Did you hit something with your side mirror? Did somebody steal your side mirror?
Well that sucks, but luckily it's cheap and easy to fix.
This simple tutorial will show you exactly how to replace the external side mirrors on your 2002 to 2006 Toyota Camry.
Let's get into it!
Which Mirror Should I Buy?
There are 3 types of replacement mirrors that you can buy.
- Just the glass
- The glass with the plastic backing
- The whole mirror assembly, including the glass
Unfortunately, the housing on the mirrors for these model years do not fold.
So if they are hit, the entire assembly gets cracked and you have to replace it.
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However, if you just have a crack in the glass, or someone stole your glass, then you just need to buy the glass.
When buying replacement glass, be sure that you're getting the glass with the black plastic backing. This makes it much easier to install and is worth the extra few dollars.
If you buy the replacement glass without the backing, you'll have to clean off the cracked glass from your existing backing, then put the glass into the backing, then install it into the assembly.
There could be a chance that the plastic backing is damaged. But you won't know until you take it apart.
It's not worth the time, in my opinion. Just buy the glass with the backing and be done with it.
Now if you have to replace the entire mirror assembly, try to find a used one that is painted the same color as your car.
This will make things much easier because new assemblies are usually black and you either have to paint it separately, or drive around with a mirror assembly that doesn't match the rest of your car.
It's up to you, but the latter will look pretty ghetto.
Next, if you are buying just the glass, or the glass with the plastic backing, and your car is equipped with heated mirrors and you need them, then be sure your mirror has the contacts for the heating cables on the back.
Some replacement mirrors don't have them.
If you don't need heated mirrors, then don't worry about it. You can buy a mirror without the cable connectors.
This is what the connectors look like.
Finally, be sure that you buy the mirror for the correct side.
Imagine that you're sitting in the car, in the driver's seat. The right mirror will be to your right and is also known as the passenger mirror.
Where to Buy a Mirror
The best place to buy a replacement mirror is on eBay.
This is because they not only have new mirrors, but they also have used mirrors.
So there's a chance that you might be able to buy a used assembly that is already painted to match your car.
If you just need the glass, then you can also look on Amazon.
How to Replace the Glass Only
First, take the replacement mirror out of the box. Identify the top and bottom clips. This replacement glass already has the black plastic backing.
If you have heated mirrors, then plug in the wires for the heating system. It doesn't matter which way you put them on, there's no positive and negative.
Then set the bottom clips into the motorized plate inside the mirror assembly. The mirror has to go in at an angle to set the bottom clips.
Finally tilt the mirror up and click the top clips into place.
If you want to see the entire process in a video, it's provided below.
Glass Only Replacement Tutorial Video
How to Replace the Entire Mirror Assembly
If you need to replace your entire mirror assembly, this video will show you how to do it.
The process is equally easy and fast.
Final Thoughts
That's it!
Replacing your mirror yourself will save you money…and more importantly, time.
You could spend an hour or more driving to the mechanic, spend a couple of hours waiting for your car, then spend another hour driving back.
That's potentially half a day, or more, wasted on getting a simple thing like this fixed.
When you know how to do it yourself, you can just order the parts online and potentially save hundreds of dollars and several hours on your repair.
