🔧 Side View Mirrors - Replacement

This job replaces the complete exterior mirror assembly on your F-150. The door trim panel has to come off first, then the mirror connector and mounting nuts are removed from inside the door.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging any mirror connector. This helps prevent electrical faults and accidental short circuits.
• Be careful with the door trim panel clips. Pulling too hard can crack the panel or break clips.
• If your mirror has power fold, heated glass, turn signals, or blind spot warning, make sure the replacement mirror matches those features.
• Support the mirror with one hand while removing the last nut so it does not drop and damage the paint.
• Keep glass and painted surfaces protected with masking tape or a fender cover.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 7mm socket
• 8mm socket
• Ratchet
• Small extension
• Trim panel removal tool
• Flat trim tool
• Torque wrench
• Phillips screwdriver
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Battery terminal wrench

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Side view mirror assembly - Qty: 1 per side replaced
• Door trim panel clip(s) - Qty: As needed
• Mirror gasket or foam seal - Qty: 1 per side replaced
• Door vapor barrier adhesive tape - Qty: As needed

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Lower the window on the door you are working on. This gives you room to handle the panel safely.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting.
• If the mirror has heated glass, turn signals, power fold, or blind spot monitoring, verify the replacement mirror matches the original.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the door trim panel

• Use a trim panel removal tool to carefully pop the trim cover pieces off the door panel.
• Use a 7mm socket to remove the screws at the handle and lower door panel areas.
• Use the trim panel removal tool to release the door panel clips around the edges.
• Lift the panel upward to unhook it from the window ledge.
• Disconnect the electrical connectors for the window switch and any other door-mounted switches.

Step 2: Peel back the water shield

• Carefully peel back the vapor barrier enough to reach the mirror wiring and mounting area.
• Keep the adhesive clean.
• If the barrier tears, reseal it later with adhesive tape.

Step 3: Disconnect the mirror connector

• Locate the mirror wiring connector inside the door.
• Press the lock tab and unplug the connector by hand.
• Do not pull on the wires.

Step 4: Remove the mirror mounting nuts

• Use an 8mm socket and ratchet with a small extension to remove the mirror nuts from inside the door.
• Hold the mirror from the outside while removing the last nut.
• Torque on installation: 8-10 Nm (71-89 in-lbs).

Step 5: Remove the mirror from the door

• Pull the mirror assembly straight away from the door.
• Remove the old gasket or foam seal if it stays on the door.
• Check the paint for trapped debris.

Step 6: Install the new mirror

• Position the new mirror assembly in the door opening.
• Start all mounting nuts by hand first.
• Use the 8mm socket to tighten the nuts evenly.
• Torque to 8-10 Nm (71-89 in-lbs).

Step 7: Reconnect wiring and reassemble the door

• Reconnect the mirror electrical connector until it clicks.
• Reinstall the vapor barrier and press the adhesive back into place.
• Reconnect the door panel electrical connectors.
• Hang the door panel on the window ledge, then press the clips back in by hand.
• Reinstall the screws with the 7mm socket.

Step 8: Test the mirror

• Reconnect the negative battery cable with the battery terminal wrench.
• Test mirror adjustment, heating, turn signal, power fold, and blind spot functions if equipped.
• Check that the door panel sits flush and the mirror is secure.

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✅ After Repair

• Cycle the mirror through all movement positions and make sure it moves smoothly.
• Verify the turn signal, heating, and blind spot warning work if equipped.
• Check for wind noise on a short road test.
• Recheck mirror nut tightness if the new mirror settles after installation.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$700 per mirror (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$350 per mirror (parts only)

You Save: $130-$350 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours per mirror.

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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.