🔧 WRX - Side View Mirror Replacement

You’ll remove the inside door trim, unplug the mirror wiring, and unbolt the mirror from the door. Then you’ll bolt the new mirror on, reconnect the wiring, and reinstall the trim so the mirror operates and sits flush.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before unplugging door wiring.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable if your door has any SRS/airbag-related wiring connectors (yellow connectors = SRS). Wait 3 minutes after disconnecting.
• ⚠️ Support the mirror with one hand when removing the last nut so it doesn’t fall and chip paint.
• ⚠️ Use plastic trim tools to avoid scratching the door panel.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 6" extension (1/4")
• Torque wrench (in-lb or Nm)
• Phillips screwdriver #2
• Plastic trim clip removal tool
• Pick tool
• Painters tape
• Magnetic parts tray
• Work light
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 10mm wrench

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Side view mirror assembly (left/driver or right/passenger) - Qty: 1
• Door panel trim clips - Qty: 6-12
• Mirror gasket/seal (if not included with mirror) - 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 painters tape along the door edge below the mirror area to protect the paint.
• If you choose to disconnect the battery: use a 10mm wrench to remove the negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes.
• Plastic trim clip removal tool = a plastic pry tool that pops clips without damaging panels.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the interior mirror sail panel

• Use the plastic trim clip removal tool to gently pry off the small triangular trim panel at the front top corner of the door (inside, by the mirror).
• If it has a tweeter speaker connector, unplug it using the pick tool to lift the lock tab gently.
• Pry from the top edge first.

Step 2: Remove door panel fasteners

• Use the pick tool to pop off the small cover in the interior door handle area, then remove the screw with a Phillips screwdriver #2.
• Use the pick tool to remove the cover behind/inside the armrest switch area (if equipped), then remove the screw with a Phillips screwdriver #2.
• Place screws in a magnetic parts tray.

Step 3: Pop the door panel clips loose

• Starting at the bottom edge, use the plastic trim clip removal tool to pop the door panel clips out one-by-one.
• Work around the sides until the panel is free.

Step 4: Lift the door panel up and disconnect wiring

• Lift the door panel straight upward to unhook it from the window ledge.
• Support the panel and unplug the power window/lock switch connectors by pressing the release tabs (use the pick tool only if needed).
• If equipped, disconnect the courtesy light connector at the bottom using the pick tool.

Step 5: Peel back the water shield (vapor barrier) near the mirror area

• Use your fingers and the plastic trim clip removal tool to carefully peel the plastic water shield back just enough to access the mirror studs and connector.
• Don’t tear the butyl adhesive.

Step 6: Unplug the mirror connector

• Find the mirror wiring connector near the front upper door area.
• Press the tab and unplug it by hand; use the pick tool only to help release the tab if it’s stubborn.

Step 7: Remove the mirror retaining nuts

• Hold the mirror from the outside with one hand.
• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension (1/4") to remove the three mirror nuts.
• Set the nuts in the magnetic parts tray.

Step 8: Remove the mirror from the door

• Pull the mirror straight away from the door while guiding the harness and connector through the opening.
• Remove the old gasket/seal if it stayed stuck to the door.

Step 9: Install the new mirror

• Make sure the mirror gasket is seated correctly on the mirror base.
• Feed the wiring through the door opening and set the mirror onto the studs.
• Hand-thread the nuts first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 10mm socket and 1/4" ratchet to snug the nuts evenly.
• Use the torque wrench (in-lb or Nm) to finish tightening: Torque to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs).
• Tighten evenly to seat the gasket.

Step 10: Reconnect wiring and re-seal the water shield

• Plug the mirror connector back in until it clicks.
• Press the water shield back into the butyl adhesive by hand; use the work light to confirm it’s sealed along the edges.

Step 11: Reinstall the door panel

• Reconnect the window/lock switch connectors by hand.
• Hang the door panel on the top window ledge and press downward to seat it.
• Press the clips in around the perimeter using firm hand pressure (replace any broken clips with the new ones).
• Reinstall screws using the Phillips screwdriver #2, then snap the covers back on by hand.

Step 12: Reinstall the sail panel

• If equipped, reconnect the tweeter connector by hand.
• Align the clips and press the sail panel into place.

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✅ After Repair

• If disconnected, reconnect the negative battery cable using the 10mm wrench.
• Turn ignition ON and test mirror movement (up/down/left/right).
• If equipped, test mirror heat (rear defogger on) and mirror turn signal/puddle light.
• Confirm the mirror sits flush and doesn’t wobble, and the window operates normally.
• Take a short drive and listen for wind noise; reseat the gasket if needed.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $90-$400 (parts only)

You Save: $160-$250 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?

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