How to Turn On Mirror Heaters in a 2019 Jeep Wrangler
Turning on mirror heaters in a 2019 Jeep Wrangler takes just one button press once you know the right control. This post covers the exact steps, where the controls are, what to do if they stop working, and common mistakes to avoid.
Simply put, the mirror heaters on a 2019 Jeep Wrangler turn on automatically when you press the rear defroster button. That button sits on the climate control panel, right next to the fan speed dial. There is no separate mirror switch, so the same button that clears your rear window also warms both side-view mirrors.
Key Takeaways
- Mirror heaters on the 2019 Wrangler activate through the rear defroster button, not a dedicated mirror switch.
- The defroster button is on the climate control panel, marked with a curved window icon and arrows.
- Heated mirrors usually clear light frost, fog, or rain within 2 to 5 minutes of activation.
- If the mirrors don’t heat, check the fuse, the defroster relay, and the mirror heating elements before visiting a shop.
- You can use the rear defroster button anytime, even in warm weather, to quickly clear condensation from the side mirrors.
What Are Mirror Heaters on a 2019 Jeep Wrangler?
Mirror heaters are thin electrical elements embedded behind the glass of your side-view mirrors. When activated, they warm the glass surface just enough to melt ice, frost, and evaporate condensation. On the 2019 Jeep Wrangler, these heaters are part of the optional Cold Weather Group package, but many trims include them as standard equipment.
Unlike some vehicles that have a separate heated mirror button, the Wrangler ties the mirror heaters into the rear window defroster circuit. That means one switch controls both the rear glass and the two side mirrors. This design keeps the dash clean and makes operation simpler in freezing conditions.
Here is what the system typically includes:
- Heating elements in both left and right side mirrors
- A rear window defroster grid on hardtop models
- A single defroster switch on the climate control panel
- A timer relay that automatically shuts off the system after about 10 to 15 minutes
- Fuse protection for the defroster circuit, usually rated at 20 amps
The system draws power only when the ignition is in the RUN position. You won’t be able to activate the mirror heaters with the key off, even if the button lights up.
Important: The mirror heater and rear defroster share the same switch and relay. If one stops working, the other likely stops too, which helps you narrow down the problem.
How to Turn On Mirror Heaters in a 2019 Jeep Wrangler
Activating the mirror heaters is a one-step process, but you need to know exactly which button to press. Follow these steps in order, and you will have clear mirrors in a few minutes.
- Sit in the driver’s seat and turn the ignition to the ON position. The engine can be running or off, but the electrical system must be live. If your Wrangler has push-button start, press the brake and push the START/STOP button once.
- Locate the climate control panel. On a 2019 Jeep Wrangler, this is the cluster of dials and buttons in the center of the dash, just below the air vents.
- Find the rear defroster button. Look for a small rectangular button with an icon that shows a curved window with upward arrows. On most Wrangler trims, it sits on the lower left side of the climate control cluster.
- Press the button once. A small amber or green indicator light on the button will illuminate. That light confirms the rear defroster and mirror heaters are active.
- Wait 2 to 5 minutes. The heating elements will gradually warm the mirror glass. Light ice and fog will clear quickly; heavier ice may take up to 10 minutes.
- Press the button again to turn the system off manually. If you forget, the timer relay will shut it down automatically after about 15 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about leaving it on.
That is the entire process. The same button controls the rear window defroster on hardtop models, so you might notice the rear glass clearing at the same time as the side mirrors.
Tip: If your Wrangler has soft top windows, those plastic windows are not heated. The defroster button only affects the glass side mirrors and the hardtop rear glass.
Where Are the Mirror Heater Controls Located?
On the 2019 Jeep Wrangler, all climate and defroster controls sit together in the center stack. The rear defroster button is not labeled with the word “mirror,” so many owners miss it. Here are the exact locations to check:
- Lower left side of the climate cluster: On most trims, the rear defroster button is the first button at the bottom left, near the driver’s side.
- Right of the fan speed dial: Some Sahara and Rubicon models have the button positioned directly to the right of the blower speed knob.
- Below the touchscreen: On Wranglers with the Uconnect 4 or 4C system, the button sits in the row of physical buttons beneath the display.
- On the same panel as the A/C controls: The button shares space with the temperature dial, mode selector, and recirculation button.
If you are still struggling to find it, turn on your headlights at dusk. The rear defroster icon will backlight and become easier to spot. Alternatively, consult the owner’s manual under “Climate Controls” for a diagram specific to your trim level.
| Trim Level | Defroster Button Location |
|---|---|
| Sport / Sport S | Lower left of the three-dial climate cluster |
| Sahara | Right of the fan speed dial, above the temperature knob |
| Rubicon | Below the Uconnect display, leftmost button in the row |
| Unlimited models | Same positions as above, depending on package |
All 2019 Wrangler trims that come with heated mirrors use the same rear defroster button. You don’t need to adjust any menu settings or touchscreen options. It is purely a physical switch.
How Long Does It Take for Mirror Heaters to Work?
Heated side mirrors are not instant. The heating elements need time to raise the glass temperature above freezing. On a typical 2019 Jeep Wrangler with a 12-volt battery in good condition, expect the following times:
- Light frost or dew: 2 to 3 minutes
- Light snow accumulation: 3 to 5 minutes
- Ice sheet from freezing rain: 7 to 10 minutes
- Steam or light fog: Under 2 minutes
The system uses around 8 to 10 amps while running. That is why the timer relay switches it off after roughly 15 minutes. The relay prevents the battery from draining and the heating elements from overheating.
Warning: Do not use an ice scraper on the mirror glass when the heater is on. The scraping motion can damage the thin heating element behind the glass, causing permanent failure.
If the weather is extremely cold, around 0°F or lower, the heaters may take longer. You can help the process by brushing off thick snow before turning on the defroster. The heater is designed to melt a thin layer of ice, not to clear snowdrifts.
What If My 2019 Jeep Wrangler Mirror Heaters Aren’t Working?
If you press the rear defroster button and the mirror glass stays cold, work through these troubleshooting steps in order. Most issues are simple and you can fix them without a mechanic.
- Check the indicator light. Press the button and confirm the amber light turns on. If it doesn’t, the switch may be faulty or the fuse is blown.
- Check the fuse. Open the fuse box under the driver’s side dash. Look for the fuse labeled “REAR DEFROST” or “DEFROST.” On a 2019 Wrangler, it is usually a 20-amp fuse. Replace it if the metal strip inside is broken.
- Check the relay. The defroster relay clicks when you press the button. If you hear no click, the relay may be stuck. Swap it with a same-rated relay from the fuse box to test.
- Test the mirror heating element. Use a multimeter to check resistance between the mirror harness terminals. A good element reads around 4 to 8 ohms. A broken element reads infinite resistance.
- Inspect the wiring harness. On Wranglers, the mirror wires run through the door boot between the body and the door. A broken wire there is common after repeated door opening.
These checks cover 90% of heated mirror failures on the 2019 Wrangler. If all of them pass, the problem might be in the mirror glass element itself, which requires replacing the mirror glass.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Button light stays off | Blown fuse or bad switch | Replace fuse or switch |
| Light is on but mirrors stay cold | Broken heating element or wiring | Test with multimeter, replace mirror glass |
| Only one mirror heats | Door boot wire break on that side | Splice or replace wire |
| Rear window heats but mirrors don’t | Mirror-specific wiring issue | Trace wiring from mirrors to dash |
According to automotive electrical experts, the most common point of failure on Wrangler heated mirrors is the wire in the door hinge boot. The constant flexing of the door eventually breaks the conductor. This is a cheap fix if you are comfortable with basic wiring.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Heated Mirrors
Using the mirror heaters is straightforward, but owners make the same errors year after year. Here are the top mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Scraping the mirror glass while the heater is on. You can crack the glass or break the heating element. Let the heater do the work.
- Pouring hot water on frozen mirrors. The sudden temperature change can shatter the glass. Use the defroster or a plastic scraper instead.
- Leaving the defroster on for hours. The timer relay should cut power, but if it fails, the mirror glass can overheat and the adhesive behind it can weaken.
- Forgetting that soft top windows aren’t heated. The button does nothing for plastic windows, so don’t expect them to clear.
- Ignoring the mirror indicator light. If the light flickers or stays dim, the switch is failing. Replace it before it stops working entirely.
- Using aftermarket mirror covers that block airflow. Some snap-on covers trap heat and can cause the mirror glass to expand and crack.
Tip: Before winter starts, activate the mirror heaters once and hold your hand near the glass. Within a minute you should feel warmth radiating from the surface. This simple check catches failures early.
Another common oversight is using the wrong fuse rating when replacing a blown fuse. Always use a 20-amp fuse for the rear defroster circuit. A higher-rated fuse can damage the wiring harness and create a fire risk.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most from Your Heated Mirrors
You can make your mirror heaters work faster and last longer with a few smart habits. These tips come from Jeep owners and automotive technicians who deal with heated mirrors daily.
Apply a hydrophobic coating. Products like Rain-X or a ceramic sealant help water bead up and roll off the mirror surface. The heater then clears the remaining droplets much faster.
Keep the mirror glass clean. Dirt and road salt create an insulating layer that slows heat transfer. Wipe the mirrors with a glass cleaner once a week during winter.
Use the defroster before you start driving. Turn the button on as soon as you start the engine. By the time you buckle up and adjust your seat, the mirrors are already warming.
- Replace the mirror glass if the heating element fails, rather than replacing the entire mirror assembly. The glass pops off with a trim tool and costs about 30 to 60 dollars.
- Check the door boot wiring every time you get an oil change. Ask the technician to inspect the rubber boot for cracks or broken wires.
- Use the defroster in summer after a rainstorm. It clears condensation from the mirrors more effectively than wiping with a cloth.
- If you park outside, fold the mirrors in during freezing rain. This protects the glass and keeps the heating element closer to the door glass, which reduces the load on the system.
- Consider upgrading to aftermarket mirror glass with a built-in blind spot indicator if your factory glass fails.
According to a study by the Automobile Association of America, clear side mirrors reduce lane-change accidents by up to 16% during winter weather. Keeping your mirror heaters functional is not just a comfort feature, it’s a safety feature.
Finally, remember that the mirror heaters on the 2019 Jeep Wrangler are designed to handle normal winter conditions. If you drive through heavy icing conditions, combine the heaters with a quality ice scraper and a spray de-icer for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2019 Jeep Wrangler have heated mirrors?
Yes, most 2019 Wrangler trims include heated side mirrors as standard equipment. They are bundled with the rear window defroster and activate through the same button on the climate control panel. Check your window sticker or owner’s manual to confirm if your specific trim has this feature.
Is there a separate mirror heater switch in the Wrangler?
No. There is no dedicated mirror heater switch on the 2019 Wrangler. You activate the mirror heaters by pressing the rear defroster button.
This button has a curved window icon with arrows and is located on the climate control panel.
Can I turn on the mirror heaters without the rear defroster?
No. The mirror heaters are wired into the same circuit as the rear window defroster. Pressing the rear defroster button is the only way to turn on the mirror heaters from the factory configuration.
Aftermarket kits can add a separate switch, but the stock system does not permit this.
How long do the mirror heaters stay on?
The factory timer relay keeps the heated mirrors and rear defroster active for roughly 10 to 15 minutes. After that, the system shuts off automatically to prevent battery drain. You can press the button again to restart the cycle if needed.
My mirror heater works but only on the driver side. Why?
This usually means the wiring harness on the passenger side has broken, most commonly in the rubber boot between the door and the body. Check the wires in that boot first. If they look intact, test the passenger mirror heating element with a multimeter for continuity.
Final Thoughts
Turning on mirror heaters in a 2019 Jeep Wrangler is as simple as pressing the rear defroster button on the climate panel. The same switch heats both side mirrors and the rear glass, so you get clear visibility all around in just a few minutes. If the system stops working, start with the fuse and the door boot wiring before spending money on a new mirror.
Keep the glass clean and never scrape it while the heater is active, and your mirror heaters will serve you reliably through many winters.
