🔧 Traverse - Side View Mirror Replacement

On your Traverse, replacing a side view mirror usually means removing the interior door trim, unplugging the mirror wiring connector, then unbolting the mirror from the door. This is straightforward, but you’ll be working near side-airbag wiring inside the door, so take your time.

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

Two quick questions so I keep this 100% accurate:

• 🔎 Which side are you replacing: driver (left) or passenger (right)?
• 🔎 Are you replacing the whole mirror assembly or just the mirror glass?

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable before door trim removal to reduce airbag/short risk.
• ⚠️ Don’t probe yellow connectors/wiring—those are typically SRS (airbag) circuits.
• ⚠️ Support the mirror when removing the last nut so it doesn’t fall and scratch paint.
• ⚠️ Work with the window fully down to avoid breaking the trim panel.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3" extension (1/4")
• Trim clip removal tool (plastic)
• Small flat trim pick
• Torx T20 screwdriver
• Torx T30 screwdriver
• Small needle-nose pliers
• Painter’s tape (1")
• Torque wrench (in-lb or low Nm range)
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Outside rearview mirror assembly (left or right, matched to options) - Qty: 1
• Door trim panel clips (push-type) - Qty: 6–12
• Mirror sail panel foam seal (if damaged) - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and turn ignition OFF.
• Lower the window all the way.
• Use 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable, then wait 2 minutes.
• Put painter’s tape (1") along the door edge and near the mirror base to protect paint.
• Keep screws in cups by location.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the sail panel (small trim at mirror corner)

• Use a trim clip removal tool (plastic) to gently pry off the triangular sail panel at the front upper corner of the door.
• If it has a clip tether, release it with the small flat trim pick.

Step 2: Remove door handle/armrest trim and screws

• Use the small flat trim pick to lift the small covers hiding screws in the pull handle/armrest area.
• Remove screws using a Torx T20 screwdriver (some fasteners may be Torx T30 screwdriver depending on build).

Step 3: Release the door trim panel clips

• Start at the lower edge. Use the trim clip removal tool (plastic) to pop the panel clips free around the perimeter.
• Pull straight out to avoid clip damage.

Step 4: Lift the door trim panel up and disconnect wiring

• Lift the door panel upward to unhook it from the window ledge.
• Disconnect electrical connectors (window/lock switch, courtesy light) by releasing tabs with the small flat trim pick.
• If equipped, disconnect the door handle cable by rotating the cable retainer out, then unhook the cable end (use needle-nose pliers if needed).

Step 5: Disconnect the mirror electrical connector

• Locate the mirror harness connector inside the door near the mirror mounting area.
• Release the lock tab using the small flat trim pick, then unplug the connector.

Step 6: Remove the mirror mounting nuts

• Support the mirror with one hand from outside.
• Use a 10mm socket with 1/4" drive ratchet and 3" extension (1/4") to remove the mirror mounting nuts (typically 3).
• Carefully pull the mirror away from the door and feed the wiring through the opening.

Step 7: Install the new mirror assembly

• Feed the new mirror wiring through the door opening and seat the mirror on the mounting studs.
• Install the nuts by hand first (prevents cross-threading), then tighten with the 10mm socket.
• Torque to 10 Nm (89 in-lb) using a torque wrench (in-lb or low Nm range).
• Reconnect the mirror electrical connector until it clicks.

Step 8: Reinstall the door trim panel

• Reconnect all electrical connectors and the door handle cable (use needle-nose pliers if needed).
• Hook the top of the door panel onto the window ledge, then press the panel inward around the edges to seat all clips.
• Reinstall the handle/armrest screws using Torx T20 screwdriver or Torx T30 screwdriver (match what came out).
• Snap the trim covers back in using the small flat trim pick to align them.

Step 9: Reinstall the sail panel

• Line up the clips and press the sail panel into place by hand.

---

✅ After Repair

• Reconnect the negative battery cable using the 10mm socket.
• Key ON and test: mirror adjust, heat, turn signal indicator (if equipped), power-fold (if equipped), and memory position (if equipped).
• Check for wind noise on a short drive—if present, re-check the mirror seal seating.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350–$950 (parts + labor, varies by options like camera/power-fold)

DIY Cost: $120–$650 (parts only)

You Save: $230–$300+ 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.

---

🎯 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.