Heated mirrors stay on all the time!

[rawlus®]

from page 96 of the OM [leads me to believe they are thermostatically-controlled - or, they could be connected to the same circuit as the defroster - while instinct will tell us to read the text literally, one must take into account that the text is likely a translation of german and as such, can have some clunky sections]

>Switching on: Make sure that the key in the
starter switch is turned to position 1.
The exterior rear view mirror heating is
switched on automatically at low ambient
temperatures.
> Switching off: Turn the key in the starter
switch to position 0.
The exterior rear view mirror heating is
switched off.

[mdfortwoguy]

It was 64* this morning according to the dashboard, and my driver's side mirror was warm/hot to the touch...

I wonder what they are considering "low" ambient temps?

[p1nball]

Originally Posted by mdfortwoguy

It was 64* this morning according to the dashboard, and my driver's side mirror was warm/hot to the touch...

I wonder what they are considering "low" ambient temps?

Read this post at work, and started the car for the trip home, the mirror on the driver side was hot. Outside temp was 67*. Will have to check tomorrow, inthe heat of the day!! Will post follow up.

[TeddyTexas]

There is no switch. I talked to the smart dealership yesterday and even they are stumped. They are going to research this and get back to me. They seem to think there are sensors involved. Since most people probably don't touch their heated mirrors when the car is on during a hot day, we have no idea if this is an ongoing problem with smart cars, or just a fluke with mine. Will post again when I know more. Thanks!

[p1nball]

Originally Posted by TeddyTexas

There is no switch. I talked to the smart dealership yesterday and even they are stumped. They are going to research this and get back to me. They seem to think there are sensors involved. Since most people probably don't touch their heated mirrors when the car is on during a hot day, we have no idea if this is an ongoing problem with smart cars, or just a fluke with mine. Will post again when I know more. Thanks!

Please let us know the outcome, from your dealer!! Checked mine , they were hot at 84* outside. I bet they have been on all the time I have owned the car! I'm willing to bet they're on all the Smarts, all the time. Have to get others on this site to fess up!

Thanks p1nball

[Westfield 11]

Just went out to the garage and turned on the key: both mirrors warmed up within 1 minute. Ambient temp was 76 as per OAT gauge. Curious, I can't wait to see how this resolves.

[p1nball]

Originally Posted by Westfield 11

Just went out to the garage and turned on the key: both mirrors warmed up within 1 minute. Ambient temp was 76 as per OAT gauge. Curious, I can't wait to see how this resolves.

Well, we will have to wait and see!!!
p1nball

[JPaul]

Ditto here: checked after the car was in the shade the whole morning... the mirror was hot indeed!
Keep us posted. I'll check with scAlexandria next time I stop by.

[hsterk]

Smart car - Dumb sensor

[mdfortwoguy]

It doesn't really bother me terribly except for 2 things.

1. God knows how thin the elements are in them. I don't want it burning out.
2. I'd be concerned about the mirrors dark-spotting after time goes on.