Replacement of the exterior side mirror assembly on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. The mirror is secured behind the interior door card sail panel area and connects via a single multi-pin electrical connector for power adjust, heat, signal, blind-spot camera (if equipped), and puddle lamp.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side mirror assembly (left or right, painted to body color, with/without auto-fold and blind spot camera as equipped) × 1 — Tesla Model 3 (2024) OEM mirror assembly — match VIN options for camera, heat, auto-fold, and paint code
• Replacement foam/rubber gasket (if not pre-attached to new mirror) × 1 — OEM mirror base gasket

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage the parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3, the LV battery may be located behind the right rear seat back panel or under the floor depending on build — refer to architecture notes and confirm before opening panels.
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
5. If at any point you encounter an orange cable, an HV component, or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
6. Open the affected front door fully and support it if working alone.
7. Lower the window approximately halfway to access the upper door card area, BEFORE disconnecting the 12V battery.
8. Apply painter's tape around the mirror base on the door skin to protect the paint.
9. Verify the replacement mirror matches the original equipment level (heat, power fold, camera, paint code).

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove the interior door card
   Using a plastic pry tool, gently release the door card from the bottom and sides, working clips loose one at a time. Lift the card upward off the window belt. Disconnect the door switch pack and tweeter/speaker connectors as the card is pulled away. Set the door card aside on a padded surface.
   ⚠Door card retention clips on 2024 Model 3 are plastic and frequently break — inspect and replace any damaged clips before reinstallation.
2. 2

   Peel back the vapor barrier
   Carefully peel back the upper section of the plastic vapor barrier / sound deadening sheet to expose the inside of the door sheet metal near the mirror mounting area. Preserve the butyl sealant — do not tear the sheet.
3. 3

   Locate and disconnect the mirror electrical connector
   Inside the door cavity near the upper-front corner, locate the mirror harness connector. Press the locking tab and disconnect. Feed any retained harness clips out so the connector can pass through the grommet when the mirror is removed.
4. 4

   Remove the interior mirror trim cover
   On the inside of the door at the sail panel (triangular trim where mirror meets door), release the small interior trim cover that conceals the mirror mounting fasteners. This is typically clip-retained — pry gently and lift off.
5. 5

   Support the mirror assembly
   Have a helper hold the mirror from the outside, or support it with one hand. Once the fasteners are removed, the mirror will fall away from the door.
   ⚠An unsupported mirror falling can scratch the door paint or damage the harness as it pulls through the grommet.
6. 6

   Remove the mirror mounting fasteners
   Remove the manufacturer-specified mirror mounting fasteners (typically three) accessible from inside the sail panel area. Set fasteners aside for reuse unless damaged.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove the mirror assembly from the vehicle
   Carefully pull the mirror straight out from the door, guiding the harness and connector through the grommet/opening. Inspect the gasket and grommet — replace if torn or compressed.
8. 8

   Transfer gasket if required
   If the new mirror does not include a pre-installed foam/rubber base gasket, transfer the old gasket or install the supplied replacement. Ensure the gasket sits flat with no folds to prevent wind noise and water intrusion.

Reassembly

1. Feed the new mirror harness and connector through the door grommet first, then seat the mirror onto the door, ensuring the gasket is evenly compressed.
2. Install the mirror mounting fasteners hand-tight, then torque per the verified spec — refer to Mounting Bolts torque (34.0 Nm / 25.0 lb-ft).
3. Reconnect the mirror electrical connector inside the door cavity until the lock tab clicks. Re-route and re-clip the harness as found.
4. Reseat the vapor barrier using the original butyl sealant; add fresh butyl if the seal is compromised. A poor seal will cause water intrusion to the door card and speaker.
5. Reinstall the interior sail panel mirror trim cover, ensuring all clips are seated.
6. Reconnect the door switch pack and tweeter connectors to the door card.
7. Align the door card to the window belt and press clips home around the perimeter. Confirm no rattles before final seating.
8. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery. Torque the terminal hardware — refer to Battery Terminal Bolts (6.0 Nm / 4.0 lb-ft). Do not overtighten.
9. Close the door and allow the vehicle to wake; the touchscreen may take 1-2 minutes to fully boot.

Verification

• From the touchscreen Controls > Mirrors, test power adjustment in all four directions on the replaced mirror.
• Test power fold (if equipped) — both manually via the screen and via the auto-fold-on-park setting.
• Activate the turn signal and verify the integrated signal LED illuminates (if equipped).
• Activate the rear defrost / mirror heat and confirm the mirror glass warms after several minutes.
• If equipped with a blind-spot or surround-view camera in the mirror, open the camera view and verify a clear image with no warning messages. If the image is misaligned or a calibration alert appears, schedule a Tesla service appointment for camera calibration.
• Spray water along the mirror base to verify the gasket seals and no water enters the door card.
• Drive at highway speed briefly and listen for wind noise around the mirror base — indicates an improperly seated gasket.
• Check for any new vehicle alerts on the touchscreen after the drive cycle.
• Note: while the door is apart, this is a good opportunity to verify cabin air filter service status (Tesla recommends every 2 years) and 12V battery health if the vehicle is approaching 3-5 years of age.

More procedures for this vehicle