Passenger Side Mirror

[JSMack0690]

My passenger side mirror got clipped and I want to replace it, but don't want to pay dealership prices. I was wondering if anyone knows how I can determine if my Camry ('97 V6, power window, not heated) was made in the US or Japan, and also if anyone knows if someone who doesn't fix cars, myself, can easily, or at least competently replace the passenger side mirror assembly wihtout doing too much damage.
Thank you, I would appreciate any guidance on this issue.

[camryvibe]

Check the first character of the VIN on your dash (driver's side by the windshield). A "1" "4" or "5" indicates the US while a "J" indicates Japanese assembly.

Our passenger mirror also got knocked loose (daughter's driver ed took her too close to the road edge and she knocked a fallen branch up against the mirror). It's pretty easy to remove - just unsnap the plastic cover on the inside of the car and then undo the three bolts that you'll see underneath. I was able to glue the internal pieces back together and then used epoxy to secure the three bolt heads so the mirror could be reattached securely with the bolts. Works fine and you have to look pretty close to see that it was ever loose. Total cost of repair was about $2 for the epoxy. Replacing with a new mirror would have been easier but more $$.

BTW, ours is a '97 I4 with power but unheated mirror - I'd think the V6 mirror would be about the same.

[Kep]

eBay is a great source for parts. Just ask the seller if it works before you bid on/buy it. You might find a local junk yard that has one also.

I'm not familiar with the 97s but historically this is an easy repair. Check the on line manual to determine where you need to access the wiring.

Kep

[eyeball96]

U'll probably have to remove the door panel to acess the power connectors, as u do on a Gen 3/3.5...not that difficult to do!

[Dave's]

Replaced mine with a different year. Just had to change the connectors which was no big deal.

[sjcruiser]

Hi all,

My co-worker also needs to replace her PS mirror (clipped it against the garage) as well. It's a '99 V6 with built-in tweeters on the cover garnish. Is the removal procedure the same? i.e., just pry it off to disclose the three mounting bolts/screws?

[Davee]

I did exactly the same but I am sure there are 4 bolts on the 97 LE
I just did - Don't forget the one forwards of the cover which shows on the inside of the door under a plastic cover. One screw for mirror mount was broken out at the edge & two "posts" were broken . I used crazy glue to get them to stay in position & poured the expoxy around them . Stronger than original |I think\| ~~ $250 for new ! The actual mirror release is done by flipping the thin levers around their retainers . When you want to remount , set the levers & simply push the mirror into place. The spring snaps in. 250,000 Km & still good

Originally Posted by camryvibe

Check the first character of the VIN on your dash (driver's side by the windshield). A "1" "4" or "5" indicates the US while a "J" indicates Japanese assembly.

Our passenger mirror also got knocked loose (daughter's driver ed took her too close to the road edge and she knocked a fallen branch up against the mirror). It's pretty easy to remove - just unsnap the plastic cover on the inside of the car and then undo the three bolts that you'll see underneath. I was able to glue the internal pieces back together and then used epoxy to secure the three bolt heads so the mirror could be reattached securely with the bolts. Works fine and you have to look pretty close to see that it was ever loose. Total cost of repair was about $2 for the epoxy. Replacing with a new mirror would have been easier but more $$.

BTW, ours is a '97 I4 with power but unheated mirror - I'd think the V6 mirror would be about the same.