How to dim rearview mirror without a tab?

My 2012 Ford Focus has a rearview mirror without a tab to dim it at night. I end up moving the mirror away from my face because people behind me always have their high beams on. How do I turn on night mode without that tab? My 2013 Focus had the night mode tab, so I’m confused why this one doesn’t. I tried Googling it, but all I found were mirrors with the night mode tab, which isn’t helpful.


You don’t need to manually dim it. See the little dark spot at the top of the mirror? That’s the auto-dim sensor. It dims automatically.

@Joy
Exactly, it’s an auto-dimming mirror.

stone said:
@Joy
Exactly, it’s an auto-dimming mirror.

Gaunter O’Dim.

The mirror is supposed to dim automatically. If it’s not working, a fuse might be blown, or the mirror assembly could be faulty.

It’s an auto-dimming mirror, no need for a tab. It adjusts itself. By the way, if your Focus has the Powershift dual-clutch transmission, consider selling it before problems arise. If it’s a manual, you’re good.

AndrewCarFan said:
It’s an auto-dimming mirror, no need for a tab. It adjusts itself. By the way, if your Focus has the Powershift dual-clutch transmission, consider selling it before problems arise. If it’s a manual, you’re good.

Why should I sell it?

@AustinRacer
The Powershift DCT has a design flaw that can’t be fixed. Eventually, it will fail. If you’re lucky, it’ll be covered by Ford’s extended warranty, but once that expires, repairs will cost thousands. It’s a well-known issue.

The dark circular spot at the top of the mirror is the CDS cell. It’s an electrochromatic mirror, so it dims automatically when lights hit it from behind.

As others have said, it’s auto-dimming. Check your car settings to make sure the feature isn’t turned off. If it’s still not working, you might have a blown fuse or a faulty mirror.

FusionFrontier said:
My 2012 Ford Focus has a rearview mirror without a tab to dim it at night. I end up moving the mirror away from my face because people behind me always have their high beams on. How do I turn on night mode without that tab? My 2013 Focus had the night mode tab, so I’m confused why this one doesn’t. I tried Googling it, but all I found were mirrors with the night mode tab, which isn’t helpful.

Try pointing your left side mirror a bit more to the left and up. It usually helps with the blinding lights.

FusionFrontier said:
My 2012 Ford Focus has a rearview mirror without a tab to dim it at night. I end up moving the mirror away from my face because people behind me always have their high beams on. How do I turn on night mode without that tab? My 2013 Focus had the night mode tab, so I’m confused why this one doesn’t. I tried Googling it, but all I found were mirrors with the night mode tab, which isn’t helpful.

Your mirror isn’t broken, but auto-dimming mirrors sometimes don’t work as well for LED headlights.

@finn
That’s not true. My '07 Sport Trac has auto-dimming, and it works for all bright lights, even in daylight.

@finn
Mine dims for any light behind me, even if it’s the sun setting. It works for all kinds of lights.