🔧 Savana - Side View Mirror Replacement

You’ll remove the interior door trim (or the small mirror sail panel), unplug the mirror (if equipped), then unbolt and swap the mirror assembly. This is usually straightforward, but taking your time prevents broken trim clips and paint scratches.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours (both sides)

Assumption: Your Savana uses the common GM 3-nut mirror mount with an optional power-mirror connector.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Keep the window fully up or fully down to avoid pinches while working inside the door.
• ⚠️ If your mirror has a wiring connector (power/heat/turn signal), disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging anything.
• ⚠️ Support the mirror with one hand while removing the last nut so it doesn’t fall and chip paint.
• ⚠️ Use plastic trim tools—metal screwdrivers can crack trim and scratch paint.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Trim removal tool set (plastic)
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• 7mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3" socket extension
• Torque wrench (in-lb or Nm capable)
• Pick tool
• Painters tape
• Shop towel
• 10mm wrench

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Side view mirror assembly (left/driver) - Qty: 1
• Side view mirror assembly (right/passenger) - Qty: 1
• Door trim panel retainers/clips - Qty: 1 set
• Foam mirror-to-door gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Lower the window about halfway to give your hands room.
• Apply painters tape along the door edge under the mirror to protect paint.
• If the mirror is powered/heated: use a 10mm wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the interior trim at the mirror area

• Use a trim removal tool set (plastic) to pop off the small triangular inside cover at the front/top of the door (the “sail panel”).
• If your Savana has the mirror bolts hidden by the full door panel: continue to Step 2 and remove the door panel.

Step 2: Remove the front door trim panel (if required)

• Use a pick tool to lift small screw covers in the pull handle/armrest area (if equipped).
• Remove door panel screws with a 7mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet (some vans may also use a Phillips screw—use a Phillips screwdriver if present).
• Work around the edges and release the push-clips using a trim removal tool set (plastic).
• Lift the panel straight up and off the window ledge. Support it with a shop towel so it doesn’t scratch anything.
• Unplug any connectors (window/lock switch) by pressing the tab and pulling apart by hand. Don’t yank on wires.

Step 3: Unplug the mirror connector (power mirrors only)

• Locate the mirror harness connector near the top/front of the door.
• Press the lock tab using a pick tool (if needed) and unplug the connector by hand.

Step 4: Remove the mirror mounting nuts

• Hold the mirror from the outside with one hand.
• Use a 10mm socket, 3" socket extension, and 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the three mirror mounting nuts.
• Remove the mirror from the outside and guide the wiring (if equipped) through the door opening.

Step 5: Prep the new mirror

• Compare the new mirror to the old one: same mounting studs, same connector (if powered), same shape.
• Install a new foam mirror-to-door gasket if the old one is torn or crushed.

Step 6: Install the new mirror

• Feed the wiring connector through the door (if equipped) and place the mirror onto the door.
• Start all three nuts by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten the nuts evenly using a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Final tighten with a torque wrench: Torque to 10 Nm (89 in-lbs).

Step 7: Reconnect wiring (power mirrors only)

• Plug the mirror connector back in until it clicks (no tools needed).

Step 8: Reinstall the door trim

• Reconnect any door switch connectors by hand.
• Hang the door panel on the window ledge, then press the clips in around the perimeter using your palms.
• Reinstall screws using a 7mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet (and Phillips screwdriver if equipped).
• Snap the sail panel back on using a trim removal tool set (plastic) to align it, then press it in by hand.

Step 9: Reconnect the battery (if disconnected)

• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm wrench.

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✅ After Repair

• Test mirror movement (power adjust) and heat (if equipped).
• Close the door and verify the mirror is stable—no wobble at the base.
• Check for wind noise on a short drive; re-check the three nuts if needed.
• Clean fingerprints off glass and paint using a shop towel.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $90-$300 (parts only, per side)

You Save: $160-$350 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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