🔧 Impreza - Side View Mirror Replacement

Replacing a side view mirror on your Impreza involves removing the interior door trim (door panel), unplugging the mirror wiring, and unbolting the mirror from the door. This is usually done because the mirror housing is cracked, the glass is loose, or the power adjuster stopped working.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours (per side)

Assumption: your Impreza has power mirrors (common); steps note manual where different.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and keep the key out of the ignition.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery terminal before unplugging door wiring to prevent shorts and accidental airbag/wiring faults.
• ⚠️ Support the door panel as you remove it; don’t let it hang by the wiring.
• ⚠️ Protect paint: use painter’s tape around the mirror base area to avoid scratches.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 6" socket extension (1/4" drive)
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Plastic trim removal tool set
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Torque wrench (inch-pound)
• Painter’s tape
• Magnetic pickup tool
• 10mm wrench
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Side view mirror assembly (LH driver or RH passenger, correct paint option) - Qty: 1
• Door trim panel push clips - Qty: 5-10
• Mirror mounting foam gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and lower the window on the side you’re working on.
• Apply painter’s tape around the mirror base on the outside of the door.
• Disconnect the battery: use a 10mm wrench to remove the negative terminal and isolate it so it can’t spring back.
• Have a small container ready for screws/clips so nothing gets lost.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the window switch panel

• Use a plastic trim removal tool set to gently pry up the window switch panel from the armrest.
• Unplug the electrical connectors by pressing the lock tab with a small flat-blade screwdriver and pulling straight out.
• A trim tool is a plastic pry tool.

Step 2: Remove the inner door handle bezel

• Use a plastic trim removal tool set to pop off the trim around the interior door handle.
• Remove the exposed screw(s) with a Phillips #2 screwdriver.

Step 3: Remove the armrest/door pull screws

• Locate screws in the door pull/armrest area.
• Remove them with a Phillips #2 screwdriver.

Step 4: Release the door panel clips

• Starting at the lower edge, use a plastic trim removal tool set to pry the door panel outward and pop the clips free.
• Work around the sides until all clips release.
• Pull straight out to avoid breaking clips.

Step 5: Lift the door panel up and disconnect everything

• Lift the door panel upward to unhook it from the window ledge.
• Disconnect any remaining connectors using a small flat-blade screwdriver to press lock tabs.
• If equipped with a door-handle cable: unclip it from the handle using needle-nose pliers and rotate it out of its slot.
• Set the panel somewhere safe.

Step 6: Remove the mirror “sail panel” trim

• At the front upper corner of the door (inside), remove the small triangular trim panel.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool set to pop it free (it’s held by clips).

Step 7: Unplug the mirror connector

• Find the mirror wiring connector inside the door near the mirror area.
• Press the lock tab with a small flat-blade screwdriver and unplug it.
• If your mirror is manual (no wiring), you’ll skip this and only remove the mounting hardware.

Step 8: Remove the mirror mounting nuts

• Support the mirror from the outside with one hand.
• Use a 10mm socket, 6" socket extension (1/4" drive), and 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the three mounting nuts.
• Use a magnetic pickup tool if a nut starts to fall inside the door.

Step 9: Remove the mirror and transfer parts if needed

• Pull the mirror straight off the door, guiding the wiring harness through the hole.
• If your new mirror did not include a foam gasket, install a new mirror mounting foam gasket on the door/mirror base.

Step 10: Install the new mirror

• Feed the wiring through the door and position the mirror on the studs.
• Thread the nuts by hand first (prevents cross-threading).
• Tighten with a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Torque to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lb) using a torque wrench (inch-pound).

Step 11: Plug the mirror back in and reassemble the door

• Reconnect the mirror connector until it clicks.
• Reinstall the sail panel trim by pressing it back into its clips.
• Hang the door panel on the top edge first, then press the clips in around the perimeter.
• Reinstall screws using a Phillips #2 screwdriver.
• Reconnect the window switch panel connectors and snap the switch panel back in with hand pressure.

Step 12: Reconnect the battery

• Reconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench.
• Make sure the clamp is tight and does not rotate on the post.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the key on and test mirror adjustment (and heat/turn signal if equipped).
• Confirm the mirror sits flush and doesn’t wobble when you push it lightly.
• Check the window and door lock functions on that door.
• If any door panel clips broke, replace them so the panel won’t rattle.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $160-$200 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.