Does anyone have any ideas what this is about? I have a 3 week old black 06 with package 3 and really would like the auto dimming mirror. The parts guy at the dealer said there was a note in the book about a conflict between the mirror and side curtain airbags. He didn't know any more about it, and neither did the service manager, who by the way quoted me $39 to install the mirror. Since they know nothing about it, I figured I'd ask the people in the know - the PC community. Anyone have any ideas what this conflict is about? Anyone had a miror installed on a Prius with side curtain airbags? Thanks. I've found PC to be a wonderful resource.
The problem is that the wiring for the mirror goes in before the airbag when the car is manufactured. In order to install the wiring, you'd have to remove the airbag, which is something that isn't good to do. I suppose it could be installed if you would allow the wiring to run along on the outside, but that may not work either.
I have a 2004 pkg 6 (all options) with the auto-dim mirror and side airbags. I'm not really sure why the airbag is a problem. Probably the lawyers talking. Nate
I have a 2005 Prius with auto-dimming mirror and curtain airbags. The mirror seems a little slow. It can take a minute of glare before the lights dim to a green color. Sometimes I would rather just have a flip mirror.
You can install the autodim mirror as an after thought, however, your right the service manager doe not know what he is talking about. If he is actually willing to install it for $39.00 go for it. The installation should take about 3 hours. There was a thread with pictures showing how it is done. Your basically have to take apart the entire left side of the dash board plus part of the head liner and the right "A" post cover. The wires along the "A" post must be installed very carefully, if not, they could interfer with the side curtain airbag. It is absolutely doable.
Thanks, FBear. That's just the info I was hoping for. I'm sorry my search didn't pull that thread. At least now I know what's involved.
That's where the flag came up in the book about the conflict, the wires in the "A" post. I'd like to see that thread myself, most of the time it's dismissed as not being cost effective considering the problems with the airbag. The $39 must be just for removing the old mirror and sticking the new one into place (and nothing else).