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What are the buttons for on the rearview mirror on a Honda Odyssey?

The rearview mirror on a Honda Odyssey is equipped with several buttons that serve various functions. These buttons allow the driver to control different features of the vehicle, enhancing the driving experience and providing added convenience.


Rearview Mirror Buttons and Their Functions


The rearview mirror on a Honda Odyssey typically features the following buttons:



  • Dimmer Button: This button allows the driver to adjust the brightness of the rearview mirror, reducing glare from the headlights of vehicles behind them. Pressing the dimmer button will toggle between the normal and dimmed settings.

  • Garage Door Opener Buttons: These buttons, usually three in number, can be programmed to control a garage door opener, gate, or other compatible devices. By pressing the corresponding button, the driver can activate the desired device remotely.

  • HomeLink Button: The HomeLink button is used to program the garage door opener buttons mentioned above. This allows the driver to easily set up the buttons to control their specific garage door or other compatible devices.

  • Compass Display: Some Honda Odyssey models may have a compass display integrated into the rearview mirror. This feature provides the driver with the current direction of travel, which can be useful for navigation and orientation purposes.


These buttons on the rearview mirror of a Honda Odyssey offer the driver convenient access to various features, enhancing the overall driving experience and making certain tasks, such as opening a garage door or adjusting the mirror's brightness, more accessible.

What is the little switch on my rear view mirror?


The button on a rearview mirror is typically a glare-reduction switch for manual mirrors or a control for an auto-dimming feature. For manual mirrors, the tab flips the mirror to a different angle to deflect headlights at night. For newer cars, the button may turn on the auto-dimming function, which automatically darkens the mirror when bright headlights are detected, or it may be part of the HomeLink system for programming garage door openers. 
Manual glare-reduction switch (tab)

  • Location: A small tab or lever on the bottom edge of the mirror. 
  • Function: The mirror glass is a wedge that is thicker on one end. Flipping the tab changes the mirror's angle and how light reflects off it. 
  • How to use:
    • Daytime: The tab is in its normal position. 
    • Nighttime: When a car behind you turns on its bright headlights, flip the tab to "night mode." This angle deflects the light, making the glare less blinding while still allowing you to see. 

Auto-dimming feature (often a button with a light) 
  • Location: A button on the mirror's body, sometimes labeled with a "power" symbol or a small green light indicator. 
  • Function: The mirror has a light sensor that automatically darkens the reflective surface to reduce glare when bright lights are detected from behind. 
  • How to use:
    • Press the button to activate the auto-dimming function. 
    • A green light will usually turn on to show that it is active. 
    • To turn it off, press the button again.
    • Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions, as the light indicator and activation process can vary. 

HomeLink system (multiple buttons) 
  • Location: Typically three buttons located at the bottom of the mirror, often alongside or integrated into the auto-dimming controls.
  • Function: These are built-in universal remotes for devices like garage doors, gates, or home lighting.
  • How to use:
    • The buttons are programmed to a specific garage door opener or other compatible device.
    • Follow your car's instructions to program the buttons, which often involves using the original remote and a "learn" button on the garage door opener unit. 



What do the buttons on my rearview mirror mean?


The buttons on a rearview mirror can be for auto-dimming, controlling garage doors, adjusting camera displays, or accessing connected services. Buttons labeled 'I' or 'O' are often for auto-dimming, while a three-button cluster may control garage doors (HomeLink) or adjust a rear camera view. Other buttons could include an emergency call button or lights for your car's interior.
 
This video explains the auto-dimming feature on rearview mirrors: 58sBrainStuff - HowStuffWorksYouTube · Apr 4, 2014
Common button functions

  • Auto-dimming: A simple tab or 'I'/'O' button usually controls the anti-glare feature, which uses a light sensor to dim the mirror when headlights are detected. 
  • HomeLink system: Three buttons are often for programming your garage door opener or gate. You can program these buttons to work with a remote by holding the mirror button and the corresponding remote button at the same time. 
  • Rear camera controls: Some modern cars have a digital rearview mirror that uses a camera. Buttons on the mirror might adjust the brightness or position of the camera display. 
  • Emergency services: A button with a call or SOS symbol will connect you to a Uconnect Care or other assistance service. 
  • Interior lighting: You may see buttons on the mirror assembly that control interior lights. 
  • Adjusting mirrors: On some models, buttons on the mirror assembly might be used to adjust the side mirrors, or activate an auto-tilting feature when shifting into reverse. 

How to find out for sure
  • Check your car's manual: The most accurate way to learn about your specific buttons is to consult the owner's manual. 
  • Experiment: While not recommended for the emergency call button, you can safely experiment with other buttons to see what they do (e.g., try pressing HomeLink buttons while you are parked in your garage). 



What is the green power button on the rear view mirror?


A green light on a car's rearview mirror indicates that the auto-dimming feature is on, which automatically reduces glare from headlights at night. This is controlled by a power button, which has a light sensor to detect bright lights from behind and darken the mirror electronically to prevent blinding the driver. Pressing the button turns the feature off and makes the green light disappear.
 
You can watch this video to learn how the auto-dimming rearview mirror works: 45sspeedkar99YouTube · Jul 8, 2015

  • Function: The auto-dimming feature uses sensors to detect bright lights from behind, such as headlights, and darkens the mirror's glass to reduce glare and improve visibility at night. 
  • Control: The green light is an indicator that the system is active. A button on or near the mirror controls the system. 
  • To turn it off: Press the button, and the green light will go out, deactivating the auto-dimming feature. 
  • Manual override: Some older or different models may have a manual tab instead of a button, which you can flip to manually dim the mirror. 
  • Vehicle-specific: The exact functionality and location of the button can vary between vehicles, so it's always a good idea to check your vehicle's owner's manual for specific details. 



What is the power button under the rear view mirror Honda?


When you are driving after dark, the automatic dimming rearview mirror and power door mirror reduces the glare from headlights behind you. Press the AUTO button to turn this function on and off. When activated, the AUTO indicator comes on. The auto dimming function cancels when the transmission is in R.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.