electrical
Side Mirror Assembly
for 2024 Tesla Model S Plaid Tri Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
48 min
Tools
7
Steps
11
Replacement of the side mirror assembly on a 2024 Model S Plaid. The mirror integrates power fold, heat, auto-dim, signal, puddle lamp, and a blind-spot camera, requiring careful door card removal and connector handling.
Warnings
⚠️Do NOT touch or pierce any orange cable. The HV pack runs under the cabin floor — keep tools away from floor pan penetrations.
⚠Aluminum body panels — do not pry against the door skin or strike with a hammer. Aluminum dents permanently and cannot be MIG-welded for repair.
⚠The mirror houses a blind-spot camera with a calibrated viewpoint. Do not disassemble the camera mount; replace the assembly as a unit so factory aim is preserved.
⚠Disconnect the 12V (or 16V Li-ion if equipped) low-voltage battery before unplugging mirror connectors to avoid shorting the body control module.
ℹ️Mirror glass and housings on Plaid include heating elements and auto-dim wiring — do not pull on the harness to separate connectors.
Tools required
Plastic trim/panel removal tools (non-marring)Essential
Torx bit set (T20-T30)Essential
Metric socket set (8-13mm)Essential
1/4" drive torque wrench (2-25 Nm range)Essential
10mm socket for 12V battery terminalEssential
Microfiber towels and painter's tape (to protect paint)
Helper or mirror cradle (assembly is heavy with camera/glass)
Parts
- Side mirror assembly (LH or RH, color-matched, with camera) × 1 — Tesla Model S 2024 Plaid side mirror — verify side and paint code by VIN
- Replacement single-use fasteners or clips if damaged on removal × 1 — OEM specification — replace any clips broken during trim removal
Preparation
- Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the parking brake.
- 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.
- Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V (or 16V Li-ion under rear seat on applicable Plaid builds — verify by VIN) low-voltage battery negative terminal. See architecture notes for exact location.
- DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
- 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.
- Confirm correct replacement mirror: side (LH/RH), paint code, power-fold, heat, auto-dim, and integrated camera variant all match the original.
- Lower the affected door window fully, then open the door to a comfortable working angle and protect the door edge and fender with painter's tape.
- Lay a soft blanket on the ground below the mirror in case a fastener or the assembly drops.
Procedure
- 1Remove the interior mirror sail trimFrom inside the vehicle, gently pry the triangular sail/sail-corner trim at the top-front of the door card using a non-marring plastic tool. Work the clips loose evenly; the trim retains via internal clips only. Set aside on a clean surface.⚠Aluminum door frame — pry only against the trim, never against the door skin.
- 2Disconnect the mirror harness connectorWith the sail trim removed, locate the multi-pin mirror harness connector inside the door pocket area. Release the locking tab and unplug the connector. Inspect pins for corrosion. Feed any harness retainers through the door grommet pass-through so the harness can be pulled out with the mirror.ℹ️Pull on the connector body, never the wires. The blind-spot camera coax is part of this harness on Plaid.
- 3Support the mirror assemblyFrom outside, have a helper hold the mirror assembly, or support it from below. The Plaid mirror is heavier than typical due to the integrated camera, motor pack, and auto-dim glass.
- 4Remove the mirror mounting fastenersFrom the inside of the door (with sail trim removed), remove the manufacturer-specified mirror-to-door mounting fasteners (typically three). Keep them organized — they are reused. As the last fastener is removed, gently support the mirror as it separates from the door.⚠Do not let the mirror swing on the harness — feed the connector and grommet through cleanly as the mirror lifts away.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 5Remove the mirror assembly from the doorLift the mirror straight off its locating boss/pad, pulling the harness through the door grommet. Place the assembly on a padded surface with the glass facing up.
- 6Inspect the mounting surface and grommetCheck the door mounting pad for cracks, deformed sealing foam, or water intrusion staining. Inspect the rubber harness grommet — replace it if torn. Wipe the mating surface clean before installing the new mirror.ℹ️Water intrusion at the mirror grommet is a common path to door module corrosion — ensure the grommet seats fully on reinstall.
- 7Position the new mirror assemblyFeed the new mirror's harness through the door grommet first, then seat the mirror onto the mounting pad and align the locating features. Hold in place while starting the mounting fasteners by hand to avoid cross-threading the aluminum door frame.⚠Cross-threading into the aluminum door structure can ruin the threads. Hand-start every fastener.
- 8Torque the mirror mounting fastenersTighten the mirror mounting fasteners evenly in a cross pattern to the manufacturer-specified torque. Verify the mirror sits flush with no gap to the door's mounting pad.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect the mirror harnessPlug the mirror harness connector in until the lock tab clicks fully. Route the harness so it cannot chafe against the window regulator or sharp door-frame edges. Seat the grommet fully into the door panel.
- 10Reinstall the interior sail trimAlign the sail trim clips and press evenly until each clip seats with an audible snap. Confirm no gaps along the trim edge.
- 11Reconnect the 12V/LV batteryReconnect the 12V (or 16V Li-ion) low-voltage battery negative terminal and torque to specification. Reinstall any cowl/frunk panels removed for access.⚠Do not overtighten the LV terminal — the post is soft and easily damaged.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Verify the sail trim is fully seated and flush with the door card.
- Confirm the harness grommet is fully seated in the door — a partially seated grommet allows water into the door cavity and door electronics.
- Remove all painter's tape and clean the new mirror housing and glass.
Verification
- With the vehicle awake, sit in the driver's seat and use the steering-wheel scroll/touchscreen mirror controls to verify left/right/up/down adjustment of the new mirror's glass.
- Test power-fold via the touchscreen (Controls > fold mirrors) — both mirrors should fold and unfold in unison without binding.
- Verify mirror heat by enabling rear defrost in cold conditions, or check via service mode if available — the glass should warm within a few minutes.
- Confirm auto-dim function at night against a bright trailing headlight (if equipped).
- Verify the turn-signal repeater LED in the mirror housing illuminates when signaling.
- Check that the blind-spot/side camera feed appears correctly when signaling or in Autopilot views on the center display — image should be level and free of obstructions. If the image is rotated or misaligned, the assembly is mis-seated; do not attempt camera calibration without Tesla service tooling.
- Inspect the puddle lamp (if equipped) by opening the door at night.
- After the first drive, re-check the mirror for vibration or wind noise indicating loose mounting fasteners.
- Note: while in this area, if the cabin air filter is approaching its 2-year (or 3-year HEPA) interval, it is a good time to plan that service.