Replace the side mirror glass on a 2024 Model X. The glass is held to a heated/powered backing plate by clips and electrical connections for the heater element; no removal of the mirror housing or falcon door panel is required.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side mirror glass assembly (heated, with backing plate and clip retainer) — driver or passenger side as applicable × 1 — Manufacturer-specified Model X mirror glass for 2024 — confirm LH vs RH and heated variant

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. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (frunk-mounted on Model X, similar position to Model S). This prevents accidental mirror motor actuation while you are working at the glass.
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. Confirm which side (LH/RH) and that the replacement glass matches: heated, correct curvature, and with the OEM-style clip backing plate.
7. Before disconnecting 12V, optionally tilt the mirror glass fully inward/downward via the touchscreen mirror adjust controls to expose the outer edge of the glass — this makes prying access easier. Then disconnect 12V.
8. Apply painter's tape along the inner edge of the mirror housing where you will insert the pry tool to protect the paint/plastic.

Procedure

1. 1

   Position glass for access
   With the glass tilted inward (done before 12V disconnect), you should see a gap between the outer/upper edge of the glass and the mirror housing. If the glass is already broken, carefully pick out loose shards and place them on a piece of tape.
2. 2

   Release the glass from the backing plate clips
   Insert a plastic pry tool into the gap at the outer edge (away from the door) of the mirror glass. Apply gentle, steady outward pressure against the rear (backing) plate — NOT against the housing or actuator. The glass is retained by integral clips on a plastic backing plate that snaps onto the actuator. Work around the perimeter as needed until the clips release with a soft pop. Do not bend or twist the glass.
   ⚠Pry against the plastic backing plate ribs, not the actuator pins. Forcing the glass outward against the actuator can break the mirror motor, which is a much more involved repair.
3. 3

   Disconnect heater leads
   Once the glass is free, tilt it out just enough to expose the two heater connector leads on the back. Pull each connector straight off its spade terminal. Note orientation if the connectors are not keyed — heater elements are not polarity-sensitive, but keep the leads tidy.
   ℹ️Do not let the disconnected leads retract into the mirror housing — tape them to the housing edge so you can find them.
4. 4

   Inspect the actuator and housing
   Visually inspect the mirror actuator face for cracked clip posts, debris, or moisture intrusion. Remove any glass shards from the housing cavity. If the actuator's clip mounts are broken, the new glass will not seat — the actuator must be replaced before continuing.
5. 5

   Connect heater leads to the new glass
   Press each heater spade connector firmly onto the matching terminal on the back of the new glass. Confirm both are fully seated. Route leads so they are not pinched between the glass backing plate and the actuator.
6. 6

   Seat the new glass onto the actuator
   Align the backing plate clips of the new glass with the actuator posts. Press evenly with your palm directly over each clip location until each clip snaps into place. Do not press on the center of the glass alone — this can flex and crack it. Verify the glass sits flush with the housing on all four edges.
   ⚠If the glass does not snap on with moderate hand pressure, STOP. Re-check alignment — forcing it will crack the new glass or break the actuator clips.

Reassembly

1. Remove painter's tape from the mirror housing.
2. Wipe the new glass with a clean microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints.
3. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery in the frunk.
4. Close the frunk.

Verification

• With the vehicle awake, use the touchscreen mirror adjustment controls and the steering wheel scroll/joystick to move the mirror up/down/left/right through full travel — confirm smooth motion with no binding or clicking, indicating the glass is properly clipped and not contacting the housing.
• Activate defrost/rear defrost (heated mirrors typically energize with rear defrost on Tesla vehicles). After several minutes in cool ambient conditions, confirm the new glass warms — verifies heater connectors are seated.
• Check fold-in/fold-out (auto-fold if equipped) — confirm the mirror folds and unfolds without the glass shifting.
• Visually confirm the glass is flush with the housing on all edges and has no gaps where water could intrude.
• Road-test briefly to confirm no buzzing or rattling from the mirror at highway speed.
• Note: this job is not on a Tesla service interval, but while you have the door area accessible, it's a good time to confirm cabin air filter age (Tesla recommends replacement every 2 years, or every 3 years for HEPA/bioweapon-defense-equipped Model X).

More procedures for this vehicle