Rear view mirror on fire

[sunnysideup_lj]

The other day I noticed an electrical burning smell in the garage. I check all electronics (power tools, fridge, door opener, etc.) The smell was faint, I couldn’t locate it. As a safety precaution I unhooked the battery in my jeep.
Fast forward a couple days. Smell was still there. I needed to move the Jeep so connected the battery. Didn’t think much of it until I got out and see my reverse lights slightly on. I panic now knowing the smell is likely the Jeep.

Notes of what was happening.
-Reverse lights slightly on all the time. Even with the key off.
-Reverse lights turn off when door is opened. (Courtesy/interior lights) reverse lights turn back on once interior lights turn off.

Digging around with the multimeter I find a 3.6v draw in the interior lighting. I get to the mirror map lights and notice the smell and some melted plastic . When I unplug the mirror the draw and issue goes away.

My LJ has the OE review mirror that includes auto dimming, map lights, and compass/thermometer. I am not sure what failed in the mirror, but it is fried.

As I dig further into the mirror I find that the auto dim feature is tied to the reverse light. I am assuming this is why I had issues with the interior lights and reverse lights.

Long story short, don’t let your rear view mirror burn down your jeep! Has anyone had issues with this mirror? Should I replace it with the same one or be looking into something different?

 

[MikekiM]

That's frightening. The Jeep, your garage and the contents of both.. or spontaneous combustion out on the trail...

Was that the OE auto dim mirror or did you add it? I have the double DIN auto dim, compass mirror from The TJ Mirror Company. Its harness is pretty basic; I don't believe it ties into the reverse lights. No maps lights.. that would be cool. Otherwise, it's a solid piece and I would purchase it again.

 

[Gilaguy23]

Chrysler electrics strike again. Dang lucky you noticed this before tragedy struck. I'm my many jeeps, never seen or heard of that one. if it was a GC then Id not be surprised.

 

[AndyG]

Freaky. Man. Good diagnostic work.

 

[mrblaine]

Reality is this is a 1 in a million occurrence. Get another and go have fun. If you have really low standards, you can slap in one of those Wolfbox pieces of shit.

 

[sunnysideup_lj]

Reality is this is a 1 in a million occurrence. Get another and go have fun. If you have really low standards, you can slap in one of those Wolfbox pieces of shit.

I remember seeing a mirror that you put in an orange TJ. Which mirror was that?

 

[ColoJeep]

I have to smile , I ended up removing the inside rear view mirror on the 99 TJ . All you do is try to look around the spare tire anyway.
If you've driven a truck , those two shiny things on the sides of the Jeep will work just fine to see behind the Jeep. Plus the view through the windshield is way less restrictive .

 

[KennethS]

Plus the view through the windshield is way less restrictive .

Either you’re a lot taller than I am or you do more squirrel hunting than I do.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

I have to smile , I ended up removing the inside rear view mirror on the 99 TJ . All you do is try to look around the spare tire anyway.
If you've driven a truck , those two shiny things on the sides of the Jeep will work just fine to see behind the Jeep. Plus the view through the windshield is way less restrictive .

I keep the rear view specifically to monitor the spare. I must, because they is ALL I see in that mirror…

Tonz and Fodees - The Dark Side

 

[InOmaha]

My mirror is just dumb piece of glass. You could always unplug it and put everything back together. I guess at the temperature and know which way is north.

 

[mrblaine]

I remember seeing a mirror that you put in an orange TJ. Which mirror was that?

It is a Gentex. It is a rear view camera mirror. Stops all the bullshit of the spare being in the way. If the camera inadvertently fails, it is also an actual rear view mirror. With the spare in the way, I'm very surprised more folks don't use one.

 

[psrivats]

I remember seeing a mirror that you put in an orange TJ. Which mirror was that?

Gentex GENFDM3LN. Not for the faint of heart cost wise but it's as close to the seamless factory option that you can buy aftermarket. The price has gone up 15-20% in last two years. You will also need the extra camera wire harness (Gentex 4120436).