How to Replace Side View Mirrors on a 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma

Clip that tree on the trail? Hit that pole in the parking lot? Whatever it may be that caused the need to replace one or both of your side view mirrors, it is an easy job that anyone can accomplish in under an hour.

Items Needed:

* Replacement side view mirror
* Thin flat head screw driver
* Phillips head screw driver
* 10mm socket with ratchet

Yes, that's it!

Step 1

The first thing you should do whenever working on any vehicle is disconnect the negative terminal cable (black) on the battery.

Step 2

We will now start to remove the door panel from the inside of the door. Take your small flat head screw driver and open the access covers under the inside door handle and the arm rest handle. Take care not to ding up the surfaces while doing this. You can put some protective tape on the screwdriver to help with protecting the plastic. If you do not have a screw driver that is small enough to get in and lift the cover safely, then you can use a small knife or something else thin that you may have laying around. Remove the one screw under each access cover with your Phillips screw driver.

Step 3

You will now need to use your flat head screw driver to lift the power window switch assembly out. This is held on with clips. Again, be careful. Disconnect the electrical connections. There is only one on the driver's side, but two on the passenger side. If you have manual windows, remove the window regulator handle assembly which is held on with a snap ring.

Step 4

Next, you will need to remove the one push clip that is in the recess of the door next to the hinge. It looks like a small round snap. Simply push on the small circular center and the clip will pop out. You can now remove it. These do have a tendency to break easy so be careful. They can be purchased at most automotive stores, so if you do happen to break it, don't worry. Next, remove the black triangular cover that is hiding the mirror nuts. This is just clipped in, so simply tug on it directly toward you and it will come free.

Step 5

The door panel is now free from any screws and fasteners. It is only being held on by its own clips now. Start at the bottom and give it a good tug all the way around until you get up towards the mirror. Once all the snaps are free, you need to lift the panel straight up. The panel is now completely free of the door. Place this somewhere where it can not get scratched.

Step 6

Take your 10mm socket and ratchet and start disconnecting the three nuts that are holding the mirror on. Once the nuts are free, unplug the powered plug for power windows if you have them. You can now take the mirror off of the door.

Step 7

Put your new mirror on and simply reverse the process to finish it all up!

Congratulations on taking the repair into your own hands. This is a simple job, requiring simple tools and not a lot of time.