2001–2005 Honda Civic Side-View Mirror Replacement

Written By: Richard Gonzalez

Comments: 0

2001–2005 Honda Civic Side-View Mirror Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

40 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

If your side-view mirror is cracked, loose, or no longer adjusting properly, replacing it can restore both safety and visibility while driving. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for replacing the side-view mirror on a 2001–2005 Honda Civic. It also walks you through how to safely remove the interior door panel to access the mirror mounting points. No advanced mechanical experience is required.

Before you begin the repair, make sure that your car is off. For some Honda Civic models, removing the door panel is not required to replace the mirror. If this applies to your vehicle, you may skip steps 2–8, 16–17, and 19–23.

Tools

Step 1

Make sure window is down and car is off before you begin.
Insert a plastic pry tool into the space between the mirror cover and mirror mount.
Pry around the edges to loosen it and remove the mirror cover.
The mirror cover must be removed to remove the door panel.

Step 2

Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove both screws from the door handle.
4x12 mm oem tap screw
5x20 mm oem tap screw

Step 3

Pull the door handle to reveal the clip attached to the actuator rod.
Don't pull it off as it is connected to the power cable.
Apply slight pressure with your finger, or use needle-nose pliers to remove the clip from the actuator rod.
Rotating the clip to the right, away from the rod should disconnect the latch rod from the clip.
Do not apply excessive force as these clips have a reputation of becoming weak over time and can break.
Hold down the tabs and disconnect the power cable connector from the door handle.
Remove the door handle and set it aside.

Step 4

Use a plastic opening tool to remove the screw cover in the armrest. Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the 4x16 self tapping screw.
Insert the pry tool into the armrest and apply slight pressure to remove the armrest.

Step 5

Squeeze the tabs and disconnect the power cable connector from the armrest.
Don't force the cable and don't pull the cable out by the wires or it may get damaged.

Step 6

Use the Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the 5x20 mm oem tap screws where the armrest was.

Step 7

Insert the pry tool or a flat-blade screwdriver into the door panel and apply slight pressure to pop the door panel loose.
Lift and remove the door panel.

Step 8

Squeeze the connector tabs and disconnect the power cable from the mirror.

Step 9

Move the lever on the ratchet to the right to set it to loosen.
Use the 1/4 inch ratchet with an 8mm socket to remove the nuts by repeatedly rotating counterclockwise.
Although it’s common to associate left with loosening and right with tightening, keep in mind that when the ratchet is upside down, the lever may appear to point left—but the standard rules still apply.
Other ratchets may differ and be reversed (left to loosen, right to tighten).

Step 10

Press the connector tab and with your other hand pull the mirror out to remove it.
If working with another person, have them pull the mirror on the other side of the door.

Step 11

Align the new mirror's mounting bolts with the holes.
Tighten the nuts with your hand first and then use the 1/4-inch ratchet to secure them.

Step 12

Put the door panel back on and make sure the door clips of the door panel align with the car.
Apply firm pressure and tap where the door clips are to ensure the door stays on.
Make sure the connectors are sticking out so you can reconnect your door handle and door panel.