Rearview Mirror

Remove and replace the interior rearview mirror on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, including disconnecting the electrical connector for auto-dimming and compass features if equipped.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rearview mirror assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification - varies by auto-dimming/compass equipment
• Windscreen mounting button (if adhesive type) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and turn ignition off.
2. Allow interior to cool if vehicle has been in direct sunlight.
3. Protect the windscreen and surrounding trim with microfiber cloths to prevent scratches during removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access mirror mounting hardware
   Locate the mirror stem where it connects to the windscreen mounting button. On the DB9, the mirror is mounted to a button bonded to the windscreen. The exact retention method (ball-and-socket snap, clamping collar, or set screw) must be verified for this specific vehicle before proceeding, as it varies by production and mirror equipment. Inspect the stem base for a small access cover or direct fastener access.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   If the mirror is equipped with auto-dimming, compass, or HomeLink features, locate the electrical connector at the base of the mirror stem or within the mirror housing. The connector is typically accessed from the rear of the mirror body. Gently press the connector locking tab and pull the connector straight out from the mirror housing. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
3. 3

   Remove mirror decorative cover
   If present, use a small flat-blade trim tool to carefully pry off any decorative cover at the mirror stem base near the windscreen button. The cover typically clips into place and releases with gentle outward pressure at the base perimeter. Set aside the cover.
4. 4

   Remove mirror stem fastener
   Locate the set screw or Torx fastener that secures the mirror stem to the windscreen mounting button. Fastener type and size are not verified for this platform. Inspect the stem collar to determine the retention method, which must be verified against Aston Martin service documentation for this specific vehicle. If a set screw is present, verify its exact Torx/hex size before applying a tool, then loosen counterclockwise only enough to release the mirror stem; if a spring clip is used, slide the mirror off the button in the direction specified by the service documentation. Verify the method against Aston Martin service documentation before proceeding. Note: If a set screw secures the stem to the button, verify the exact fastener type and size for this vehicle before loosening. Where a set screw is present, loosen it counterclockwise only enough to release the stem from the button; some DB9 mirrors instead use a snap-in spring clip that requires no fastener. Note: The retention method and fastener type must be verified against Aston Martin service documentation for this vehicle. Many DB9 mirrors use a spring-clip slide-lock onto the bonded glass button rather than a set screw; if a set screw is present, confirm the exact Torx size before applying tool to fastener. Note: Fastener type, size, and access location unverified - confirm against Aston Martin service documentation before applying any tool.
5. 5

   Remove mirror assembly from windscreen button
   With the set screw loosened, gently pull the mirror stem straight away from the windscreen. The stem should slide off the mounting button with light force. If resistance is encountered, verify the set screw is fully loosened and ensure no secondary clip is engaged. Support the mirror with one hand while removing to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Inspect windscreen mounting button
   Examine the mounting button adhered to the windscreen. If the button is damaged, shows cracks, or the adhesive has failed, it must be replaced. The button is typically adhered with a structural mirror-mount adhesive; verify the OEM-specified adhesive type and cure method for this vehicle before replacing the button. If replacement is needed, carefully remove the old button using a trim tool and clean the windscreen glass thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol. Allow to dry completely before installing a new button per the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for the specified OEM adhesive. Note: The button is adhered with a structural mirror-mount adhesive. If replacement is needed, carefully remove the old button using a trim tool and clean the windscreen glass thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol. Allow to dry completely, then install a new button using an OEM-approved mirror-mount adhesive kit per the adhesive manufacturer instructions (cure method and time vary by product). Note: The button is adhered with a specialized OEM-specified adhesive; confirm the exact adhesive type and cure method against Aston Martin documentation before replacement. Note: Attachment method unverified - confirm against Aston Martin service documentation whether the DB9 uses a bonded adhesive button or an integrated/mechanical mount before attempting removal or adhesive replacement.
7. 7

   Prepare new mirror for installation
   If installing a new mirror, transfer the electrical connector from the vehicle harness to the new mirror housing. Ensure the connector seats fully and the locking tab engages with an audible click. Route the wiring harness through the mirror stem if applicable to your mirror design.
8. 8

   Install mirror stem to windscreen button
   Align the mirror stem collar with the windscreen mounting button. The button typically has a flat or keyed surface to ensure correct orientation. Slide the stem collar over the button until it seats fully against the windscreen with no gap visible.
9. 9

   Secure mirror stem fastener
   If a set screw secures the stem, insert the correct Torx fastener into the stem collar and tighten clockwise, firmly by hand, until the mirror is secure and does not rotate or slide on the button. For snap-in mounts, press the stem onto the button until the retaining clip engages. Do not overtighten as this can strip the fastener or crack the button. The mirror should be firmly mounted with no play or movement when adjusted. Note: If the mirror uses a set screw, insert the correct Torx fastener (verify size against Aston Martin documentation) into the stem collar and tighten clockwise; if a slide-on spring clip is used, simply slide the stem fully onto the button until the clip engages. Note: If the mirror is retained by a set screw, insert the correct-size Torx fastener into the stem collar and tighten clockwise. If the mirror uses a spring-clip slide-lock mechanism, simply slide the stem onto the button until the clip engages with an audible click.
10. 10

    Reinstall decorative cover
    If a decorative cover was removed, align it with the stem base and press firmly until all clips engage. Verify the cover sits flush with no gaps.
11. 11

    Adjust mirror position
    Adjust the mirror to the desired viewing angle. Verify the mirror ball joint or adjustment mechanism operates smoothly and holds position without drifting. If equipped with auto-dimming, the mirror may take several seconds to initialize after power is restored.

Reassembly

1. Installation is performed in steps 7-11 above.
2. Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated before adjusting the mirror.
3. Verify the mirror mounting button adhesive is fully cured if replaced - do not adjust mirror aggressively for 24 hours after button installation.

Verification

• Adjust the mirror through its full range of motion - it should move smoothly and hold position without drifting or sagging.
• With ignition on, verify auto-dimming function operates (if equipped) by observing the mirror darken when bright light is shone from behind.
• Verify compass and HomeLink functions operate correctly if equipped.
• Gently attempt to rotate the mirror on the windscreen button - it should not move or show any play at the mounting point.
• Inspect the windscreen button area for any cracks or adhesive failure - there should be no gaps between button and glass.

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