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How Do I Replace an Outside Mirror on an Automobile

Exterior car windows are held on by a few screws. The most time-consuming part of this task is accessing these screws and the electrical connector if you are replacing a power mirror. Though the procedure for replacing exterior mirrors is nearly identical for all vehicles, you may need different tools depending on what types of screws and panel fasteners your car has.

Instructions

Removing the Old Mirror

1

Remove the mirror trim panel. It is the triangle-shaped panel located on the inside of your door, directly opposite of the exterior side mirror. Youll need a special door trim removal tool to do this on some cars, but you may be able to remove some panels with just a screwdriver.

2

Remove the entire door panel if necessary. Youll only have to do this for cars with power windows because youll have to disconnect the electrical connector that may be located behind the door panel. It may take some time to find all the door panel fasteners, and as with the mirror trim panel, you may need a specialized door panel removal tool. The screws may also be hidden behind small decorative panels. These usually snap right off of the panel.

3

Unscrew the screws that secure the mirror from the interior side of the door. The screws are located behind the mirror trim panel you removed. There are usually three of them and they may have a Phillips, hex or Torx head.

4

Disconnect the electrical connector if you are replacing a power mirror. If the connector was not accessible when you removed the mirror trim panel, follow the wiring from the mirror until you find the connector.

5

Remove the mirror by pulling it away from the door.

Installing the New Mirror

6

Put the new mirror in place, and install the retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver, Torx driver or hex driver, depending on the screw heads.

7

Reconnect the electrical connector, if necessary.

8

Reinstall the door panel (if you removed it) and mirror trim panel. Push the panel into place. Some fasteners will probably snap to fasten, then install any screw fasteners you removed. Lastly, if you have removed any covers to hide screws, snap these back into place.