Driving in cold weather can be challenging, especially when your vehicle’s mirrors are covered in frost or fogged up.
That’s where aftermarket heated mirrors come to the rescue, and if you own a Ford F-150, you’re in luck. Installing these mirrors can significantly improve your visibility and safety during adverse weather conditions.
However, getting aftermarket heated mirrors to work on your Ford F-150 may not be as straightforward as it seems.
In this guide, we will walk you through the steps and provide valuable insights on how to successfully install and make those heated mirrors work on your Ford F-150.
One key tip for making these heated mirrors work is to understand that they typically activate when you turn on the rear window defrost in your Ford F-150.
Making Aftermarket Heated Mirrors To Work On Ford F150
To install these mirrors, you’ll need to pop the existing mirrors out, disassemble them, apply the heating element to the back of the glass, and then reassemble the mirror.
If you’re unsure about tackling this installation yourself, it’s a good idea to visit a professional glass shop, as they should have the expertise to install these heated mirrors for you.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools:
- Aftermarket heated mirrors with heat pads (compatible with your Ford F-150).
- Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers).
- Electrical connectors and wiring.
- Adhesive or clips for securing the heat pads.
- Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses).
Step 2: Remove Existing Mirrors
Carefully remove the existing mirrors from your Ford F-150. This typically involves popping the mirror housing off. Be gentle to avoid damaging the mirror or the vehicle’s surface.
Step 3: Disassemble the Mirrors
Once the mirrors are removed, disassemble them to access the mirror glass. Depending on the type of heated mirrors you have, you may need to remove the mirror glass from its housing.
Step 4: Install the Heat Pads
If your mirrors didn’t come with heat pads pre-installed, attach them to the back of the mirror glass. Ensure the heat pads are correctly positioned and securely attached to the glass, using adhesive or clips to secure them.
Step 5: Reassemble the Mirrors
Carefully reassemble the mirrors, ensuring that the mirror glass is properly seated in its housing.
Step 6: Connect the Wiring
Run the wiring from the heat pads to the rear defrost switch in your Ford F-150. Connect the wiring to the rear defrost switch.
Step 7: Test the Heated Mirrors
Turn on the rear defrost switch to test the heated mirrors. They should start to defrost, improving visibility. If they do not work, double-check your wiring connections.
Step 8: Final Check
Inspect the mirrors and their wiring to ensure everything is secure and functioning correctly. Test the heated mirrors once more to verify that they work as expected.
Final Words
And that is how you install aftermarket heated mirrors on your Ford F-150. If you’re uncertain about any step, consider consulting a professional or seeking assistance from an experienced installer.