GM Issues Technical Warning that Radar Detectors Can Damage the C8’s Side Mirror Glass

By
Keith Cornett
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7
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GM Issues Technical Warning that Radar Detectors Can Damage the C8's Side Mirror Glass

Photo Credit: GM Techlink


While it looks like something has infected this C8 Corvette’s driver-side door mirror, the damage was actually caused by an aftermarket radar detector.

General Motors recently issued a Technical Bulletin over the mirror issue which they say was caused by the installation of an aftermarket radar detector in the vehicle. The Techlink article says the mirror damage is caused by a higher than acceptable voltage which damages the door mirror’s defrosting system.

The Techlink article shows an illustration of the rearview mirror and they suggest if the side mirror is looking like the one above, the technician should look for the installation of a jumper harness that was added to the interior rearview mirror’s X1 connector to power the radar detector. The X1 connector is located behind the front cover on the rearview mirror.

The fix is to disconnect the jumper harness and replace the damaged outside mirror, however, this must be authorized by the owner as vehicle damage resulting from aftermarket devices is not covered under warranty.

You can read the entire GM Techlink article here:

Driver’s Outside Rearview Mirror Appearance

The driver’s outside rearview mirror on some 2020-2022 Corvettes may have poor operation and appearance, including numerous lines shown in the mirror and a dim reflection at all times.

The poor appearance may be caused by the installation of an aftermarket radar detector in the vehicle. Depending on the installation location, the aftermarket electrical device may cause higher voltage to the mirror.

If the damaged mirror appearance is shown, check for the installation of a jumper harness to power the radar detector added to the mirror’s X1 connector. The connector is located behind the front cover of the inside rearview mirror. (Fig. 15)

GM Techlink

Disconnecting the jumper harness, and replacing the damaged outside rearview mirror due to the jumper harness, must be authorized by the customer. Vehicle damage resulting from aftermarket devices is not covered under warranty.

For additional information, refer to Bulletin #21-NA-251.


Source:
gm-techlink.com via MidEngineCorvetteForum.com

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[VIDEO] Install a Radar Detector in Your C8 Corvette With Power from the Rearview Mirror

 



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7 COMMENTS

  1. Instead of having owners connect for power the way we do, GM should install a dedicated power source for devices many owners install.

  2. “We will be all EV by 2030” Ba-wah ha ha ha ha! GM is so far behind other manufacturers that provide for connectivity of all types of electronic components. Heck, Ford EVs will power your home!

  3. A lot of C7s owners use the direct wire hookup. It provides an on/off activation of the radar detector on start up and shut down of the vehicle. Makes for a very neat installation of a radar detector. I’ve use mine three years without any problems. But, any wiring you do on a new car may alter your warranty and any subsequent damage may be the owner’s to pay. The C7 has a cigar lighter outlet which will power the detector but it is awkward with a loose cord over the dash etc. Also, manufacturer’s probably don’t want to appear to endorse the use of radar detectors.

  7. “Aftermarket” radar detector? There’s a factory option that was missed? I’ve had the Blendmount mirror detector mounts/wiring on C-4s through C-7s, never had an issue. How is the C8 wired differently?

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