Replace the side mirror glass on a 2024 Model Y. The glass is retained by clips and a heated-mirror electrical connection on the back; this is a low-risk job with no HV exposure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side mirror glass assembly (heated, with backing plate) — driver or passenger side as applicable × 1 — Tesla Model Y mirror glass — order side-specific OEM replacement

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage 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 Y the 12V (Li-ion) battery is accessed under the rear seat / front trunk area per the architecture notes — disconnect negative terminal first.
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. Fold the mirror out (housing extended) using the touchscreen mirror controls before disconnecting 12V, so the glass is in the easiest working position.
7. Tilt the mirror glass fully inward (toward the cabin) using the screen controls to expose the outer edge of the glass before disconnecting 12V — this gives pry access on the opposite (inner) side.
8. Place painter's tape along the inner edge of the mirror housing where the pry tool will contact, to prevent paint damage.
9. Have the replacement mirror glass on hand and confirm it is the correct side (LH/RH) and includes the heater connector pigtail.

Procedure

1. 1

   Position the mirror for access
   With the 12V already disconnected (per prep), the mirror should remain in its last-tilted position. Verify the glass is tilted inward at the top, exposing a gap between the top-outer edge of the glass and the housing.
2. 2

   Insert plastic pry tool
   Slide a wide, flat plastic pry tool between the mirror glass and the housing at the inner edge (closest to the door body). Work the tool behind the plastic backing plate, NOT the glass itself. The glass is bonded to a plastic carrier that snaps onto the mirror motor's ball-and-clip mounts.
   ⚠Pry against the plastic carrier behind the glass, never against the glass face — the glass will crack.
3. 3

   Release the retention clips
   Apply gentle, steady outward pressure with the pry tool. The carrier is held by spring clips on the mirror motor's mounting plate. You should feel/hear distinct clicks as the clips release. Work around the perimeter as needed — typically 3 to 4 clip points. Do not force; if it won't release, reposition the pry tool.
4. 4

   Lift the glass away and disconnect heater
   Once the carrier is free, gently pull the glass straight out from the housing about 2-3 inches. On the back you will see a small 2-pin electrical connector for the mirror heater. Squeeze the connector tab and disconnect it. Set the old glass aside on a soft surface.
   ⚠Do not yank — pulling without disconnecting the heater leads can rip the wires out of the housing harness.
5. 5

   Inspect mirror motor and mounting plate
   Look into the empty housing. Inspect the mirror motor's mounting plate for cracked clips, debris, or moisture. Confirm the heater pigtail is intact and the connector pins are clean and undamaged. If the mounting plate clips are broken, the entire mirror actuator (not just glass) must be replaced — STOP and source the actuator before continuing.
6. 6

   Connect heater on new glass
   Take the new mirror glass assembly. Plug the housing's 2-pin heater connector into the pigtail on the back of the new glass carrier. Ensure it clicks fully home. Tuck any excess wire into the housing so it won't be pinched.
7. 7

   Seat the new glass
   Align the plastic carrier on the back of the new glass with the mirror motor's ball mount and clip pattern. Press firmly and evenly with flat palms across the face of the glass (not the corners) until you hear/feel all clips snap home. Verify by gently tugging each corner — the glass should not move independently of the housing.
   ⚠Press evenly across the center of the glass. Pressing on a single corner can crack the new glass or fail to engage all clips.
8. 8

   Remove protective tape and clean
   Remove the painter's tape from the housing edge. Clean the new glass with a microfiber cloth to remove any fingerprints or pry-tool marks.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (negative terminal last).
2. Close all doors and allow the vehicle to fully wake up (touchscreen booted).
3. Re-pair / re-sync if the vehicle prompts for any settings restoration.

Verification

• From the touchscreen, enter mirror adjustment mode and verify the new mirror tilts up/down/left/right smoothly through full range without binding.
• Fold and unfold the mirror via the touchscreen — confirm the housing folds normally and the glass does not contact the housing edge.
• Turn on rear defrost (which also energizes the heated mirrors on Model Y). After 2-3 minutes, gently touch the mirror glass — it should feel warm, confirming the heater connector is seated and functional.
• Visually inspect the glass-to-housing gap around the entire perimeter — it should be uniform with no glass sitting proud or sunken on any side.
• Drive briefly at highway speed and confirm no wind whistle or vibration from the mirror.
• No torque-sensitive fasteners are involved in this job — no torque wrench verification required. (This job is not part of any Tesla scheduled service interval.)

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