The automatic day-night mirror uses 2 photocell sensors in order to determine light conditions in the front and the back of the vehicle. At night, as the glare of the headlamps from behind increases, the mirror gradually becomes darker in order to absorb the glare. In the daytime, the mirror is in a clear state. With the ignition switch in RUN, battery voltage is applied to the mirror connector terminal 1. With the gear selector lever in reverse, battery voltage is applied to terminal 3. The mirror then gradually changes to a clear state.

With the optional automatic outside mirror, the interior mirror also controls the reflectiveness of the left outside power mirror. The left outside power mirror darkens or clears along with the interior mirror.

The automatic day-night mirror contains an electronic compass. The compass display is on the mirror. The compass display presents directional displays relative to the symbolic horizon lines and road lines.

The electronic compass includes a fluxgate magnetic field sensor and a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives inputs from the sensor, processes the inputs, and provides outputs to the compass display. The compass display then indicates the vehicle heading relative to the Earth's magnetic fields.