Special Tool 9578???

[LVDell]

Ordered the self-dim interior mirror for the car and have no idea what the level of difficulty is on this nor what SPECIAL TOOL 9578 is? Is this something that the dealer needs to do? Any help, ideas, or suggestions?

TIA,

Dell

[Orient Express]

Ordered the self-dim interior mirror for the car and have no idea what the level of difficulty is on this nor what SPECIAL TOOL 9578 is?  Is this something that the dealer needs to do? Any help, ideas, or suggestions?

TIA,

Dell

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The inside mirror install is not difficult, you just have to be very careful with you remove and replace the mirror off of the windshield. The mirror is twisted off and on the mounting lug that is bonded to the windshield. Use a pair of slip nose pliers to twist it off (counterclockwise) Do this very slowly, and DO NOT pull as you twist (i.e. keep your turning motion parallel with the glass) or you will crack the windshield.

The wiring is very straight forward to the relay support jumpers. You have to remove the inside windshield header covers and the center latch light module to drop the wiring down, but those mostly clip or screw out. I have a PDF of the install instructions if you need them.

The only PIA is that you have to get a signal from the reverse signal lead that is under the drivers seat. The only way to easily get to the wiring bundle that has the lead in it is to remove the drivers seat. To to that you will need Torex Sockets to remove the 4 bolts holding in the seat. If you disconnect the seat wiring harness, do not turn the car on until that harness is connected again. Otherwise you will trigger an airbag fault which will turn on the dash light. You will then have to go to someone that has a Porsche tester to reset the fault.

I give this one a 6 out of a 10 because of the danger of cracking the windshield if you are sloppy removing or installing the mirror on its mount.

[Loren]

Porsche's tool

Jeff's (Tool Pants) tool (and pic)

[LVDell]

Looks like a set of vice grips? I am going to call my guy at the stealer and see what they charge for the install and I will make a decision based on that as the cost of an insurance policy against a broken windshield or airbag light.