2014-2017: DL8, DL3, Towing Mirror Upgrade – Mirrors Explained

[Silver16]

Aloha PG and again mahalo!

[Davidj101]

For anybody thinking of changing the harnesses and mirrors, but hesitating because you're not sure about removing the door panels and changing the harnesses. Just order the harnesses from Phil (pgamboa) and do it. It's very doable even if you have minimal experience.

 

Phil has done an amazing job of making the harnesses, an an equally amazing job of videoing the process of removing the door panels and replacing the harnesses. I highly applaud him in is effort and supported him by ordering the harnesses he produces.

 

While I have experience in electrical and electronics, I have never replaced the harnesses in newer vehicles, nor have i removed the door panels on newer vehicles. I have to say that I was pretty apprehensive about it all. However after watching the videos Phil made and reading about all the people that he has helped, I just bit the bullet and ordered Phil's harnesses.

 

I ordered them on Tuesday and received them this morning. That's great service.

[Davidj101]

I followed the tracking number and knew they were to be delivered today so I got up this morning and went ahead and removed the door panels and the drivers side harness. I was a little apprehensive about removing the replacing the harnesses, but once i got into it, it was really easy. It took me a total of 5 minutes each to remove the door panels.

 

I bought a plastic trim removal tool kit so as not to damage the panels or trim. The most useful one was the flat pry bar shaped one.

 

After watching the videos and reading the posts in this thread, I disconnected the cabin connector (X500) first, so as to not chance blowing a fuse.

 

Phil points out all the screws in the door panel and demonstrates how to remove the trim and panel very well. I removed the trim piece using the trim tool, prying from the bottom just like he shows and then removed the six(6) screws. I then pried the panel loose with the tool like he showed. It was easier than I thought it would be.

 

The first thing you have to unhook from the door panel is the door handle release cable. His video shows how to remove it. I found it easiest to remove if you sit the bottom panel clips in their holes and place your knee against the panel while you disconnect the door release.

 

The next thing you'll need to disconnect is the control connector (X510). I sat the door panel on the door sill and held it in place with one elbow while I released the safety catch and then released the lever handle. The lever handle is a pretty tight fit but once you have the safety catch pulled down, it'll open up with a little force. Once the lever is at 90º to the connector, the connector will unplug pretty easily. And that frees the door panel.

 

The next thing to unhook is the speaker and it's wiring. There's a wire clip on the speaker shell that needs to be removed. I used the claw shaped trim removal tool to remove all the harness clips so I wouldn't break one off.

 

My biggest apprehension was removing the harness from between the door shell and the window framing. That turned out to be a non-issue. There's a wide part between the door shell and the window framing and the plugs will pass right between them without any prying.

Edited July 15, 2017 by Davidj101

[pgamboa]

Thank you the kind words and sharing your experience. There is nothing better than word of mouth and feedback and I thank you for that!

 

 

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[Davidj101]

Now for a couple of observations I made while doing the change.

 

1) When removing the weather flap from inside the door, you need to pull it up to where the door release cable go through it.

 

2) I used tape to hold the flap up out of the way while working on the harness.

 

3) Be sure to reconnect the door release cable before you put the panel back on!

 

4) Use a magnet to remove the screw under the lock/window switches before removing the panel. It just makes it easier than chasing the screw once it falls out of the panel.

 

5) You don't have to completely remove the nut from the airbag sensor. It's in a keyhole slot, so all you need to do is loosen it enough to slip the sensor and screw out of the slot.

 

6) Be sure to reset the safety catches in the airbag sensor and X510 connector.

 

7) Make sure to route the new harness between the door frame and window framing and not inside the window framing.

[Silver16]

[Davidj101]

I watched the video posted above and it's basically the same as Phil's except Phil suggests a different way of removing the top of the door panel, which is a much better way of removing it. IMO.

[Davidj101]

Now I'd like to shamelessly plug Phil's harnesses. If you're thinking about buying the harnesses, I would suggest buying them from Phil even if factory harnesses are available for your truck and mirror combination.

 

He's done an amazing amount of work and research on the wiring and has also done an amazing amount of figuring out how to upgrade mirrors that the factory says can't be done. He also spends time helping people in figuring out how to make their upgrade work on their vehicles.

 

Even if his harnesses cost a little more, it's worth every penny because of the research and help he's provided. And all in all, once you ship him your harnesses, the difference isn't much at all.

 

Even at his full price, I'd still order them from him (which I did).

 

And no, I am in no way affiliated with Phil and had never heard of him until I found this thread. And boy am I glad I did. I now have lighty uppy mirrors because of him!

[pgamboa]

Now I'd like to shamelessly plug Phil's harnesses. If you're thinking about buying the harnesses, I would suggest buying them from Phil even if factory harnesses are available for your truck and mirror combination.

 

He's done an amazing amount of work and research on the wiring and has also done an amazing amount of figuring out how to upgrade mirrors that the factory says can't be done. He also spends time helping people in figuring out how to make their upgrade work on their vehicles.

 

Even if his harnesses cost a little more, it's worth every penny because of the research and help he's provided. And all in all, once you ship him your harnesses, the difference isn't much at all.

 

Even at his full price, I'd still order them from him (which I did).

 

And no, I am in no way affiliated with Phil and had never heard of him until I found this thread. And boy am I glad I did. I now have lighty uppy mirrors because of him!

Thanks again! Now let's see some pics

 

 

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[Davidj101]

Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures during the change out, but there's no way I could improve on the install pictures and videos you've put together.

 

Here some pictures of the finished product.

 

 

And here's the reason for the mirrors.

 

[pgamboa]

Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures during the change out, but there's no way I could improve on the install pictures and videos you've put together.

 

Here some pictures of the finished product.

 

Tow Mirrors.jpg

 

And here's the reason for the mirrors.

 

Truck & RV.jpg

No matter how many times I've seen these mirrors or harnesses, I love seeing the end result... that's a Happy Member/Customer.

 

Thanks again for sharing!

 

 

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[uknowit90]

I ordered the DIY harness kit from Phil. Kit arrived quickly (he even mailed it practically on his way out the door for vacation!), instructions were clear, wires were the appropriate length, and crimps were excellent. Phil was a pleasure to deal with and offered loads of helpful advice. 10/10 - would definitely recommend. A great alternative to buying whole new harnesses for those of us who aren't afraid to do a little electrical work. Thanks, Phil!

 

Check out my profile pic for a look at the finished product - I didn't get any pics during the install, and I'm too lazy to get anything uploaded to the gallery )

Edited July 17, 2017 by uknowit90

[heymrdjCW]

I find this extremely interesting as I bought my truck to pull a camper and I'm curious how much it would cost. I have a 2017 1500 LT with the power heated DQ8 mirrors with no lights. What kind of tow mirrors can you put on? Can you go powerfold/extend with running lights on a 1500 or is it 2500 only?

 

 

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Edited July 18, 2017 by heymrdjCW

[pgamboa]

I find this extremely interesting as I bought my truck to pull a camper and I'm curious how much it would cost. I have a 2017 1500 LT with the power heated DQ8 mirrors with no lights. What kind of tow mirrors can you put on? Can you go powerfold/extend with running lights on a 1500 or is it 2500 only?

 

 

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You can get any tow mirror you like. My truck is a 2016 - 1500 LT, 5.3L Gas and was able to add Power Fold tow mirrors. I don't personally own tow mirrors but have had several members here order from 1A Auto, shipped them to me and I fixed them up to be Plug and Play. I charge $225 for a harness set shipped. You source whichever mirror set you want to go with and a power fold switch.

 

 

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[Timinsk]

Let me know what your needs are. Please PM with the details and get you setup with a harness set as well.

 

Thanks!

 

 

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Sent you a PM, thanks!