Mirror Removal Instructions

Step-by-step instructions on how to remove the mirror from your truck or SUV before shipping it in for repair.

Good to know: everything below is safe DIY work for anyone — no special tools, no risk. This only covers getting the mirror off your truck to ship it in. The internal repair (opening the motor housing to replace the gear) is a separate job that involves a spring-loaded shaft under real compression and requires an arbor press to open safely — see our FAQ before attempting that part yourself.

Tools needed

• 10mm deep socket
• Flat blade screwdrivers — small and medium

Steps

1. Locate the triangle-shaped plastic cover at the front of the window frame, inside the door. This is held on by 3 metal/plastic clips. Simply pull straight out. Do your best to pull straight out, as the plastic clips become brittle over the years and can break off.
2. Remove the foam that's stuffed inside the cavity covered by the triangle.
3. Locate the plastic cover behind the internal door handle. Use the small flat blade to pry the cover off.
4. Use the 10mm socket to remove the bolt/screw.
5. Locate the plastic cover behind the internal armrest/door pull.
6. Use the 10mm socket to remove the 2 screws/bolts.
7. Locate the plastic cover over the door lock at the rear of the door.
8. Use the small flat blade to remove the very small tab that holds the door lock cover on the threaded door lock shaft.
9. Locate the switch panel in the armrest that has all of the control buttons.
10. Use the small flat blade to pry the panel up and out. It's held in by tabs that hold pressure. You will see all the wiring plugged into the harness.
11. Go to the bottom of the door where the inside door skin meets the metal of the door. Use the flat blade to pry the door skin away from the door enough to get your fingers underneath. With a quick motion, pop the skin away from the door — you will hear the plastic clips pop. Work your way around, preparing the door skin to be pulled back enough to reveal the cables and wiring.
12. At this point you could use the help of another person.
13. Go back to the cavity where you removed the triangle and foam. Use the 10mm socket to remove all 3 nuts. The extra person can help hold the mirror.
14. Locate the black and white plugs on the backside of the switch panel. Unplug them.
15. Now lift the door skin away from the door, using your knees to keep the door skin from dropping down.
16. Fish the black and white cables out through the triangle cavity.

At this point you are done. If you plan on using the truck without the mirrors for a few days, replace the door skins.

All of this sounds like a lot, but it's very easy.