Ford Flex Lane-Keeping Assist / Auto-Highbeam Adapter by XirallicBolts

Last crawled date: 3 years, 4 months ago

Adapter to fit a lane-keeping mirror to 2013-2019 Ford Flex.
Requires a mirror from a 2013+ Ford Taurus, Ford Explorer, Lincoln MKS, or Lincoln MKT.
Two styles of mirror are available -- one is auto-highbeam only, the other is lane-keeping + auto highbeam. Do not rely on item descriptions -- sellers often mistakenly label an AHB mirror as LKA. Look for "AHBC/LA" or at the forward-facing sensor itself -- it should match the one in my picture.
Wiring and Forscan modifications are necessary.
Printing/Installation
1) Remove the original rearview mirror carefully. Check my other Things for a tool that may help.
2) Print VinylTemplate.stl (No supports necessary)
3) Cut a piece of Oracal 651 Matte Black Vinyl to the rough size of the template. Go a little big for the outside dimensions.
4) Cut the hole for the existing 'saddle mount', but not the trapezoid or outer edge.
5) Apply the vinyl to the inside of the windshield. Avoid bubbles and creases. Variations in the adhesive (from pulling/reapplying) will disappear after some time in the sun.
6) Using VinylTemplate and a scalpel, carefully cut the trapezoid shape. Use a laser level if available to ensure the trapezoid is vertical.
7) Print BasePlate.stl and BodyAdapter.stl (Print in PETG, ABS, or PC, with supports)
8) On the new rearview mirror, tap the two holes near the spring clip to 6-32 or similar.
9) Remove the metal spring clip from the new rearview mirror.
10) Attach the metal spring clip to BodyAdapter.stl using 10-32 or 1/4-20 screw/nut/washers.
11) Exercise the twist-action between BodyAdapter and BasePlate a few times to ensure everything feels good and get the initial groove worn in. Separate the two pieces when done.
12) Attach BodyAdapter.stl to the new mirror, using three screws (two previously-tapped screw holes + the original spring clip boss) Use washer and nuts as appropriate.
13) Superglue or JBweld BodyAdapter to the mirror aluminum to prevent minor vibrations.
Before JBwelding, you may want to test-fit everything using double-sided adhesive tape
14) Laying a towel to protect the dashboard, JBweld BasePlate to the vinyl using a laser level and VinylTemplate to help get it as close to vertical as possible. The top of BasePlate should be nearly flush with the headliner. Let cure overnight.
15) Twist on the mirror+BodyAdapter assembly. Use a coarse screw to lock the alignment.
16) Print TPUAdapter.stl (TPU, no supports necessary)
17) Attach the TPU adapter to the lower mirror cover for a Lincoln MKT (Part DE9Z-17D550-AB)
18) Attach the mirror cover + TPU to the rearview mirror.
19) Once aligned how you want it, use a scalpel to trim the outside edge of the vinyl to match the TPU/shroud.
Wiring Modifications
Four wires from the mirror's pigtail (+12v, Ground, HS-CAN+, HS-CAN-) must be connected to the car. I made a wiring harness that extended to behind the radio, connecting to an APIM extension cable.
To toggle Lane Assist on and off, I drilled a small hole in the mirror housing and glued a tactile pushbutton switch connecting the LKA Switch wire to ground when pressed.
Forscan Modifications
My original values are for a 2016 Flex Limited 303A (With Collision Warning)
IPC
720-01-02 xxxx 6Fxx xx (was 6E, collision warning only)
720-01-03 xxxx 54xx (was 50)
PSCM
730-02-01 xxxx x1xx xxxx (was 0)
When connecting, Forscan will ask if you have a Flex or MKT. You must select MKT for the rearview mirror (IPMA) to appear.