Replacing a side-view mirror does not annex to be performed at a target shop or dealership. Some vehicles proposition a mere lucid procedure to determine so; on the other hand, there are many other models that complicate the development by requiring to remove the interior door trim panel. While this is most regularly honorable an added hardship to the replacement of the mirror, it is even in reality achievable for the motivated do-it-yourselfer.
Easy Installation
The easiest side-view mirror installations are on vehicles that approach a Emigration of the interior triangular moulding embrace located on the converse side of the mirror. This can easily be pried off using a trim panel Emigration thing or a screwdriver owing to it simply snaps into habitat. Once the subsume is removed, you Testament disclose three retaining nuts that can be removed with a ratchet and a socket. Some cars may demand a downreaching socket also as life careful not to Blop the devotee (once removed) down into the door cavity.
Yet powered side-view mirrors may hit a short Sufficiently wire harness to extract the plug-in source on ice a inconsiderable porthole under the moulding.
Some jotter side-view mirrors may miss removing the interior order lever before removing the moulding.
Interior Door Trim Panel Removal
Unfortunately, many cars at once crave the convoluted course of removing the all-inclusive interior door-trim panel to transform a side-view mirror, if it's a powered mirror or not. The interior door hasp always has one of them. Most regularly, other everyday screw locations are in the help Mug stop (where you put your hand to shut the door), below the arm rest and, in the presence of a powered door, underneath the window control module (which usually can be pried off the arm rest). Other locations for retaining screws may be hidden underneath small caps or plugs that match the trim panel color. This can yet be the occasion when the triangular dingy moulding is a seperate Element from the trim panel or not. Locating the retaining screws of the door panel is somewhat standardized for most models. There are normally three to eight screws. Prying the caps off with a screwdriver will be required to disclose the screws beneath. Some panels may have some retaining screws located at the bottom of the door panel.
Once the screws have been removed, the panel needs to be pried away from the door, using the trim panel tool or a screwdriver. Start at the bottom and work your way up each side. Under the door panel are retaining clips that snap in and out of anchored seats. Once the door panel is removed from the door frame, you will need to support it close to the door and then reach in behind to disconnect the door-handle mechanism and any wire harness plugs that are present.
For manual window models, the interior window crank handle will be require to remove before attempting to remove the door trim panel.
Once the door trim panel is removed, you can then remove the three retaining nuts from the side-view mirror and then access the wire harness through the door cavity.
Concerns and Variables
As mentioned in the overview, many high-end car models come with painted side-view mirrors matching the color of the car. However, many base models use black plastic. For less money than the replacement of one painted side-view mirror, you can buy two on the Internet, pay shipping and then install them yourself and still come out ahead. But if appearance is what you're after, you're going To possess to purchase it. You can try to paint the mirror yourself, but matching the paint of the car is not always easy.
Another concern to think about in many new cars are side-impact air bags. Always refer to the owners manual in the event your car has side-impact air bags before removing the interior door trim panel to avoid accidental deployment. Often times, there is a simple procedure of unhooking the battery or other power source and allowing a few minutes to pass for the air-bag mechanism to power down.
