Auto-Dim rearview mirror w/integrated rainsensor

[CoreyNJ]

I know porsche makes a separate retrofit rain sensor and a separate auto dim int mirror. On factory cars they are integrated into one unit. Can this or something like it be retrofitted to my 2003 996?

[Loren]

The wiring for the rain sensor passes through the bottom of the mirror mount. They are separate parts and options. Both can be retrofit. It is likely easier to do both at the same time since the same panels will need to be removed to route the wires.

[CoreyNJ]

Actually I was more curious if the one piece unit like 2001 or later 996's had from the factory could be retrofit. I want to do the mirror and figure if I can get it in one unit great. Otherwise I'll skip the rain sensor.

[Poursha]

The one piece factory unit is not available as a retrofit. I had the self dimming mirrors (interior and drivers side are separate items) and rain sensor installed in my car. If you're going to have the mirrors done, it's not very much more labor to have the rain sensor installed.

You also need a new harness for the drivers side mirror.

[bet]

Is there a difference in the windshield? I ask because I need to replace my windshield and the dealership and the glass place I have contacted at this point both ask whether I have the rain senor.

[firewired]

Quick question -

I had both the rain sensor and dimming mirror retrofit done at the same time. From reading the manual it describes being able to change the sensitivity of the rain sensor by turning the knob with the picture of the wiper on it to one of 6 settings. The manual says that you will have the change aknowledged by one wipe of the wipers. Since I had the retrofit done, it takes a whole lot of rain to get my wipers to wipe making this feature virtually worthless. I tried increasing the sensitivity by turning the knob and got no change and no confirmatory wipe. I had my car into the dealer today for the seat recall and asked if the rain sensor retrofit was set up / installed correctly. The tech came back and stated the sensativty function only works on the factory installed and not on the retrofit becuase it has a different controller.

From anyone else that has the rain sensor retrofit is this true?

[Loren]

Quick question -

I had both the rain sensor and dimming mirror retrofit done at the same time.  From reading the manual it describes being able to change the sensitivity of the rain sensor by turning the knob with the picture of the wiper on it to one of 6 settings.  The manual says that you will have the change aknowledged by one wipe of the wipers.  Since I had the retrofit done, it takes a whole lot of rain to get my wipers to wipe making this feature virtually worthless.  I tried increasing the sensitivity by turning the knob and got no change and no confirmatory wipe.  I had my car into the dealer today for the seat recall and asked if the  rain sensor retrofit was set up / installed correctly.  The tech came back and stated the sensativty function only works on the factory installed and not on the retrofit becuase it has a different controller.

From anyone else that has the rain sensor retrofit is this true?

I wonder if the added the relay. The kit includes a "wiper interval relay".

Also, the interval delay will only work with the wiper switch in position 3.

[Poursha]

Quick question -

I had both the rain sensor and dimming mirror retrofit done at the same time.  From reading the manual it describes being able to change the sensitivity of the rain sensor by turning the knob with the picture of the wiper on it to one of 6 settings.  The manual says that you will have the change acknowledged by one wipe of the wipers.  Since I had the retrofit done, it takes a whole lot of rain to get my wipers to wipe making this feature virtually worthless.  I tried increasing the sensitivity by turning the knob and got no change and no confirmatory wipe.  I had my car into the dealer today for the seat recall and asked if the  rain sensor retrofit was set up / installed correctly.  The tech came back and stated the sensativty function only works on the factory installed and not on the retrofit becuase it has a different controller.

From anyone else that has the rain sensor retrofit is this true?

I went through the same drill. You're supposed to get one confirmation wipe when you change the sensitivity, and also when you first turn the wipers on in rain sensor mode (position 3). Mine didn't do that, and the sensitivity adjustment knob wasn't doing anything. They ended up replacing the knob on the dash with the one that comes with the factory self dimming option--it has a different resistance range. The sensitivity adjustment now works, although it's not nearly as sensitive as ones I've had in other cars (including my last Carrera). They confirmed with the Porsche tech line that the confirmation wipe feature isn't part of the retrofit kit--despite what the installation TSB says (thanks, Loren!). Not perfect, but fortunately it only rains for a few months out of the year here!

To answer Loren's question on the relay, the retrofit rain sensor plugs into the retrofit kit relay (the original relay has no place to plug it in).

[jam996]

Is there a DIY for this retrofit,

how do I find the original relay to be replaced?

[Loren]

Is there a DIY for this retrofit,

how do I find the original relay to be replaced?

There is a TSB that explains it all in detail. As a Contributing Member you can read all the TSBs here online.

[jam996]

Thanks Loren, how do I find which relay to change?

its not mentioned in the TSB about which relay to replace.

[Richard Hamilton]

The retrofit rain sensor described in the TSB might be different to the kit they supply. I ordered and fitted the kit, but it isn't quite the same as the TSB instructions. Porsche supplied me with a Xanonex kit (http://www.xanonex.de) and the sensitivity isn't adjustable with the old wiper delay control. It is very easy to fit - you just stick the sensor to the screen and run the cable across the top of the screen and down behind the A pillar trim. Remove the old relay and plug the new one in, and plug the cable into the top of the relay. The relay goes in position 16 of the carrier - that's the slot on the far right hand side of the carrier, 3rd one down. It should be marked on the top 996.615.103.00.

[perryinva]

The retrofit rain sensor described in the TSB might be different to the kit they supply. I ordered and fitted the kit, but it isn't quite the same as the TSB instructions. Porsche supplied me with a Xanonex kit (http://www.xanonex.de) and the sensitivity isn't adjustable with the old wiper delay control. It is very easy to fit - you just stick the sensor to the screen and run the cable across the top of the screen and down behind the A pillar trim. Remove the old relay and plug the new one in, and plug the cable into the top of the relay. The relay goes in position 16 of the carrier - that's the slot on the far right hand side of the carrier, 3rd one down. It should be marked on the top 996.615.103.00.

When & where did you get the kit, and how much was it?? What does the delay rheostat do now instead of delay time?

[jam996]

Thanks alot Richard :cheers:

btw ordered it from dealer/Germany and is about 500 w/extra for quick delivery.

The retrofit rain sensor described in the TSB might be different to the kit they supply. I ordered and fitted the kit, but it isn't quite the same as the TSB instructions. Porsche supplied me with a Xanonex kit (http://www.xanonex.de) and the sensitivity isn't adjustable with the old wiper delay control. It is very easy to fit - you just stick the sensor to the screen and run the cable across the top of the screen and down behind the A pillar trim. Remove the old relay and plug the new one in, and plug the cable into the top of the relay. The relay goes in position 16 of the carrier - that's the slot on the far right hand side of the carrier, 3rd one down. It should be marked on the top 996.615.103.00.

[Richard Hamilton]

When & where did you get the kit, and how much was it?? What does the delay rheostat do now instead of delay time?

I got it about 2 years ago. The current price is £155.84 +VAT (GBP), and the part number is 996.612.981.00. I believe that if you buy them direct from Xanonex they are about 100.00 GBP. I bought it from OPC Reading (UK). The rheostat does absolutely nothing now :angry: , and before any Boxster owners ask, no - I don't want to sell it! ;)

[jam996]

Is there a harness and relay for the retrofit interior auto-dim rearview mirror?

I found a factory replacement one for 996s that had it as an option already, Is there any harness for that? anyway to install it..?

thanks

[Loren]

Is there a harness and relay for the retrofit interior auto-dim rearview mirror?

I found a factory replacement one for 996s that had it as an option already, Is there any harness for that? anyway to install it..?

thanks

Have a look at TSB 11/98 6827 Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror (Int.) -- dated Jun 24, 1999

[wwest]

Once I tinted that HUGE greenhouse glass rear window to cut down on interior heating and the A/C heat load the dimming function no longer worked. So I use one of the "unassigned" seat/mirror memory buttons to automatically tilt the outside rear view mirrors downward about 5 degrees at night.

Didn't know I had/have a sensitivety function ('01) on the wiper rain sensor, if I do. So, back to the owners manual.