Windows tinting and anti-dazzle mirror operation

[Old Navman]

Hi All,

Could window tinting (inclusive of the rear window) affect the operation of the internal anti-dazzle rear view mirror? (I think also called fotochrome? rear view mirror in EU) Thanks

[kamold]

Yep. Mine doesn't work at all, rear tint is too dark.
Shine a torch at it directly and it works fine.

[Old Navman]

Yep. Mine doesn't work at all, rear tint is too dark.
Shine a torch at it directly and it works fine.

kamold, tried that but no noticeable dimming seemingly occurs. Yet, I'd swear though on bright & sunny days (a times) the mirror seems to darken?

[Captain Courteous]

I'll give it a go when I get the car back, will let you know.
I'm on 16% - since having the tints done I've left the dimmer off

[The_Hawk]

The van has 20% tint on the back and has always worked without issue so I don't know how much part the tint in most cars would play.

On the other side, my Golf with no rear tint wasn't working recently, to the point where I tested it with a torch and figured it was dead and I started looking for replacements... long story short. I charged the car battery and the problem went away. Modern VAG vehicles really don't like a low battery.

[Captain Courteous]

Just tried it then, it works a little could notice it picking up bright lights etc but not like when the car wasn't tinted and would turn green with cars behind.

[Old Navman]

The van has 20% tint on the back and has always worked without issue so I don't know how much part the tint in most cars would play.

On the other side, my Golf with no rear tint wasn't working recently, to the point where I tested it with a torch and figured it was dead and I started looking for replacements... long story short. I charged the car battery and the problem went away. Modern VAG vehicles really don't like a low battery.

The_Hawk & Captain Courteous.

Thanks guys - seems no fast & hard rule here. I'm thinking having back window as well as passenger windows tinted (extra dark) might be affecting the mirror's operation. Though I can't fathom why it would not darken when I'm shining a torch directly into the sensing area. Battery wise - I have a big DIN unit only 6 months old. Perhaps the mirror is faulty after all?