I am changing side mirrors..,heated, power. Can I replace these and not hook up heating element. to prevent future discoloring?

 

Shouldn't be a problem. Just tape the connector up so it won't short on anything.

 

You already have a switch on the dash that does that. Just connect everything and never use the switch. Besides, is discoloration even a real problem?

 

Well Yeah, it's a problem sir.

 

It's a problem, but I don't believe it's caused by heating. Lots of mirrors in other cars that don't have heated mirrors have had this problem. Some say it's is caused by using windex on the glass. Some say it's just shoddy made mirrors.

 

I have never had an issue with the mirrors. I have been looking around for days now and have yet to see a mirror with the problem you mention. I do live by the ocean and use my defrost often and didn't have a problem with my 2009 when I sold it in 2017. Maybe in the old days they used different material for the mirror coating. Anyway, if you must, pop the mirror out and disconnect it. I still think not using the switch is a better idea. To each their own.

 

From what I've seen, the discoloration of auto-dimming side mirrors is not due to the heat from defroster but rather due to defects in the seal for the liquid crystal, or due to impacts that cause damage to the seal for the liquid crystal. And from personal experience, the act of removing the mirror glass and/or installing the mirror glass, if auto dimming, can be enough handling to damage the seal and cause discoloration rather quickly.

-Rod

 

That makes a lot of sense, SHO Rod. I always thought that the auto-dimming feature was highly overrated. Never really noticed it.
Both of my mirrors discolored at the bottom third of the mirror. I bought replacement mirrors for my 2010 that didn't have the auto-dim feature and haven't missed it at all.

 

did you use the heater on them? did they just discolor due to design/workmanship?

 

Never used the heater. Don't have the rear window defrost in my back glass either. My truck is garaged so I never really need the defrost function anyway.