Power Mirror Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power mirror motor on a 1972 Ford F-100, including removal of the door trim panel and inner weather barrier to access the mirror assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power mirror motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Door panel clips (if broken during removal) × 1 — Ford door panel retainer clips
• Adhesive for weather barrier × 1 — 3M weatherstrip adhesive or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electrical shorts.
3. Roll the window down approximately 3 inches to prevent damage to the glass and provide access to the door panel.
4. Lay out a clean blanket or towel on the ground next to the door to place the door panel on after removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel armrest and window crank
   Remove the Phillips head screw securing the armrest/pull handle. Use a clean rag to push behind the window crank handle and locate the horseshoe clip retaining it to the regulator shaft. Slide the clip off with needle-nose pliers and remove the crank handle. Remove the window crank escutcheon (trim ring).
2. 2

   Remove door lock knob and interior door handle trim
   Pull the door lock knob straight up and off its post. Remove the Phillips head screw securing the interior door handle escutcheon. Carefully pry the escutcheon away from the door panel to remove it.
3. 3

   Remove door panel retaining screws
   Locate and remove all Phillips head screws securing the door panel to the door frame. Screw count and location varies by trim level; inspect the panel perimeter and armrest area and remove any Phillips screws found along the bottom and vertical edges before releasing the clips. Check the armrest mounting area for additional hidden screws.
4. 4

   Release door panel clips and remove panel
   Starting at the bottom rear corner, carefully insert a panel trim tool or wrapped flat blade screwdriver between the door panel and metal door frame. Gently pry outward to release the spring clips. Work your way around the perimeter, releasing each clip. Once all clips are free, lift the panel upward to disengage it from the door latch linkage area, then pull it away from the door. Set the panel on the prepared clean surface.
5. 5

   Remove inner door weather barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic or paper weather barrier from the inner door skin. This is typically adhered with butyl sealant or adhesive. Peel slowly to avoid tearing, as it should be reused if possible. Peel back only enough to access the mirror mounting area (approximately the upper 12 inches of the door). Use masking tape to temporarily secure the peeled portion out of the way.
6. 6

   Disconnect power mirror electrical connector
   Locate the electrical harness connector running from the mirror motor to the door wiring. The connector is typically located inside the door cavity near the mirror mounting area. Grasp both sides of the connector and pull apart firmly to disconnect. Note the wire routing and any wire retaining clips for reassembly.
7. 7

   Remove mirror assembly mounting nuts
   From inside the door, locate the nuts securing the mirror assembly to the door skin (typically 2-3 studs depending on the mirror manufacturer). Verify the exact nut size on your specific mirror before selecting a socket, as sizing varies with aftermarket/dealer-installed units. Use a socket wrench with extension to remove all 3 nuts. Support the mirror from outside the door with your other hand to prevent it from falling once the last nut is removed.
8. 8

   Remove mirror assembly from door
   With all mounting nuts removed, carefully pull the mirror assembly away from the outside of the door. Feed the electrical wiring harness through the door skin opening as you remove the mirror. Place the mirror assembly on a clean work surface.
9. 9

   Remove mirror motor from mirror housing
   On the back of the mirror housing, locate the fasteners securing the mirror motor assembly. The fastener count and type varies by mirror manufacturer; inspect the motor mounting and use the matching driver (commonly small Phillips or hex-head screws) to remove them. Remove these fasteners and carefully separate the motor from the mirror housing. Disconnect any additional internal wiring if present. Note the orientation of the motor drive gears to the mirror adjustment mechanism.
10. 10

    Install new mirror motor
    Position the new mirror motor to the mirror housing, aligning the drive gears with the mirror adjustment mechanism in the same orientation as removed. Connect any internal wiring. Install the 3 motor mounting fasteners and tighten securely by hand (these are small fasteners threading into plastic, do not overtighten).
11. 11

    Reinstall mirror assembly to door
    Feed the electrical harness through the door skin opening from outside. Position the mirror assembly to the door with the 3 mounting studs aligned with their holes. From inside the door, install the 3 mounting nuts onto the studs and tighten securely with the 7/16 inch socket. Ensure the mirror base gasket seals properly against the door skin.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector and test operation
    Connect the mirror electrical harness connector inside the door, ensuring it clicks together fully. Temporarily reconnect the negative battery cable. Test the mirror operation in all directions (up, down, left, right) using the mirror control switch (turn the ignition to accessory if the switch is ignition-fed). Verify smooth operation before proceeding. Disconnect the battery cable again before continuing.
13. 13

    Reinstall weather barrier and door panel
    Press the weather barrier back into position on the inner door skin, ensuring good adhesion around the edges. Add fresh weatherstrip adhesive if necessary. Position the door panel to the door, engaging the top edge behind the door latch linkage area first. Align all panel clips with their holes in the door frame and press firmly around the perimeter to seat all clips. Reinstall all door panel mounting screws.
14. 14

    Reinstall door hardware and trim
    Reinstall the interior door handle escutcheon and secure with its Phillips screw. Press the door lock knob back onto its post. If equipped with manual window crank, install the escutcheon, position the crank handle, and reinstall the horseshoe retaining clip. Reinstall the armrest/pull handle and secure with its Phillips screw.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable and verify all electrical connections are secure.
2. Test the power mirror operation thoroughly in all directions before closing up the job.
3. Check that all door panel clips are fully seated and the panel is secure.
4. Verify the door operates normally and all interior hardware functions properly.

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the accessory position and test the power mirror adjustment in all four directions (up, down, left, right) using the mirror control switch.
• Verify the mirror moves smoothly without binding or unusual noise.
• Check that the door panel is secure with no rattles or loose clips.
• Verify all door functions operate normally including window, lock, and door handle.

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