Kia Homelink mirror installed

[mepot101]

I installed my homelink mirror recently.
I just do not like those connectors that cut into the wires. I have been a truck mechanic forever(40 plus years), and have seen too many issues with scotch-lock type connectors.
I ran my wires to the fuse panel with a fuse tap, and only had to remove the cover closest to the mirror. I did not remove the cover with the interior lights.
Tucked the wires near the windshield to the right pillar, fastened the wires behind the pillar air bag, and directly to the fuse panel.
Wired up for key on operation only, so no one can break into the truck and open the garage.
Best $31.00 ever spent.
Thanks to everyone here for the heads up on the part from Kia. Took about 3 weeks to get the mirror delivered, gave me time to get the wiring and fuse tap delivered.

Sponsored

 

[sfretwell]

@OLT the ACC sensor is in the grille. On my 2023 it is below the Ford emblem.

Here's a close-up image (not my grille)

Back to the subject of installing the Kia rearview mirror.

I am in the process of trying to install the Kia rearview mirror in my 2024 Lariat. I have watched the two videos posted on the Forum so I feel I can do the installation but I need some help.

I am trying to disconnect the plug to the dome lights, see photo, but I can not figure out how to unclip it. Do you squeeze the ends or the center of the plug? Also, there is not a lot of room to get my hands up there.

 

[Mr Pibb]

I installed my homelink mirror recently.
I just do not like those connectors that cut into the wires. I have been a truck mechanic forever(40 plus years), and have seen too many issues with scotch-lock type connectors.
I ran my wires to the fuse panel with a fuse tap, and only had to remove the cover closest to the mirror. I did not remove the cover with the interior lights.
Tucked the wires near the windshield to the right pillar, fastened the wires behind the pillar air bag, and directly to the fuse panel.
Wired up for key on operation only, so no one can break into the truck and open the garage.
Best $31.00 ever spent.
Thanks to everyone here for the heads up on the part from Kia. Took about 3 weeks to get the mirror delivered, gave me time to get the wiring and fuse tap delivered.

I installed mine this weekend, made a wire harness to plug into the over head lamp plug. The hardest part was practicing the wire crimping. Odds are that's what I'll do with any future modifications too. Vampire clips just aren't worth the headache you'll eventually get.

 

[Mr Pibb]

Back to the subject of installing the Kia rearview mirror.

I am in the process of trying to install the Kia rearview mirror in my 2024 Lariat. I have watched the two videos posted on the Forum so I feel I can do the installation but I need some help.

I am trying to disconnect the plug to the dome lights, see photo, but I can not figure out how to unclip it. Do you squeeze the ends or the center of the plug? Also, there is not a lot of room to get my hands up there.

Push in that clip.

 

[yamahaSHO]

I recently installed a Gentex Homelink mirror that I got for free... Was a bday present off my 'wish list' on Amazon, which I use to remember things that I either want to come back to, or buy when I'm ready. Anyway, it wouldn't work with my Ranger, so I put it in my wife's car.

I followed the instructions on one of the threads here to make a PnP harness. This made for a easy and quick installation.

I wanted the one without a compass since there is already a compass on the vehicle.

 

[sfretwell]

Push in that clip.

Thank you Mr. Pibb, that worked. I had to use my flashlight (poor eyesight) to find the clip.

 

[Mr Pibb]

Thank you for the quick answer. Does the ACC have a sensor up by the mirror?

Some people tapped into the harness for the camera and ran into some issues down the line.

 

[A.Bursell]

Some people tapped into the harness for the camera and ran into some issues down the line.

That happens if you do it incorrectly, just like anything else. Others, probably most of us, who have used that have not had any issues. It's just a 12v circuit, doesn't change anything with the camera.

 

[Mr Pibb]

That happens if you do it incorrectly, just like anything else. Others, probably most of us, who have used that have not had any issues. It's just a 12v circuit, doesn't change anything with the camera.

Unfortunately not everyone considers vampire clips to be incorrect.

 

[Toddman45]

Unfortunately not everyone considers vampire clips to be incorrect.

You mean Posi-taps? Yeah, only place those belong is in the garbage can.

 

[A.Bursell]

You mean Posi-taps? Yeah, only place those belong is in the garbage can.

Or Scotch-Loks or any of their other names- even if slightly different styles.

 

[Mr Pibb]

You mean Posi-taps? Yeah, only place those belong is in the garbage can.

These are what I think of when I say Vampire clips. T-Taps, Scotch Loks all into the trash. I can understand them on solid wire, but using them for strand wire is just asking for trouble.

 

[Toddman45]

These are what I think of when I say Vampire clips. T-Taps, Scotch Loks all into the trash. I can understand them on solid wire, but using them for strand wire is just asking for trouble.

Yeah posi taps only place they belong is in the trash. Never used them and never would, they just look like a failure waiting to happen cutting into wires.

 

[kentsa1]

I installed my homelink mirror recently.
I just do not like those connectors that cut into the wires. I have been a truck mechanic forever(40 plus years), and have seen too many issues with scotch-lock type connectors.
I ran my wires to the fuse panel with a fuse tap, and only had to remove the cover closest to the mirror. I did not remove the cover with the interior lights.
Tucked the wires near the windshield to the right pillar, fastened the wires behind the pillar air bag, and directly to the fuse panel.
Wired up for key on operation only, so no one can break into the truck and open the garage.
Best $31.00 ever spent.
Thanks to everyone here for the heads up on the part from Kia. Took about 3 weeks to get the mirror delivered, gave me time to get the wiring and fuse tap delivered.

Exactly the way that I did my mirror

 

[Mav Mav World]

I ran my wires to the fuse panel with a fuse tap, and only had to remove the cover closest to the mirror. I did not remove the cover with the interior lights.
Tucked the wires near the windshield to the right pillar, fastened the wires behind the pillar air bag, and directly to the fuse panel.

I have the same 2024 Lariat Hybrid Mav that you have.

I hate crimp "vampire" connectors. I have chased down hundreds of those crappy connectors over the last 30 years for customers who used them in direct burial applications in their yards. I won't use one in my truck.

Question 1: Would you share a picture of the specific fuses you tapped into for your mirror installation? If a picture isn't possible, could you please specify the fuse numbers and colors of the wires you connected to them? For example, "I connected the red wire to fuse 5 and grounded the green wire on the bolt holding the fuse panel, and connected the brown and white wire to fuse 13." This level of detail would be incredibly helpful for others planning a similar project.

Question 2: When you mentioned "fastening the wires behind the pillar airbag," did you remove the pillar trim or were you able to route the wires behind it without removal? If yes, What did you use to do this? Additionally, did you have any concerns about working near the airbag, and do you think there's a risk of damaging it during the process?

Sponsored