🔧 Kicks - Side View Mirror Replacement

Replacing a side view mirror on your Kicks requires removing the front door trim panel, unplugging the mirror connector, unbolting the mirror, and installing the new mirror assembly. This repair is very doable for a beginner if you work slowly and protect the door trim from scratches.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours per side

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging door electrical connectors to reduce the chance of short circuits.
• ⚠️ Do not force the door panel off; hidden clips can break if pulled at the wrong angle.
• ⚠️ Support the mirror with one hand while removing the final nut so it does not fall and damage the paint.
• ⚠️ If the replacement mirror includes a camera, blind-spot feature, or heated glass, match the connector and features to your original mirror.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm wrench
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet handle 3/8-inch drive
• Socket extension 6-inch 3/8-inch drive
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Plastic trim removal tool set
• Panel clip removal pliers
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Torque wrench inch-pound 3/8-inch drive
• Painter’s tape 1-inch
• Microfiber towel
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Side view mirror assembly - Qty: 1 per side
• Front door trim panel clips - Qty: 3-5 recommended per door
• Mirror mounting nuts - Qty: 3 per side if damaged or missing

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Kicks on level ground and turn the ignition off.
• 🔑 Remove the key from the vehicle and keep it away from the cabin.
• 🪟 Lower the front window on the side you are repairing. This gives you more room to hold the mirror.
• 🔋 Use a 10mm wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable. Wait at least 3 minutes before unplugging door connectors.
• 🧰 A plastic trim removal tool is a non-metal pry tool that helps pop panels loose without scratching them.
• 🧷 A door panel clip is a small plastic fastener that snaps the trim panel to the metal door shell.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Protect the Door Paint

• Use painter’s tape 1-inch around the outside base of the mirror where it meets the door.
• Place a microfiber towel over the upper door edge to prevent scratches while handling the mirror.
• Take photos before disassembly.

Step 2: Disconnect the Battery

• Put on safety glasses and work gloves.
• Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the negative battery terminal nut.
• Lift the negative cable off the battery post and move it aside so it cannot spring back.

Step 3: Remove the Interior Door Handle Trim

• Use a plastic trim removal tool to gently pry off the small trim cover behind the inside door handle.
• If needed, use a small flathead screwdriver wrapped with tape to release a tight edge.
• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the screw hidden behind the trim cover.

Step 4: Remove the Door Pull Screw

• Use a plastic trim removal tool to lift the small cover inside the door pull cup.
• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the screw inside the pull cup.
• Set the screws in a cup or tray so they do not get lost.

Step 5: Release the Door Panel Clips

• Start at the lower rear corner of the door panel.
• Slide a plastic trim removal tool between the panel and the metal door.
• Pull outward firmly to pop the first clip loose.
• Continue around the bottom and sides of the panel using the plastic trim removal tool.
• If a clip stays in the door, use panel clip removal pliers to remove it and reinstall it on the trim panel.
• Pull near clips, not the middle.

Step 6: Lift Off the Door Panel

• Once all clips are loose, lift the door panel straight upward by hand to unhook it from the window ledge.
• Do not pull it far away yet because electrical connectors are still attached.
• Use a small flathead screwdriver to press the release tabs on the window switch connector and lock switch connector.
• Disconnect the connectors by hand and place the door panel on a clean towel.

Step 7: Remove the Mirror Inner Trim Cover

• At the upper front corner of the door, locate the triangular plastic trim cover behind the mirror.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool to pry the cover straight away from the door.
• Set the cover aside carefully so the plastic clips do not break.

Step 8: Unplug the Mirror Connector

• Follow the mirror wiring from the mirror base into the door.
• Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently depress the connector lock tab.
• Pull the connector apart by hand. Do not pull on the wires.

Step 9: Remove the Mirror Mounting Nuts

• Hold the mirror on the outside of the door with one hand.
• Use a 10mm socket, 6-inch extension, and ratchet handle 3/8-inch drive to remove the three mirror mounting nuts.
• Remove the final nut slowly while supporting the mirror so it does not fall.
• Carefully pull the mirror away from the door and guide the wiring through the opening.

Step 10: Install the New Mirror

• Feed the new mirror wiring through the door opening by hand.
• Position the new mirror against the door and start all three nuts by hand.
• Use a 10mm socket, 6-inch extension, and torque wrench inch-pound 3/8-inch drive to tighten the mirror nuts evenly.
• Torque to 7 Nm (62 in-lbs).
• Do not overtighten; the mirror base and door studs can be damaged.

Step 11: Reconnect the Mirror Wiring

• Push the mirror electrical connector together by hand until it clicks.
• Make sure the wiring is routed like the original and will not be pinched by the door panel.
• Reinstall the triangular mirror trim cover by pressing it into place by hand.

Step 12: Reinstall the Door Panel

• Reconnect the window switch and lock switch connectors by hand until they click.
• Hang the top edge of the door panel over the window ledge.
• Align the clips with the holes in the door.
• Press around the edges of the panel by hand to snap the clips back in.
• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to reinstall the door pull screw and interior handle screw.
• Reinstall the screw covers by pressing them in by hand.

Step 13: Reconnect the Battery

• Place the negative battery cable back onto the battery post.
• Use a 10mm wrench to tighten the terminal nut snugly.
• Do not overtighten the battery terminal.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Turn the ignition on and test mirror adjustment in all directions.
• ✅ If equipped, test mirror heat by turning on the rear defogger and checking for warmth after a few minutes.
• ✅ Test the front window switch, door lock switch, and inside door handle.
• ✅ Make sure the door panel sits flush with no loose edges or rattles.
• ✅ If the battery was disconnected, reset the auto window function if needed by fully lowering the window, then fully raising it and holding the switch up for 3-5 seconds.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$550 per side (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $80-$300 per side (parts only)

You Save: $170-$250 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.5 hours per side.

---

🎯 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.