburu is identical in all ways, except has an amber compass/temp display.

Easy install. I found running the wiring through an opening in the firewall for the temp probe very easy. Temp probe is located inconspicuously in grille opening in front of the radiator. Took maybe an hour.

The temp is always within a degree or two of the weather service. Once set after installation, the compass has been spot on.

The best feature of the gentex is that it is self-dimming IMO.

[Deep Water Dan]

I have a 2012 with the factory thermometer/compass and let me tell you, this thing's a lifesaver. Although the high temperature here averages 88 degrees every day of the year, occasionally it spikes to 90 or drops to 87 in rainshowers. With the thermometer right in front of me I know immediately if I need to roll down one or two windows, and whether or not I need to open the slider. Money well spent.