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2013 2.5i limited moonroof/nav/eyesight outback with NO COMPASS?!!

10603 Views 18 Replies 13 Participants Last post by  jogosub
I have only found a few threads on this topic and haven't found the answer I'm looking for.

My question is, is it possible to have the dealer install the auto-dim, homelink, WITH compass mirror in a 2013 outback with the nav/moonroof/eyesight?

The mirror mine came with has auto-dim and homelink but no compass.

If it isn't possible, can someone recommend a good small dashboard compass?

The navigation unit compass does not show what direction you are heading when you are on expressways and such.

Thanks so much!
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Same ques here... I haven't got a good reply here for a post with the same ques. The only way to show a compass (with North needle highlighted) is to tab the screen while on route to a destination... in a pinch you can try that.
The answer is yes, they are interchangeable, if you already have home link/and dimming, then all you have to do is unplug and take the old mirror off and replace with the new mirror and plug the existing wiring harness back in then if I remember correctly you have to program the compass (and home link buttons of course) as the directions specify, really easy. I have installed these on two Subaru’s, the upgrade is not dependent upon having eyesight, SAP (you can have a basic model and have this installed as the wire harness you plug into is tucked away in the ceiling right above the front dome lamps and the additional hardware comes with the mirror (wire cover, mounting clip, mounting base with adhessive). Hope that helped.
Mirrors with compass are available on eBay - same brand that Subaru outsourced for their OEMs (Gentex). I have upgraded my previous 2 Subarus with those because I wanted to have the 2 built in map reading spot lights on bottom of the rear view mirrors. They can be used by passenger for reading without distraction to the driver.
Mirrors with compass are available on eBay - same brand that Subaru outsourced for their OEMs (Gentex). I have upgraded my previous 2 Subarus with those because I wanted to have the 2 built in map reading spot lights on bottom of the rear view mirrors. They can be used by passenger for reading without distraction to the driver.
Do you have more info on which one to get. I've just been to eBay and there were a bunch. Only have had my OB for 2 weeks and went looking for how to get the mirror compass to show up...duh! I can't believe that with all the bells and whistles in that car that there is no compass. I had it on my much less expensive '10 Forester!
Pick the one you like and send a message to the selling vendor for fitment.
Basically, they all fit with the universal plug-n-play ... plug is under the headliner.
I bought one for my 2010 Forester and it worked fine....and one for my 05 Forester ... I think Amazon sells them as well... as you probably know, they have risk free return policy, if it doesn't work. Just ignore their "will it fit my car" section; for obvious reasons they always say that it does not....while it actually fits!
Careful with which one you get. I bought one thinking I could swap it out, but it turns out the 2013 Outback 2.5i Limited doesn't have a connector in the headliner (at least not one I could access) and the plug on the mirror I bought doesn't match the stock one. I now have an useless rear view mirror I need to get rid of.

Here's the one I tried:
https://www.subaruonlineparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=1542

It clearly states that it's not compatible with the models with moonroof, but I don't think it said that when I bought it.
I have only found a few threads on this topic and haven't found the answer I'm looking for.

My question is, is it possible to have the dealer install the auto-dim, homelink, WITH compass mirror in a 2013 outback with the nav/moonroof/eyesight?

The mirror mine came with has auto-dim and homelink but no compass.

If it isn't possible, can someone recommend a good small dashboard compass?

The navigation unit compass does not show what direction you are heading when you are on expressways and such.

Thanks so much!
Doesn't the nav unit always display the direction you're heading at the top of the screen? I'm pretty sure mine does. I've had nav on my last two cars and my current Subie and I've never wished for a compass, but maybe that's just me.


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It does have a compass on main NAV screen. After you tap on "I agree" and the map comes up, the top center of the map screen will show the heading. If you tap on that it will show you the "Where am I" position coordinates, etc.
How accurate that position is - that is another question. You can double check with your extra Garnmin (if you have one) or iPhone/Droid phone ...
Doesn't the nav unit always display the direction you're
heading at the top of the screen?
Don't know about the Soobie unit, but in general, GPS-based
devices can't determine the direction unless they're moving.
An electronic compass doesn't require motion (or satellites).

My Garmin GPS is amazingly brain-dead in this regard. When
stopped, it immediately forgets what direction it was moving
the instant before it stopped. It then replaces all directional
arrows (e.g., pointers to nearby gas stations) with compass
headings ("1.1 mi N") ...when it just turned off the compass!

...Murphy was an optimist,

Looby
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The accessories below are not applicable to models with these options:
Option-1 Eyesight
Option-2 Moonroof
Option-3 Navigation

Option---Accessory
1,2,3 --- Auto-dimming Mirror/Compass
1,2,3 --- Auto-dimming Mirror/Compass with Homelink
1 --- Interior Illumination Kit
1 --- Side Sill Plates - Illuminated
So this is my beef also- new 2014 3.6R Limited OB, purchased the optional auto dim mirror with compass and found that it is not interchangeable with the OEM auto dim mirror harness connector, nor is there a connector under the headliner, at least that is easily accessible (I have a 2011 Forester and had no problem swapping out the OEM mirror with the optional auto dim mirror with compass). When I inquired with the dealership they noted that the compass mirror is not available if the OB has either the moon roof or nav (my model has the moon roof). So, has anyone found an auto dim mirror with compass that is compatible with the OEM harness connector or figured out how to rewire to make the optional compass mirror work?
I have only found a few threads on this topic and haven't found the answer I'm looking for.

My question is, is it possible to have the dealer install the auto-dim, homelink, WITH compass mirror in a 2013 outback with the nav/moonroof/eyesight?

The mirror mine came with has auto-dim and homelink but no compass.

If it isn't possible, can someone recommend a good small dashboard compass?

The navigation unit compass does not show what direction you are heading when you are on expressways and such.


Not to be a wise a** but there is a on and off button on the mirror, maybe it's turn off, did you check it, last button on the mirror, far right.
Thanks Jim- the power button simply turns the auto-dim feature off.
We just double checked to see if anything has changed but Subaru's notes still exclude eyesight, moonroof and navigation.

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This one fits... BTW - Gentex also makes rear view mirrors for Subaru and Subaru calls them OEM...LOL

Amazon.com: Gentex GENK45AM Auto-Dim Mirror with Compass and Homelink® for Subaru: Automotive
This one fits... BTW - Gentex also makes rear view mirrors for Subaru and Subaru calls them OEM...LOL

Amazon.com: Gentex GENK45AM Auto-Dim Mirror with Compass and Homelink® for Subaru: Automotive
Gentex has been the OEM supplier of autodim mirrors for many manufacturers for many years. The one in my Pontiac is a Donnelly however I bought a Gentex to put in. The Gentex was out of an Oldsmobile.
As long as you have the correct plug that will fit into a socket under the headliner with 3 pins (for plug-n-play installation) and the window bracket fits the (basic) replacement mirror, you are fine. Basic = auto dimming and compass.
If the mirror window bracket does not fit (due to mirror twist on/off bracket), all you need then is to order the right bracket; i.e. P/N H501SSA040 - and attach it to the twist on/off bracket.

As far as I know, Subarus just have 2 types of window mirror brackets; one that twists on/off the rear view mirror and one that slides on/off on above mentioned bracket.

Some older Subarus come with plain "manual" dimming rear view mirrors, without a compass. If you look under the headliner (by removing dome/map light assembly cluster) and find an empty 3 pin socket there - bingo - you can add Subaru auto dimming mirror with compass then. Either P/N H501SAG200 or P/N H501SFJ001.

I have done it many times... not just on Subarus...
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