Replacement of the side mirror assembly on a 2024 Model X Plaid. The Model X uses power-folding, heated, auto-dimming mirrors with integrated turn signals, blind-spot cameras, and puddle lamps — all of which are connected via a single multi-pin harness inside the door.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side mirror assembly (LH or RH, color-matched, with blind-spot camera and turn signal) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified Model X Plaid mirror assembly — verify side, color code, and camera/heat options match VIN
• Interior door panel retention clips (replace any broken on removal) × 1 — OEM door panel clip set

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 located in the frunk (similar position to Model S). See architecture notes.
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. Before disconnecting the 12V: open the driver's window halfway (so you can reach in to manually release the door if needed), and on the touchscreen go to Controls → Service → and disable the Falcon Wing doors if available, or simply leave the front doors open.
7. Lay protective covering over the door top and A-pillar area to prevent scratches when removing the mirror inner trim sail.
8. Confirm the replacement mirror matches the VIN's option codes (color, heated, power-fold, blind-spot camera, auto-dim) before beginning.

Procedure

1. 1

   Lower the front door window
   Before disconnecting the 12V battery, fully lower the front door window on the affected side. This provides clearance and prevents the frameless glass from contacting the seal during door panel manipulation.
2. 2

   Disconnect the 12V battery
   Open the frunk, remove the cosmetic cover, and disconnect the 12V negative terminal. Isolate the terminal with a non-conductive cap or tape so it cannot accidentally re-contact the post. Wait 2 minutes before proceeding.
   ⚠Disconnecting 12V will reset window calibration and may temporarily disable Falcon door auto-functions until reinitialization.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove the interior mirror sail trim
   Using a plastic trim tool, carefully release the triangular interior trim panel covering the mirror mount on the inside of the door. The panel is retained by clips — pull straight away from the door, working around the perimeter. Do not pry against the painted door cap.
   ⚠If a clip stays in the door rather than the trim, retrieve it before installation — a missing clip causes wind noise at highway speed.
4. 4

   Disconnect the mirror harness
   With the sail trim removed, locate the multi-pin connector for the mirror assembly. Release the locking tab and disconnect. Inspect the harness and pins for corrosion or bent terminals. Feed the connector through the grommet/opening only after the mirror is loose enough that the harness has slack.
5. 5

   Support the mirror and remove the mounting fasteners
   Have one hand supporting the mirror from the outside of the vehicle. From inside, remove the mirror retention fasteners securing the mirror base to the door's inner sheet metal. The Model X mirror is typically retained by three fasteners in a triangular pattern. Note fastener length/location if they differ.
   ⚠The mirror assembly is heavier than it looks due to the camera, motor, and glass. Do not let it fall against the painted door — it will chip the paint and the door is aluminum.
6. 6

   Remove the mirror assembly from the vehicle
   Lift the mirror straight off its mounting studs/locators while feeding the harness connector out through the opening. Set the old mirror on a padded surface.
7. 7

   Transfer any reusable components
   If the replacement mirror does not include accessories (e.g., gasket, foam seal), transfer them from the original mirror. Inspect the door-side foam gasket for tears — replace if damaged to prevent water intrusion into the door cavity.
8. 8

   Install the new mirror assembly
   Feed the new mirror's harness through the door opening first, then seat the mirror on its locating features. Hand-thread all retention fasteners before final tightening to ensure proper alignment with no body gap. Tighten the mirror retention fasteners to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual (do not overtorque into aluminum).
   ⚠Tesla mirror mounting threads are in thin aluminum sheet — overtightening will strip the captive nut/insert. Use a calibrated torque wrench, not an impact.
9. 9

   Reconnect the mirror harness
   Mate the multi-pin connector until you hear/feel the lock click. Confirm the lock is fully engaged — a partially seated connector will cause intermittent blind-spot camera, turn signal, or fold-motor faults.
10. 10

    Reinstall interior sail trim
    Align the sail trim clips to their corresponding holes and press firmly until each clip seats. Replace any clip that broke during removal.
11. 11

    Reconnect the 12V battery
    Reconnect the 12V negative terminal in the frunk and torque the terminal bolt to specification. Reinstall the cosmetic cover.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify the sail trim sits flush with the door card and A-pillar with no gaps.
2. Verify the mirror sits flush against the door with no daylight between the foam gasket and door skin.
3. Reinitialize the front window: with the door closed and ignition on, fully lower the window and hold the switch down for 2 seconds, then fully raise it and hold up for 2 seconds (auto-up/auto-down relearn).
4. If the Falcon doors were disabled in service mode, re-enable them on the touchscreen.

Verification

• Power-fold the mirror in and out using the touchscreen — confirm smooth motion with no grinding or end-of-travel buzz.
• Adjust the mirror up/down/left/right using the steering wheel scroll controls — confirm full range of motion.
• Activate the turn signal and verify the side repeater LED illuminates.
• Activate the headlights and approach/walk-up — confirm the puddle lamp illuminates.
• With the vehicle in Reverse, verify the blind-spot camera image appears on the touchscreen with no static, no 'Camera Unavailable' alert, and correct orientation.
• Test heated mirror function (if equipped) by activating rear defrost — the mirror glass should warm within a few minutes in cold conditions.
• Drive at low speed and verify Autopilot/Blind Spot Monitoring does not throw a camera calibration alert. If a calibration alert appears, the new camera requires Tesla service calibration via Toolbox — this is outside the scope of an independent repair.
• Inspect for wind noise at highway speed — a whistle near the A-pillar usually indicates a missing sail-trim clip or unseated mirror gasket.

More procedures for this vehicle