🔧 Kona - Side View Mirror Replacement

Replacing a side mirror usually means removing the interior door trim (door panel), unplugging the mirror wiring, and unbolting the mirror from the door. On your Kona, the steps vary a bit depending on whether you’re replacing the entire mirror assembly or just the mirror glass.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn ignition OFF and keep the key away from the vehicle while unplugging door wiring.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery terminal with a 10mm socket to reduce the chance of an airbag/SRS warning (doors often have wiring for side-impact sensors).
• ⚠️ Wear safety glasses when popping clips; trim clips can release suddenly.
• ⚠️ Support the mirror with one hand while removing the last nut so it doesn’t fall and chip paint.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 3" extension (1/4" drive)
• Trim removal tool set
• Phillips screwdriver #2
• Flat-blade screwdriver (small)
• Pick tool (small)
• Torque wrench (inch-pound or low-range)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Painters tape
• Shop towel
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Side view mirror assembly (left or right, matched to options) - Qty: 1
• Door panel trim clips - Qty: 5-10
• 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.
• Use painters tape along the door edge near the mirror to protect the paint.
• Disconnect the battery: use a 10mm socket to remove the negative terminal and isolate it so it can’t spring back.
• Have a small container ready for screws and clips.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the interior mirror sail panel

• The “sail panel” is the small triangular plastic trim at the top-front of the door (inside), right by the mirror.
• Use a trim removal tool to gently pry around the edges and pop the clips free.
• If it has a tweeter speaker, unplug it using a pick tool to lift the connector lock, then pull the connector apart.

Step 2: Remove the door handle and switch trim pieces

• Use a trim removal tool to lift the window switch panel.
• Unplug the switch connectors using a pick tool to release the locking tabs.
• Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to pop off any small screw covers in the door pull/handle area.

Step 3: Remove door panel screws

• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove screws in the armrest/door pull area.
• If any screws are 10mm head bolts on your Kona, remove them with a 10mm socket and 1/4" ratchet.

Step 4: Remove the door panel

• Use a trim removal tool to pry along the bottom and sides of the door panel to pop the plastic push-clips.
• Lift the door panel upward to unhook it from the window ledge.
• Support the panel and unplug any remaining connectors using a pick tool.
• If there’s a cable for the inside door handle, release it with needle-nose pliers (gently) and unclip the cable housing.
• Tip: Don’t yank—clips pop, wiring doesn’t.

Step 5: Locate and unplug the mirror connector

• Near the mirror mounting area inside the door, find the mirror wiring connector.
• Use a pick tool to press the lock tab, then unplug the connector.

Step 6: Remove the mirror mounting nuts

• Hold the mirror on the outside with one hand.
• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 3" extension to remove the mirror nuts (typically 3 nuts).
• Remove the mirror from the door and keep the gasket/seal if it will be reused.

Step 7: Install the new mirror

• Place the new mirror onto the door, making sure the gasket/seal sits flat and doesn’t pinch wiring.
• Start all nuts by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten with a 10mm socket and ratchet, then final-tighten evenly.
• Use a torque wrench and Torque to 7-9 Nm (62-80 in-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect the mirror wiring and quick function check

• Plug in the mirror connector until it clicks.
• Reconnect the battery negative terminal with a 10mm socket.
• Turn ignition ON and test mirror adjust left/right and up/down using the door switch.
• If equipped, test turn signal in the mirror and mirror heater (heater usually comes on with rear defrost).

Step 9: Reinstall the door panel and trims

• Disconnect the battery negative terminal again with a 10mm socket before reconnecting everything if you want maximum SRS safety.
• Reconnect door wiring and the inside handle cable using needle-nose pliers as needed.
• Hang the door panel on the window ledge, then press clips in around the edges using your hands.
• Reinstall screws using a Phillips #2 screwdriver or 10mm socket (match what came out).
• Reinstall switch panel and sail panel using a trim removal tool to align clips, then press to seat.

Step 10: Final test

• Reconnect the battery negative terminal with a 10mm socket.
• Test window switches, door lock, mirror functions, and listen for any door panel rattles.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify the mirror sits flush and the gasket seals evenly (no wind whistle).
• Test drive and listen for wind noise around the mirror at 35-55 mph.
• If an SRS/airbag light turns on, you’ll need a proper scan tool to clear it after confirming all connectors are fully seated.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$900 (parts + labor, depends on options and paint)

DIY Cost: $120-$600 (parts only, depends on options and paint)

You Save: $150-$400 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-2.0 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.

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Quick check so I guide you perfectly (pick two):

• 🛠️ Are you replacing the whole mirror assembly or just the mirror glass?
• 🛠️ Is it the left (driver) or right (passenger) mirror?