How To: Make Mirror Signal LED's Dual Function As Running Lights and Blinkers

[bsul92]

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make the signal leds in your mirrors dual function as running lights and blinkers. This will work on any 03-06 mirror with a signal. It is geared towards aftermarket tow mirrors with the amber Leds on the side. It will work n mirrors with red arrows, however i advise against that.

This tutorial is for 2003-2006. If enough people want, i will do one on 2007-2013 as it is a different procedure. What you're going to need:

4: 3 amp 200 piv diodes (radioshack)
2: 68 ohm resistors (radioshack)
Screwdriver
Solder/Solder Iron
Wire Strippers AND Wire Cutters (For cutting hard to reach wireties)
Electrical Tape
Wire Ties
Socket Wrench with 6" Extension
9/32 Bit & Torx T20 (For removing Door panel)
10MM Socket (For Removing Mirror)
15' Wire (16 Gauge is fine)

Ok first thing youll need to do is remove the door panel. 1AAuto Made a great video of that if you dont know how.
How To Install Replace Remove a Door Panel Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 03-06 1AAuto.com - YouTube

On your mirror hatness, there should be two plugs, One black and one blue. We will need to tap into the Blue/White wire in the Blue plug.

Step 1: Solder a diode in line on the blue wire.

Step 2: Solder a diode in so it goes the same way as the other diode, but meets the blue/white wire after the first diode. (I know this is hard to explain, see wiring diagram for details)

Step 3: Solder a 68 ohm 1/2 watt resistor in on the front side of the diode in step 2.

Step 4: Tap into the front left parking light wire, run a wire into the cab and into both doors. It will connect to the 68 ohm resistor.


Wiring Tap Diagram:


Here is a detailed video showing where i tapped and where i ran wires.
GM Towing Mirror Mod (Running/Blinker Dual Function) - YouTube

It is really simple to do, and it looks great on the truck. Mine have been on for about a week, and 5 people have stopped me and ask how i did it. So im sure this will be of use to some people.

 

[FishinCricket]

Just curious: why is it that you DO NOT reccomend this for the red arrow mirrors?

 

[bsul92]

Just curious: why is it that you DO NOT reccomend this for the red arrow mirrors?

I'm not sure where you're from, but up here we have alot of ignorant/reckless/impatient drivers. I just feel like having the arrows lit up full time could confuse some people into thinking your turning when you aren't. But It will work fine on the arrow mirrors and will not harm your mirror in any way.

 

[FishinCricket]

I'm not sure where you're from, but up here we have alot of ignorant/reckless/impatient drivers. I just feel like having the arrows lit up full time could confuse some people into thinking your turning when you aren't. But It will work fine on the arrow mirrors and will not harm your mirror in any way.

Oh, right, the "moron factor". You're prolly right.

 

[Jarhead3085]

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make the signal leds in your mirrors dual function as running lights and blinkers. This will work on any 03-06 mirror with a signal. It is geared towards aftermarket tow mirrors with the amber Leds on the side. It will work n mirrors with red arrows, however i advise against that.

This tutorial is for 2003-2006. If enough people want, i will do one on 2007-2013 as it is a different procedure. What you're going to need:

4: 3 amp 200 piv diodes (radioshack)
2: 68 ohm resistors (radioshack)
Screwdriver
Solder/Solder Iron
Wire Strippers AND Wire Cutters (For cutting hard to reach wireties)
Electrical Tape
Wire Ties
Socket Wrench with 6" Extension
9/32 Bit & Torx T20 (For removing Door panel)
10MM Socket (For Removing Mirror)
15' Wire (16 Gauge is fine)

Ok first thing youll need to do is remove the door panel. 1AAuto Made a great video of that if you dont know how.
How To Install Replace Remove a Door Panel Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 03-06 1AAuto.com - YouTube

On your mirror hatness, there should be two plugs, One black and one blue. We will need to tap into the Blue/White wire in the Blue plug.

Step 1: Solder a diode in line on the blue wire.

Step 2: Solder a diode in so it goes the same way as the other diode, but meets the blue/white wire after the first diode. (I know this is hard to explain, see wiring diagram for details)

Step 3: Solder a 68 ohm 1/2 watt resistor in on the front side of the diode in step 2.

Step 4: Tap into the front left parking light wire, run a wire into the cab and into both doors. It will connect to the 68 ohm resistor.


Wiring Tap Diagram:
View attachment 294058

Here is a detailed video showing where i tapped and where i ran wires.
GM Towing Mirror Mod (Running/Blinker Dual Function) - YouTube

It is really simple to do, and it looks great on the truck. Mine have been on for about a week, and 5 people have stopped me and ask how i did it. So im sure this will be of use to some people.

I "had factory mirrors with all options in my 04 Tahoe. (power extend/fold/adjust w/ recall, signal light, puddle light, heated)
I now have aftermarket that changes a few options (couldn't find replacements after dealing with idiots). The new mirrors remove the power fold/extend/recall options. The puddle lights are not connected to the plug. Finally it adds a clearance light (facing front and away from vehicle) and a reverse spot/flood light at edge of mirror (facing rear of vehicle). I am in need of the wire diagram for the mirrors in both doors so that I can hook up as much as possible as well as where I can find the reverse light and running/marker light wires under the dash. (Last I'm trying to figure out how to get the information display on the gauge cluster to be much brighter as I can't see it during the day.)