Mirror replacement on a 2002 Explorer

We hope this article will help with your next auto repair


First thing to remove is the switches from the door. They come off together with a clip at both ends. Most times you can just pull the panel up but if you need to pry use a piece of stiff plastic or a taped screwdriver or put a rag over the end of the screwdriver to protect the panel from getting scratched. After you pull the panel up you will need to remove the two wire plus that attach to the panel. Just push in on the connector clips and pull out to remove them

After the switch panel has been removed the next panel is the one around the handle it will just pull out as the panel itself holds it in place and no clips so gently pull on it and it will come out. After removing the panel you will need to remove the two bolts just above it.
 

Now at the very bottom of the panel are the other two screws which will need to be removed.

The only thing left holding the panel to the door now are clips that go all around the outside (see picture below for location) and will need to pull the panel very hard to get the clips out. Many times the clips will remain in the door after taking the panel off and will need to remove them from the door and put them in the panel to install the panel later. Again if the panel wont pull off use a stiff piece of plastic or a taped screwdriver as not to damage the panel. Once the panel is loose from the door pull up on the panel to clear the lock rod and then remove the panel.


 

 
After the panel is removed you will need to remove the piece of the water shield inside to expose the bottom two mirror nuts.
 
 

You will need to remove the door speaker next to gain access to the power mirror wiring connector to disconnect it. There are three screws holding the speaker on. Just remove these screws and pull the speaker out. You can leave the speaker hooked up just set it off to the side out of the way.

With the speaker removed you will gain access to the connector for the mirror. Just push in on the tab and pull the connector apart like you did for the door switch panel.

With the removal of the water shield from earlier you now have access to all the nuts to the mirror. Remove all three of these taking care on the last nut to make sure and hold the mirror so it doesn't fall off and scratch the door.

Now your ready to install the new mirror. Start all the nuts first then tighten them all this way the mirror will be centered where it attaches. Simply reverse the removal steps for installation.