Problem with Smartnav & rear view mirror

[sgait]

Dear everybody,

I bought a MkI Leon FR TDI two anjd a half years ago. It was an ex-demonstrator and has a few extras on it. I absolutely love the car.

The recent expiry(!) of the warranty in September has coincided with faults in two of these extras:
1) It was fitted with a Smartnav system whose LCD screen now has completely lost it's backlight.
2) The anti-dazzle rear view mirror appears not to do anything at all any more.

I would be grateful if any of you out there have any experience of getting problems with these two items sorted. My experience of the only SEAT dealer in the Cardiff area tells me it would cost more that its worth to me going this route.

I can live without both but the fact that they are both there doing nothing irritates the s**t out of me. Other than that the car's fab.

Cheers.

PS thanks to everyone who contributes to this site...it has helped me with everything from getting a decent a decent AM signal to changing those tricky lightbulbs.

 

[Markyboyt]

Dear everybody,

I bought a MkI Leon FR TDI two anjd a half years ago. It was an ex-demonstrator and has a few extras on it. I absolutely love the car.

The recent expiry(!) of the warranty in September has coincided with faults in two of these extras:
1) It was fitted with a Smartnav system whose LCD screen now has completely lost it's backlight.
2) The anti-dazzle rear view mirror appears not to do anything at all any more.

I would be grateful if any of you out there have any experience of getting problems with these two items sorted. My experience of the only SEAT dealer in the Cardiff area tells me it would cost more that its worth to me going this route.

I can live without both but the fact that they are both there doing nothing irritates the s**t out of me. Other than that the car's fab.

Cheers.

PS thanks to everyone who contributes to this site...it has helped me with everything from getting a decent a decent AM signal to changing those tricky lightbulbs.

I have only fitted smart navs pre screen era but the screen only plugs in, theres no reason why you cant get a new screen and fit it, just follow the wire back to where it connects. I'm not sure how much that would cost though.

As for the anti dazzle mirror, you can test to see if it does do anything by shining a torch into the sensor (it should have one) with your ignition on and see if it dims, then put your hand over the sensor and you should see it lighten, if not it could be an issue witht he power to the mirror. It is possible that they won't use this type of system but I would imagine they do.

 

[dholdi]

I've got a full smartnav system that I'm in the process of removing if you are interested.

 

[stpete]

Screens also come up a fair bit on egay!! The mirror only has three wires to power it iirc, one for + volts, one for ground and on that goes + (i think) if you select reverse. So with a meter check for + and earth then see if selecting reverse changes signal + to earth or vice versa?

 

[dholdi]

Am I missing something or having a senior moment, but whats reverse got to do with it ?

 

[stpete]

Its an electronic tint applied to the glass, so if sensor at front of mirror see's dark and rear one see's light it darkens the glass, if you select reverse it lightens! Works well, i retro fitted an A3 one to my LCR it only needed the three wires to work, actually two if you don't care about reverse function!

 

[dholdi]

Ah I see - thanks. Mines stuck to the windscreen with no wires going to it so I guess its just standard.

 

[Markyboyt]

Ah I see - thanks. Mines stuck to the windscreen with no wires going to it so I guess its just standard.

I would guess so unless it has the function built into the glass where it doesn't need power, which I doubt they offer as it would be quite expensive. Some wing mirrors utilise it, not sure if its much good.

 

[sgait]

Thanks for the advice - I will have a mess about with both on the weekend if I can keep the kids occupied. I've got power going to the mirror cause I've got a green light on the front and the two red lights as well, I'll dig a torch out.
I appreciate all those who have taken the time and will let you know how I get on.