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Toyota Camry 2007-2011: How to Replace Side Mirror

Whether you broke your Toyota Camry's side mirror or you just want to replace it for personal reasons, here's how to change it yourself.

By Scott Phillips - August 17, 2015
Contributors: Go-Parts

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (2007-2011).

The side mirrors on your vehicle stick out a bit more than the car does, so at one point of its life, it can get hit, scratched up, or completely break. The side mirror is held to the door frame by three 10 mm nuts, which are located behind the triangular sail panel. For the Toyota Camry, the mirror's electrical connector is located behind the sail panel as well, so it is necessary to remove the sail panel. However, on some Camry's, the side mirror's electrical connector is located further down, behind the door trim panel. In this case, the door trim panel must be removed. Unpainted, aftermarket side mirror assemblies are available for about $50. A genuine Toyota side mirror assembly, finished in Toyota color, costs about $140 from online dealers.

Materials Needed

  • Side mirror assembly
  • Plastic auto body pry tools
  • 10 mm socket wrench
  • Cross-tip screwdriver
  • Jumper connector (optional)

Step 1 – Remove sail panel

  • Gently pull with your hands, or pry with the plastic auto body tool, and the sail panel will come off.
  • If the white electrical connector is present, proceed to Step 2.
  • If the electrical connector is not present, the door trim panel must be removed. See the Note below, then proceed to Step 2.
Figure 1. Remove the panel by gently prying it away.

Note

If your mirror's electrical connector is located down behind the the door trim panel, ensure that your replacement mirror has a long connector wire or a jumper connector wire to reach the additional six inches needed.

Step 2 – Remove door trim panel

To access the mirror's electrical connector when it is located behind the door trim panel:

  • On the front pushpin, depress the center post and pry out the pin.
  • Pry off the pull handle cover and remove the two screws.
  • Pry off the latch handle trim and remove the one screw.
  • Remove and disconnect the courtesy light.
  • Pull the panel out at the bottom, releasing the nylon clips.
  • Lift the panel off slightly and disconnect the electrical plug and latch/lock cables.
Figure 2. Camry's door trim panel removal.

Step 3 – Remove side mirror

  • Unplug the electrical connector.
  • Support the mirror housing, so it will not fall to the ground.
  • Use the 10 mm wrench to remove the three nuts.
  • Slide the mirror housing and three mounting studs out of the door frame.
Figure 3. Camry side mirror removal procedure.

Step 4 – Install new side mirror

  • Carefully slide the three mounting studs through the holes and seat the mirror housing against the door frame.
  • Support the mirror housing so it does not fall while you work.
  • Install and tighten the three 10 mm nuts.
  • Plug in the electrical connector.
  • Test the mirror motor function.
  • Snap on the sail panel.
Figure 4. Your new side mirror.

Step 5 – Reinstall door trim

  • Connect the latch/lock cables and electrical plug.
  • Hang the panel on the upper door frame.
  • Connect and reinstall the courtesy light.
  • Push the lower nylon clips into place.
  • Tighten the two screws in the pull handle and snap on the handle cover.
  • Tighten the screw in the latch handle and snap in the trim piece into place.
  • Snap in the front pushpin.
Figure 5. Make sure all clips and pushpins are back in place.

Featured Video: Replace Toyota Camry Side Mirrors

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