🔧 Side View Mirrors - Replacement

This repair replaces the outside side view mirror assembly on your Ranger. The mirror is mounted through the front door and the electrical connector is behind the interior door trim panel, so you’ll remove the door panel, unplug the mirror, swap the assembly, then test the mirror functions.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging door electrical connectors.
• ⚠️ Do not force the door panel. Hidden screws and plastic clips can break if pulled too hard.
• ⚠️ Support the mirror with one hand when removing the last nut so it does not fall and scratch the door.
• ⚠️ Avoid touching the side curtain airbag area near the upper pillar trim. This mirror repair does not require airbag removal.
• ⚠️ Use painter’s tape around the mirror base to protect the paint.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm wrench
• 7mm socket
• 8mm socket
• 10mm deep socket
• 1/4-inch drive ratchet
• 1/4-inch drive 6-inch extension
• Trim panel removal tool
• Plastic pry tool set
• Pick tool
• Torque wrench 2-20 Nm
• Painter’s tape
• Magnetic parts tray
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Side view mirror assembly - Qty: 1 per side
• Door trim panel retaining clips - Qty: As needed
• Mirror mounting nuts - Qty: 3 per side, recommended if damaged or corroded

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Ranger on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🪟 Lower the window on the door you are working on. This gives you a safe place to hold the door and improves access.
• 🔋 Use a 10mm wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable.
• 🧰 A trim panel removal tool is a flat plastic or metal pry tool used to release door panel clips without damaging the panel.
• 🧰 A deep socket is a longer socket that reaches over studs, like the mirror mounting studs inside the door.
• 🧼 Apply painter’s tape around the outside mirror base to protect the paint from scratches.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

• Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the negative battery terminal.
• Lift the negative cable off the battery post and move it aside so it cannot touch the post.
• Tip: Take a phone photo first.

Step 2: Protect the Door Paint

• Use painter’s tape around the outside edge of the mirror base.
• Add a second layer of tape along the upper door paint if the broken mirror is loose.

Step 3: Remove the Small Mirror Trim Cover

• Open the door fully.
• Use a plastic pry tool set to gently pry off the triangular interior trim cover at the front upper corner of the door.
• Pull straight away from the door to release the clips.
• Set the trim cover aside.

Step 4: Remove Door Panel Screw Covers

• Use a pick tool or plastic pry tool set to remove the small cover inside the interior door pull/handle area.
• Use the pick tool gently so you do not scratch the plastic.
• Place covers in a magnetic parts tray.

Step 5: Remove the Door Panel Screws

• Use a 7mm socket, 8mm socket, and 1/4-inch drive ratchet to remove the visible door panel screws.
• Use a 1/4-inch drive 6-inch extension for recessed screws inside the pull handle area.
• Keep the screws organized in the magnetic parts tray.

Step 6: Release the Door Panel Clips

• Slide a trim panel removal tool between the lower edge of the door panel and the metal door.
• Pry gently near each clip location until the clip pops free.
• Work around the bottom and sides of the panel.
• Once the clips are loose, lift the panel upward to unhook it from the window ledge.
• Tip: Pry near clips, not between them.

Step 7: Disconnect Door Panel Electrical Connectors

• Support the door panel with one hand.
• Use a pick tool to release the lock tabs on the window switch and door lock connectors.
• Pull connectors by the plastic body, not by the wires.
• Set the door panel on a clean towel or soft surface.

Step 8: Locate and Unplug the Mirror Connector

• Find the mirror wiring harness running from the mirror area into the door.
• Use a pick tool to release the connector lock tab.
• Unplug the mirror connector by pulling straight apart.
• Release any harness clips from the door using a trim panel removal tool.

Step 9: Remove the Mirror Mounting Nuts

• Hold the outside mirror with one hand so it cannot fall.
• Use a 10mm deep socket, 1/4-inch drive ratchet, and 1/4-inch drive 6-inch extension to remove the three mirror mounting nuts.
• Keep the nuts in the magnetic parts tray if you are reusing them.
• Do not drop the nuts inside the door.

Step 10: Remove the Old Mirror

• From outside the door, pull the mirror straight away from the door.
• Feed the mirror wiring harness through the door opening.
• Clean the mounting surface with a clean cloth before installing the new mirror.

Step 11: Install the New Mirror

• Feed the new mirror wiring harness through the door opening.
• Seat the mirror gasket flat against the outside of the door.
• Hold the mirror in place with one hand.
• Start all three mounting nuts by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 10mm deep socket, 1/4-inch drive ratchet, and 1/4-inch drive 6-inch extension to snug the nuts evenly.
• Use a torque wrench 2-20 Nm to tighten the mirror mounting nuts to Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).

Step 12: Route and Connect the Mirror Wiring

• Route the mirror harness the same way the old harness was routed.
• Use the original door clips to secure the harness.
• Plug in the mirror connector until it clicks.
• Make sure the wiring cannot touch the window glass or regulator parts inside the door.

Step 13: Temporarily Test the Mirror

• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm wrench.
• Plug the window switch connector back into the door panel by hand if needed for testing.
• Turn the ignition to accessory mode.
• Test mirror adjustment in all directions.
• If equipped, test mirror heat by switching on the rear defrost.
• If equipped, test turn signal/puddle lamp functions.
• Turn ignition off and disconnect the negative battery cable again with a 10mm wrench before final door panel installation.

Step 14: Reinstall the Door Panel

• Reconnect the door panel electrical connectors by hand until each clicks.
• Hang the top of the door panel over the window ledge.
• Line up the door panel clips with the holes in the metal door.
• Press around the edges by hand until all clips snap into place.
• If any clip is broken, replace it with a new door trim panel retaining clip.

Step 15: Reinstall Door Panel Screws and Covers

• Use a 7mm socket, 8mm socket, 1/4-inch drive ratchet, and 1/4-inch drive 6-inch extension to reinstall the door panel screws.
• Snug the screws by hand. Do not overtighten because the door panel is plastic.
• Use your fingers to snap the screw covers back into place.

Step 16: Reinstall the Mirror Trim Cover

• Line up the triangular mirror trim cover clips with the door holes.
• Press the cover into place by hand until it snaps in evenly.

Step 17: Reconnect the Battery

• Use a 10mm wrench to reconnect the negative battery cable.
• Make sure the cable is fully seated on the battery post.
• Tighten it snugly. Do not overtighten the clamp.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Test mirror adjustment left, right, up, and down.
• ✅ Test the window and door lock switches on the repaired door.
• ✅ If equipped, test heated mirror operation using rear defrost.
• ✅ If equipped, test mirror turn signal or puddle lamp operation.
• ✅ Open and close the door to check for rattles.
• ✅ Confirm the mirror gasket sits flat against the door with no gaps.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $300-$650 per side (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$350 per side (parts only)

You Save: $150-$300 per side by doing it yourself!

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