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How do you change driver side mirror on 97 toyota camry?

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15K views 11 replies 9 participants last post by  AmanO  
#1 ·
I am not an expert fixing car stuff. So, please advice.

My 1997 camry's driver side mirror broke last week and it's hanging. So, I went to a dealer he said, it will be $300 ($200 for the part and $100 for the labor). So, I ordered a new one from Ebay (paid $60 for green 6P2 code). Looks the same and new.

But I don't know how to replace it. Can anyone please post the steps/instructions how to do it ? If it's too difficult, I will have to go to mechanic for that.

I really appreciate your help.
 
#2 ·
It's simple but if your not familiar it'll take some time.

1.) Open the driver side door, from the inside you'll see a black triangular plastic piece remove that.

2.) After taking the triangular plastic piece off you'll see 3 or 4 nuts remove all the nuts I believe its a size 10 socket.

3.) I am assuming now the mirror is loose but it still stuck due to the foam and glue. You'll notice a wire which connects from the mirror to the door. In order to remove the wire make sure you have the window rolled all the way down to access the connector. Try the next step two ways. 4a.) or 4b.)

4a.) Once the window is down all the way you might be about to stick your fingers between the glass and the panel on the inside. You should be able to lift the panel up just enough to to get it off (keeping in mind that the panel is still held on with screws and fasteners) it'll come off just enough that you'll be able to see the wire connected to connector take a pair of long nose pliers and undo the connector. If you still can't take the door panel off refer to step 4.b)

4b.) There are many ways to go about this part you'll either take the whole panel off or on the side of the door you'll see some push in fasteners. Take small screw driver and push the push in fastener that will loosen them. Once they are loose pull them out. There are two long screws once is located next to the door arm rest and another is plugged near the handle. To take the plug off use a flat head screw driver and pry the plug off.

5.) Repeat steps 1-4 for reinstall.

If you can't get it off I'll try to take some pictures when I get home.
 
#7 ·
It's simple but if your not familiar it'll take some time.

4a.) Once the window is down all the way you might be about to stick your fingers between the glass and the panel on the inside. You should be able to lift the panel up just enough to to get it off (keeping in mind that the panel is still held on with screws and fasteners) it'll come off just enough that you'll be able to see the wire connected to connector take a pair of long nose pliers and undo the connector. If you still can't take the door panel off refer to step 4.b)
Camry XLE '98, passenger side mirror.

I'm stuck on "take a pair of long nose pliers and undo the connector" step. Is there any secret for undoing the connector? Any tabs that I need to push or pull? Or do I just pull the connector harder?
 
#5 · (Edited)
I had to change my mirror and it is was very easy.

datnguyen24 is right about the black triangle. However, you will will have to remove the door panel to disconnect and reconnect the mirror if it is a power mirror. I don't see how you could pull the panel back and somehow disconnect it because there is a sheet of metal on top of the door panel that slides into the frame.

1) Pop off the black triangle.
2) Remove the door panel.
3) Disconnect the old mirror.
4) Unbolt the old mirror.
5) Do the steps with reverse with new mirror.

There is a DIY thread with pictures showing how to take the door panel off. Once you undo all the bolts the bottom and the sides of the panel pops off rather easily. To pop off the top of the panel you have to push upwards on the panel so that metal sheet slides out.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t145402.html
 
#6 ·
I just replaced my on a '92. '97 maybe different..but I also bought an Ebay mirror w/color match. The color match was good, but the power connector on the factory mirror was plugged in the back of the mirror, very easy. But the Ebay mirror did not have the connector on the back, it had wires coming out the back and the connector was male and so is the factory connector. To make story end I had to splice the wires after removing the door panel...Just a heads up...
 
#8 ·
#11 ·
I did the job on my passenger side when I got my 1998. About putting it on, everyone seems to have already explained it. Just take the whole door panel off. You're going to need to learn how to do that anyway. Be prepared to go to Menard's or AutoZone in case if you break any plastic clips.

Before putting it on are you not going to pain it? I painted mine. First I scuffed it up with 400 grit sandpaper. Then I cleaned it and applied plastic adhesion promoter. Then 2-3 LIGHT coats of spraypaint after taping off the mirror part. Then I clear coated it also. Doesn't quite match but you wouldn't know if you weren't looking!
 
#12 ·
I am going to necro this with a question/concern:

When tightening the nuts on the 3 bolts that hold the mirror on, can you/what would happen if you over tighten them?

I found out the hard way a few times in life about doing that. I get a large enough gap between the mirror and door to have loud wind noise when driving.
I want to see if I can torque them more before I resort to a caulk gun.

This is an aftermarket mirror. It has the cable separate from the mirror.
(That will make it nice if I ever have to replace it again. I will not have to take the door panel off again.)