1998 Ford Explorer 4 Door Replacement Electric/Heated Mirrors and 5.0L Transmission Cooler

Question:

Greetings, I had a question about the CIPA replacement electric/heated mirrors for a 1998 Ford Explorer 4 door. Part numbers are CM43312 - Driver and CM43313 - Passenger. Specifically about the heated option. Does this use an existing factory wiring harness and control? I have an XLT that didnt come with heated mirrors, but I would like to have that option. I was also wondering about adding a second transmission aux cooler for my 5.0L. I wont be doing much towing, but I do a lot of low speed offroading, and want the maximum amount of cooling for the type of severe duty my transmission sees. Would you recommend the Derale Class III Plate Fin D13503? The vehicle already has the factory plate fin trans cooler installed. Also, thank you for being an ExplorerForum.com vendor!

asked by: Lucas

Expert Reply:

If your 1998 Ford Explorer does not currently have heated mirrors you would not gain that feature by getting the CIPA Mirrors part numbers # CM43312 and # CM43313. Like you suspected it uses a factory connection that will not be present on vehicles without heated factory mirrors.

If you have electric mirrors without heat you would want CIPA Mirrors # CM42195 and # CM42095.

Adding an additional transmission cooler would be an excellent idea for you. Heat is the number 1 enemy to transmissions and if you have the room for it in front of your radiator the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler # D13503 would be an excellent choice. You will probably also want a Derale Radiator Adapter Fitting # D13025 so that you will not need to cut or flare any lines.

I attached a couple FAQ articles on transmission coolers for you to check out also.