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Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHAnti-Dazzle Rearview Mirror Upgrade
Leading reported evidence
Check power
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
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1
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I checked the power from the fuse box to the overhead console.
Leading evidence: 'Check power' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check power' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
So I bit the bullet and ran a wire from the footwell fuse panel to the mirror.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
That is a risk buying 20 year old used electric parts.
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Suggestion · Original poster
So my upgrade should only involve removing and replacing the mirror, (hoping the button is compatible with the new Audi mirror) and simply tapping into power of the overhead console light pigtail.
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Pelican Parts: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261026T105141Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
I like the anti-dazzle rearview mirror option in my cars. This feature was an option when my 996 was built in 2000, but unfortunately it has the standard rearview mirror.
I’ve installed this type of mirror in other cars I’ve owned so I figured why not in my 996.
First I purchased a used Audi Gentex anti dazzle mirror 015621 with compass on eBay for $45. Luckily it came with the wiring harness. I hooked it up to 12v DC and both the compass and anti dazzle feature worked.
This unit was taken from a 2005 Audi so the mounting button for the mirror looks the same as for a 2000 996.
So far so good.
As for power, the TSB from Porsche instructs you to tap into the fuse box running the wire up the a pillar, along the top of the windshield and then down to the rearview mirror. I don’t have the stomach to disassemble trim in this area and run a wire in this manner.
A feature of the GEN 1 996s is that after 30 minutes after shutting down the vehicle the power to the front trunk light and the overhead console are automatically turned off. If you lock the car the power is immediately turned off. I have decided to tap into the overhead console for power to the anti-dazzle mirror. There would be no need to run wire along the a pillar. There is a pigtail right underneath the circuitboard that you can tap into to get both a positive switched power lead and negative ground lead.
So my upgrade should only involve removing and replacing the mirror, (hoping the button is compatible with the new Audi mirror) and simply tapping into power of the overhead console light pigtail. Removing the existing rearview mirror is apparently a simple as placing a rag on the stem of the existing rearview mirror and using channel locks to rotate it counterclockwise 90° at which point the mirror can be wiggled off. The installation of the new Audi mirror is the reverse.
Attached is a photograph of an overhead console that I borrowed from eBay. It is from a coupe however my cab has the similar pigtail. The only difference is the coupe has the additional six pin pigtail for the sunroof operation. I’ll need to use a voltmeter to identify which wire is which in this three pigtail connection. Possibly the wires are ground, switched on, and hopefully the third wire in this pigtail is a constant 12 V lead. My new Audi anti-dazzle mirror has the following wires switched on, ground, 12 V constant, and a fourth wire which is to trigger the anti-dazzle mirror in the sideview mirrors.
I’ll let you guys know how everything turns out.
I’m all ready to finish the project . . .the only thing holding me up is that I’m nervous to remove the original rear view mirror.
Don’t want to break anything.
After sitting on all the hardware for over a year I finally had the courage to tackle the project.
My biggest worry was breaking the windshield in the process of removing the rearview mirror. The process was pretty straightforward. With a pair of pliers gently turn the base of the mirror 90 degrees then the mirror pops off.
I needed to trim the plastic “tongue” of the anti dazzle mirror 1/2 inch so it would sit flush with the headliner trim.
Removing the overhead light console (convertible model) I tried to identify the correct wires to tap into to get switchable 12 volt power. I verified there is constant 12v power and a ground. There is another wire (brown/yellow) that is 12v when the door is closed, and not hot with the door open. Likely has to do with the courtesy light going on/off.
I do not think there is a 12v switchable power source for convertibles. Coupes have the sunroof which may work.
While overhead console is open I will replace the incandescent lights with LEDs.
Brown wire = ground
Brown/Yellow stripe = 12 v Hot with door closed, no power with door open.
Black/red = constant 12 v
The middle brown/yellow wire has power ONLY with the doors closed, regardless of whether the key is in the acc/on position.
This is not the wire to tap into for switched power
When you open the door the +12v power to the brown/yellow wire shuts off.
I figured this out after 1 hour. Prior to that I was pulling my hair out. Yesterday it was reliably providing power with the key at the ACC or ON position, but the doors were closed. Today I had the door open and NOTHING to the middle wire.
I will likely run power from the fuse box.
Update:
There is no 12v switchable in the overhead light console for convertibles. Coupes likely can use the sunroof power.
So I bit the bullet and ran a wire from the footwell fuse panel to the mirror. The process of doing this wasn’t too difficult and took 15 minutes.
I ordered some low profile fuse taps to complete the project. Should be done with everything by tomorrow.
I completed the project tonight and am pleased how it turned out.
To summarize;
1) I purchased used off eBay an Audi Gentex anti dazzle mirror 015621 ($45)
2) I removed the old rearview mirror and replaced it with the Audi unit
3) I ran a wire from the footwell fuse box along the A pillar of the car to the rearview mirror. I tapped into the negative (ground) from the overhead light console.
4) I removed the seat heater fuse A6 (25a) and inserted a fuse box tap which allows you to retain the original fuse and create a separate fused power line. For the mirror I used 15a.
That’s it. Below are photos of a fuse extension that moves the fuse tap to an area with more room. The extension lays flat and allows the fuse panel cover to properly seat.
UPDATE 6/8/25
I’ve put maybe 500 miles on my 996 since I completed this project. Recently I noticed the mirror wasn’t getting any power. That is a risk buying 20 year old used electric parts.
I checked and verified that there is power going to the unit. My diagnosis is the unit has failed.
I guess the next logical step is to buy an exact replacement and see if it powers up.
I’ll keep the group informed.
UPDATE 6/16/25
I checked the power from the fuse box to the overhead console. It was switched as expected. So I assumed the rearview mirror failed so I ordered a replacement. When I hooked up the replacement still no joy.
I traced the problem to a bad solder in the connection to the mirror. Once repaired the unit came to life!
So now I guess I have a spare mirror.
I wasn’t planning on it, but there is an ample supply on eBay. Multiple colors available, just search Audi Gentex anti dazzle mirror 015621.
It has the same round mounting button on the windshield as the 996.
Shop around, clean units can be bought for about $45.
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