This procedure covers removal and replacement of the power mirror motor assembly on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with the 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power mirror motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for side being replaced
• Door panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure ignition is off and key is removed from vehicle
3. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Identify which mirror (driver or passenger side) requires motor replacement
5. Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel trim pieces
   Using a trim panel removal tool, carefully pry out the small triangular trim cover at the front corner of the door panel near the mirror base. This cover snaps into place and should release with gentle prying. Store the cover and any clips safely for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Access mirror mounting area
   With the triangular trim removed, you will see the mirror mounting area behind the door panel. On some trim levels, there may be sound deadening material that needs to be peeled back for access. The mirror motor electrical connector is visible in this area.
3. 3

   Disconnect mirror electrical connector
   Locate the mirror electrical connector behind the door panel. Press the locking tab on the connector and carefully pull it apart. The connector has a positive lock mechanism that must be fully released before separation. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
4. 4

   Remove mirror mounting bolts
   Locate the three mounting bolts that secure the mirror assembly to the door frame. These are typically 10mm bolts accessible from inside the door cavity. Remove all three bolts completely while supporting the mirror assembly from the outside to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Remove mirror assembly from door
   With all bolts removed and electrical connector disconnected, carefully pull the entire mirror assembly away from the door. The assembly should slide forward and out. Be careful not to scratch the door paint during removal. Place the assembly on a clean work surface.
6. 6

   Separate mirror glass from housing
   The mirror glass is held by clips. Gently press from behind the mirror glass to release the clips while supporting the glass. On power-folding mirrors, there may be an additional electrical connector for the turn signal or blind spot indicator that must be disconnected. Work carefully to avoid breaking the glass.
7. 7

   Remove mirror motor assembly
   The mirror motor assembly is secured to the mirror housing by three small screws. Remove these screws using a Phillips screwdriver. The motor assembly will separate from the housing. Note the orientation of the motor for proper installation of the replacement unit.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install new mirror motor assembly
   Position the new mirror motor assembly in the mirror housing, ensuring proper orientation with the adjustment ball socket facing outward. Install the three mounting screws and tighten to specification. Verify the motor seats fully against the housing before final tightening.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall mirror glass
   If removed, reconnect any electrical connectors for turn signals or blind spot indicators. Align the mirror glass clips with the motor adjustment mechanism and press firmly until the clips engage. Verify the glass is secure and the adjustment point is properly seated in the motor ball joint.
10. 10

    Install mirror assembly to door
    Guide the mirror assembly back into position on the door, threading the electrical connector through the access hole. Align the three mounting bolt holes with the door frame mounting points. Hand-start all three bolts before tightening any of them.
11. 11

    Secure mirror and reconnect electrical
    Tighten the three mirror mounting bolts evenly in a star pattern. Reconnect the electrical connector, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
12. 12

    Reinstall trim pieces
    Replace any sound deadening material to its original position. Reinstall the triangular trim cover by aligning the clips and pressing firmly until all clips engage. Verify the trim piece is flush with the surrounding door panel.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and test operation
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal and tighten to specification. Turn the ignition to ON position (engine off). Test all mirror functions including up/down/left/right adjustment using the mirror control switch. If equipped with power folding, test the fold/unfold operation. Verify smooth operation in all directions.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all trim pieces are properly installed and clips are engaged
3. Confirm mirror mounting bolts are secure and mirror does not move when manually adjusted
4. Test mirror heater function if equipped by running defroster system

Verification

• With ignition ON, operate mirror adjustment switch in all directions and confirm smooth movement with no binding or noise
• Verify mirror returns to center position properly after adjustment
• If equipped with power folding, test fold and unfold operation multiple times
• Check that mirror heater operates when rear defroster is activated (if equipped)
• Verify turn signal indicators function properly in the mirror housing (if equipped)
• Inspect for proper mirror alignment and no gaps between mirror assembly and door

More procedures for this vehicle