RAM 2500 Truck 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (1998)
Heated Element: Description and Operation
INTRODUCTION
Electrically heated outside rear view mirrors are an additional factory-installed option on models that are equipped with the factory-installed power
mirror option.
Heated Mirror System
The heated mirror system will only operate when the ignition switch is in the On position. When the heated mirror switch is in the On position, an
electric heater grid located behind the glass of each of the outside rear view mirrors is energized. When energized, each of these grids produce heat
to help clear the outside rear view mirrors of ice, snow, or fog.
The heated mirror system is controlled by a momentary switch that is integral to the heater and air conditioner control assembly, which is located
between the instrument cluster and the radio near the center of the instrument cluster bezel on the instrument panel. An amber indicator lamp next
to the switch button will light to indicate when the heated mirror system is turned on. The heater and air conditioner control assembly also contains
the heated mirror system timer and logic circuitry, and an integral heated mirror relay.
The heated mirror system will be automatically turned off after a programmed time interval of about ten minutes. After the initial time interval has
expired, if the heated mirror switch is depressed again during the same ignition cycle, the heated mirror system will automatically turn off after
about five minutes.
The heated mirror system will automatically shut off if the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, or it can be turned off manually by
depressing the heated mirror switch again. Following are general descriptions of the major components in the heated mirror system. Refer to the
owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the heated mirror system.
SYSTEM OPERATION
Outside Mirror Heating Grid
Vehicles equipped with the optional heated mirror system have an electric heating grid located behind the mirror glass of each outside rear view
mirror. The heated mirrors are controlled by the heated mirror switch. Electrical current is directed to the heating grid inside the mirror only when
the heated mirror switch is in the On position.
If the outside mirror heating grids are both inoperative, see Heated Mirror System in the Diagnosis and Testing. If only one of the outside mirror
heating grids is inoperative, see Outside Mirror Heating Grid in the Diagnosis and Testing.
The heating grid behind each outside mirror glass cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the entire power mirror unit must be replaced.
Refer to Power Mirror in the Replacement of Power Mirror Systems for the service procedures.
Heated Mirror Control
The heated mirror switch, heated mirror indicator lamp, heated mirror electronic timer/control/logic circuitry and heated mirror relay are all
integral to the heater and air conditioner control assembly, which is located between the instrument cluster and the radio near the center of the
instrument cluster bezel on the instrument panel. The momentary-type switch provides a hard-wired battery signal to the electronic circuitry each
time it is depressed. An amber heated mirror indicator lamp next to the heated mirror switch lights to indicate when the heated mirror system is
turned On.
The heated mirror electronic timer/control/logic circuitry responds to the switch input by energizing or de-energizing the heated mirror relay.
Energizing the heated mirror relay provides electrical current to the outside rear view mirror heating grids.
The heated mirror switch, heated mirror indicator lamp, heated mirror electronic timer/control/logic circuitry and heated mirror relay cannot be
repaired. If damaged or faulty, the entire heater and air conditioner control assembly must be replaced. Refer to Heating and Air
Conditioning/Control Assembly/Heater-A/C Control Replacement for the service procedures.
