2003 Ford F-150 side view mirror replacement including door panel removal?

Answer 1

We have a shop in Fl and we just replaced one of these mirrors. It was very easy and also we have instructions with pictures at this website: http://www.autopartsdirecttoyou.info/?p=43

Basically you remove the lateral plastic cver form the door frame first. This is the plastic cover running from the top and bottom of the backside of the door, it is between the window glass and the door frame. This piece simply pulls right off. You can squeeze it together with your hands and see the clips that hold it into place. A good hard tug will pull this off.

Next begin remocing all of the trim and screws holding the door panel onto the door. The door panel will have screws at the very bottom and then check closely all the way around and around the door handle and arm rest)if equipped). Their is a picture with screw locations at the website above.

Also remove the trim around the door handle, this also pops right out. Then remove the door lock and power window switch. To do this, use a small flathead scredriver and pry from the back side, work all the way around and you can see clips holding it in. It also simply pops out. Then unplug the connectors attaching to the switch and lay the switch aside. Once you have all the screws out and the accessories out of the way, the door panel will easily come off by lifting it straight up and then out. It too is only held in place by little plastic l brackets that fit nicely into small holes, lifting up and out will clear the holes. Their may be a small light in the door panel, this will twist and then also pop out. It is put together alot like a mechanical puzzle. Now you have access to the bare door and mirror. Again look at the pictures at that website for more details. The mirror will basically be held into place with 3 nuts and the plug. Disconnect the plug and remove the 3 nuts form the studs on the mirror. At this point the mirror will usually fall right off, be carefull not to let it hit the door and scratch it. Also be careful with the 3 nuts as you could drop them inside the door if you are not careful. Then simply reinstall the new mirror. We do these farily often in our shop and you can usually have it done in 15-30 minutes. We have many customers that buy their mirror online and bring it too us to install. eBay, Amazon, or a good Google search and you can find almost any mirror and save alot of money. Thanks