I'm Rob Schultz, back with another episode that's is sure to stir up some mixed feelings. Today, we're diving into a bit of automotive crossbreeding – I'm installing a Kia mirror in my 2018 Ford F-150 XLT. Now, before you raise your eyebrows, let me explain the why and the how of this unusual upgrade.
Why a Kia Mirror in an F-150?
My F-150 is a fantastic truck, but it's missing an important feature: Homelink buttons. Yes, those handy buttons that allow you to open your garage door without needing a separate remote. So, when I stumbled upon a Kia mirror with Homelink buttons for just $11 online, I knew I had to give it a shot.
The Installation Process
Installing the Kia mirror in the F-150 was surprisingly straightforward. Armed with a simple Torx screwdriver, I removed the existing mirror and disconnected the factory harness. The Kia mirror came with a kit requiring three wires to be connected. Let me break down the steps for those of you interested in this mod:
Removing the Overhead Console. I started by taking out the overhead console to access the connectors.
Wiring the Mirror. The crucial part involved connecting the mirror's wires to the right ones in the truck. The yellow and green wire from the mirror went to a wire with a blue band in the truck's connector. The mirror's black wire (ground) connected to the yellow and black wire in the truck. Lastly, the remaining wire from the mirror was attached to the blue and brown wire in the connector.
Hiding the Wires: After ensuring everything worked, the final challenge was tucking away the wires for a clean look.
The Results
Turning on the truck brought the mirror to life, displaying a "C" for compass calibration. A quick drive in circles in a parking lot sorted that out, aligning the compass. Programming the Homelink to my garage door was a breeze – a simple synchronization of buttons, and voilà, no more clunky, discolored garage remote!
Final Thoughts
For a mere $11, this upgrade not only added functionality to my F-150 but also brought a touch of modernity to the cabin. It's a testament to the fact that with a bit of creativity and willingness to experiment, you can achieve great results without breaking the bank.
That's it for this episode – short, sweet, and to the point. If you're intrigued and considering this mod, I'll drop a link to the mirror in the description. Until next time, this is Rob Schultz from TSTDRVR, wishing you innovative mods and safe drives. See you on the next adventure!
