Replacement of the exterior side mirror assembly on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance. The mirror is accessed by removing the interior triangular trim cover at the A-pillar/door corner, disconnecting the wiring harness, and unbolting the mirror from the door sheet metal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side mirror assembly (color/option matched to VIN — heated, power-folding, auto-dimming, BSM, camera as equipped) × 1 — Match by VIN to OEM Tesla Model 3 Performance 2024 specification
• Replacement interior trim clips (in case originals break on removal) × 1 — OEM-equivalent door trim retainer clips

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and 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 low-voltage battery is typically located behind the right rear seat back panel, though some 2024+ builds use a lithium 12V unit under the floor — verify location before disconnecting. Torque the terminal back later to the Battery Terminal Bolts spec.
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 door fully and support it so it does not swing during the procedure.
7. Lower the door window approximately 2–3 inches if possible BEFORE disconnecting the 12V, to give clearance and reduce risk of bumping the frameless glass (optional).
8. Lay a soft pad or microfiber over the door card and window edge to protect against dropped tools.
9. Apply painter's tape around the mirror base on the exterior to protect paint during removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove interior triangular trim cover
   At the front-upper inside corner of the door (where the mirror meets the door frame), gently pry the small triangular trim panel off using a plastic trim tool. It is retained by clips only. Pull straight inward; do not twist. Set the trim aside.
   ⚠The clips are brittle in cold weather — warm the area or work slowly to avoid breaking them.
2. 2

   Disconnect mirror wiring harness
   With the trim removed, locate the mirror's electrical connector inside the door frame cavity. Press the locking tab and unplug the connector. Free the harness from any retaining clip so it can pass through the door grommet when the mirror is pulled.
3. 3

   Support the mirror assembly
   Have a helper hold the mirror from the outside, or support it with one hand while removing fasteners. The assembly is heavier than it looks once the last bolt is removed and can fall against the door, damaging paint.
   ⚠Do not let the mirror dangle by the harness.
4. 4

   Remove mirror mounting fasteners
   From inside the door frame opening (where the trim was), remove the manufacturer-specified mirror mounting fasteners that secure the mirror base to the door sheet metal. Note the orientation and any alignment dowels/pins on the mirror foot. Keep fasteners organized.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove mirror assembly from vehicle
   Carefully pull the mirror outward and away from the door, feeding the wiring harness and grommet through the door opening. Inspect the foam/rubber gasket between the mirror and door — replace if torn or compressed.
   ⚠Aluminum/steel hybrid body — do NOT strike or pry aggressively against the door skin; it dents and creases easily.
6. 6

   Transfer any reusable components (if applicable)
   If the replacement mirror is supplied as a sub-assembly, transfer the mirror cap/cover, glass, or trim from the old unit per the new unit's instructions. For VIN-matched complete assemblies, skip this step.
7. 7

   Position new mirror assembly
   Feed the new mirror's harness and grommet through the door opening first, then seat the mirror foot against the door, ensuring any alignment pins engage their holes and the gasket is fully seated with no pinches.
8. 8

   Install and torque mounting fasteners
   Hand-thread all mirror mounting fasteners before torquing any of them. Then tighten in a cross/even pattern to the verified bracket bolt specification. Do not overtighten — the mounting points back onto thin door structure.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect wiring harness
   Route the harness back into its retainer inside the door cavity and fully seat the connector until the locking tab clicks. Confirm the grommet at the door pass-through is fully seated to prevent water intrusion.
   ⚠An unseated grommet is a common cause of door cavity water leaks and downstream electrical corrosion.
10. 10

    Reinstall interior triangular trim cover
    Align the trim panel's clips with the door holes and press firmly until each clip seats. Replace any clips that broke during removal.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery. Torque the battery terminal bolt to specification (refer to torqueRefs: Battery Terminal Bolts).
2. Close the door gently and confirm the mirror does not contact the A-pillar or door frame at any fold position.
3. Allow the vehicle to wake and complete its initial systems check before testing mirror functions.

Verification

• Power the vehicle on. From the touchscreen, test mirror tilt (up/down/left/right) on the affected side using the steering wheel scroll wheel after selecting the mirror in the controls menu.
• Test power-fold function from the touchscreen (Controls → Mirrors → Fold Mirrors). Confirm both mirrors fold and unfold smoothly with no grinding.
• Activate the heated mirror (via defrost/defog) and verify the glass warms after a few minutes.
• If equipped, test turn signal repeater in the mirror cap by activating the turn signal and visually confirming.
• If equipped with a blind-spot camera, verify the live feed appears on the touchscreen when the turn signal is activated. If the camera image is missing or distorted, a Tesla service center may need to configure/calibrate the new assembly to the VIN.
• Place vehicle in Reverse and confirm 'tilt mirror on reverse' (if previously enabled) still functions.
• Spray water along the mirror base and check the interior of the door frame area for leaks; reseat the grommet if any moisture appears.
• Drive at low speed and confirm no wind noise or vibration from the new mirror — vibration usually indicates an under-torqued or misaligned mounting foot.

More procedures for this vehicle