🔧 Wrangler - Side View Mirror Replacement

Replacing the side view mirrors on your Wrangler is a beginner-friendly repair. The mirror assembly bolts to the door from the outside, and Sahara models may also have a power/heated mirror connector inside the door access area.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes per mirror

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Park on level ground and set the parking brake before starting.
• ⚠️ Support the mirror with one hand while removing the last bolt so it does not fall against the paint.
• ⚠️ If your mirror has power adjustment or heat, disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging the mirror connector.
• ⚠️ Do not pry with metal tools against painted door surfaces.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm wrench
• Torx T40 driver
• Torx T30 driver
• Plastic trim removal tool set
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Torque wrench rated in inch-pounds
• Painter’s tape
• Microfiber towel
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Driver side mirror assembly - Qty: 1
• Passenger side mirror assembly - Qty: 1
• Mirror mounting gasket - Qty: 1 per mirror if not included
• Mirror mounting bolts - Qty: 3 per mirror if damaged or missing

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📋 Before You Begin

• ✅ Roll the window down on the door you are working on.
• ✅ Apply painter’s tape around the mirror base to protect the paint.
• ✅ Replace one mirror at a time so you can use the other side as a reference.
• ✅ A Torx driver is a star-shaped driver used on Jeep body fasteners.
• ✅ A trim removal tool is a plastic pry tool that helps remove panels without scratching them.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Protect the Work Area

• Put on safety glasses and mechanic gloves.
• Use painter’s tape around the mirror mounting base on the outside of the door.
• Place a microfiber towel below the mirror area to catch dropped bolts and protect the paint.

Step 2: Disconnect the Battery if Equipped with Power Mirrors

• Open the hood and locate the battery.
• Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the negative battery cable clamp.
• Lift the negative cable off the battery post and place it aside where it cannot touch the post.
• Manual mirrors can skip this step.

Step 3: Remove the Interior Mirror Access Trim

• Open the door fully.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool set to gently pry off the small interior access trim near the mirror mounting area.
• If your access trim has a screw, remove it with a Torx T30 driver.
• Set the trim piece in a safe place.

Step 4: Disconnect the Mirror Electrical Connector

• If your mirror has wiring, locate the mirror connector inside the access opening.
• Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to gently release the connector lock tab.
• Pull the connector apart by the plastic body, not the wires.
• Never pull on the wires.

Step 5: Remove the Old Mirror Bolts

• Hold the mirror firmly with one hand outside the door.
• Use a Torx T40 driver to remove the mirror mounting bolts.
• Remove the lower bolt first, then the upper bolts.
• Keep holding the mirror as the final bolt is removed.

Step 6: Remove the Old Mirror

• Pull the mirror straight away from the door.
• If equipped with wiring, gently feed the connector and harness through the door opening.
• Use a microfiber towel to clean the mounting area.
• Do not scrape the painted surface with metal tools.

Step 7: Prepare the New Mirror

• Compare the new mirror to the old mirror before installing it.
• Check that the bolt holes, gasket, electrical connector, and mirror shape match.
• If the mirror mounting gasket is separate, place it on the new mirror base.

Step 8: Install the New Mirror

• If equipped with wiring, feed the connector and harness through the door opening.
• Hold the new mirror flat against the door.
• Start all bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a Torx T40 driver to snug the bolts evenly.
• Use a torque wrench rated in inch-pounds to tighten the mirror mounting bolts to Torque to 80 in-lbs (9 Nm).
• Even pressure prevents gasket leaks.

Step 9: Reconnect the Mirror Connector

• Push the mirror electrical connector together until it clicks.
• Use a small flat-blade screwdriver only if needed to help guide the lock tab.
• Make sure the wiring is tucked safely inside the door access area.

Step 10: Reinstall the Interior Access Trim

• Line up the access trim with its mounting clips.
• Press it into place by hand.
• If a screw was removed, install it with a Torx T30 driver and tighten gently.

Step 11: Reconnect the Battery

• Place the negative battery cable back onto the battery post.
• Use a 10mm wrench to tighten the negative battery cable clamp.
• Make sure the cable does not rotate by hand after tightening.

Step 12: Adjust the Mirror

• Sit in the normal driving position.
• Use the mirror switch or adjust the mirror glass by hand.
• Set the mirror so you can barely see the side of your Wrangler at the inner edge.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Test power mirror movement in all directions if equipped.
• ✅ Turn on the rear defroster to test heated mirror operation if equipped.
• ✅ Check that the mirror base sits flat against the door gasket.
• ✅ Close the door gently and listen for rattles.
• ✅ After a short drive, check for wind noise around the mirror area.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$450 for both mirrors, depending on mirror features

DIY Cost: $80-$280 for both mirrors, parts only

You Save: $100-$200 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hour.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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