Replace the side mirror glass on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance. The glass is retained by spring clips and (on heated/power-folding mirrors) two electrical connectors for the heater element.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side mirror glass assembly (heated, driver or passenger side as applicable) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model 3 mirror glass — verify left/right and heated variant before ordering

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with 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 the 2024 Model 3 this is typically a Li-ion unit; access location varies — refer to architecture notes and confirm before disconnecting.
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. Disable mirror auto-fold in the touchscreen settings (Controls > Mirrors) so the mirror does not move during service.
7. Verify replacement glass is correct side (LH/RH) and matches heated/non-heated configuration of the original.
8. Tilt the mirror glass fully inward (toward the vehicle) using the mirror controls before disconnecting 12V — this exposes the outer edge for prying.

Procedure

1. 1

   Protect the mirror housing
   Apply painter's tape around the perimeter of the mirror housing where it meets the glass. This protects the body-color paint from accidental contact with the pry tool.
2. 2

   Position the glass for removal
   With 12V still connected and the vehicle awake, use the mirror adjustment controls to tilt the glass fully INWARD (top of glass tilted toward the vehicle). This creates a gap at the outer/lower edge for tool insertion. Once positioned, complete the 12V disconnect from the preparation steps.
3. 3

   Release the glass from the actuator clips
   Insert a plastic pry tool at the outer-bottom corner of the mirror glass between the glass backing plate and the actuator. Apply gentle, even outward pressure. The glass is held by spring clips on a plastic backing plate that snap onto the actuator's ball mount. Work around the perimeter as needed until the glass releases with an audible click.
   ⚠Do not pry directly on the glass face — pry only against the black plastic backing plate behind the glass. Prying on glass will crack it.
4. 4

   Disconnect the heater element wires
   Once the glass is free, carefully tilt it outward to expose the two small spade terminal connectors on the back of the heating element. Grip each connector by its plastic body (not the wire) and pull straight off. Note the wire routing/orientation — they are typically not polarity-sensitive on a resistive heater, but match original orientation as a best practice.
5. 5

   Inspect the actuator and backing area
   Visually inspect the mirror actuator (motor gimbal) for cracked plastic, damaged ball mount tabs, or moisture intrusion. Clear any glass shards from the housing if the original glass was broken. Confirm the new glass's backing plate clip pattern matches the original.
6. 6

   Connect the new mirror glass heater
   Reconnect the two spade terminals to the back of the new mirror glass heating element. Push fully on until seated. Tug-test gently to confirm engagement.
7. 7

   Seat the new glass onto the actuator
   Align the backing plate's spring clips with the actuator ball mount. Press firmly and evenly with both thumbs at the center of the glass — NOT at the corners. You should feel/hear the clips snap fully home. Verify all four (or more) clip points are engaged by gently attempting to lift each corner.
   ⚠Pressing on the corners of the glass can crack it before the clips fully engage. Always press centered over the actuator.
8. 8

   Remove protective tape
   Peel the painter's tape from around the mirror housing. Wipe the new glass with a clean microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
2. Wake the vehicle and allow systems to fully boot (touchscreen up, mirrors responsive).
3. Re-enable mirror auto-fold in Controls > Mirrors if previously disabled.
4. Cycle the mirror through full range of motion (up/down/left/right) using the touchscreen controls to confirm no binding and full travel.

Verification

• Mirror glass is flush with the housing on all edges — no protruding corner indicates an unseated clip.
• Mirror adjusts smoothly through full range with no grinding or limit-binding.
• Heated mirror function: turn on rear defrost (which activates heated mirrors on Model 3) and after 2-3 minutes verify the mirror glass is warm to the touch. If cold, recheck the spade connectors.
• Auto-fold (if equipped) operates correctly when locking/unlocking the vehicle.
• Confirm no error messages on the touchscreen related to mirror position or heating.
• Drive at highway speed briefly to confirm glass does not vibrate or buzz — a buzz indicates incomplete clip engagement; re-seat immediately.

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