Side Mirror Assembly

Replacement of the exterior side mirror assembly on a 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance. The mirror houses heating elements, power fold/adjust motors, turn signal LED, and on Performance trim the auto-dimming and blind-spot indicator — all wired through a single multi-pin connector behind the door card or accessible via the sail panel cover.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side mirror assembly (Model Y Performance, correct side, color-matched) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model Y mirror assembly — verify left/right and paint code before ordering
• Mirror-to-door foam gasket (if not pre-installed on new mirror) × 1 — OEM gasket — typically supplied with mirror

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 (located behind/under the rear seat area or in the front trunk depending on build — refer to architecture notes and the in-vehicle service mode location guide for this 2024 build).
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. Lower the affected side window approximately 2 inches before disconnecting 12V — this provides clearance and prevents glass-edge contact during mirror removal.
7. Apply painter's tape along the upper door frame and around the mirror base to protect paint.
8. Have the replacement mirror unboxed, inspected for the correct side and paint code, and within reach.

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm vehicle is asleep and disconnect 12V
   Verify touchscreen is fully off and no HVAC/pump sounds are present. With the key fob removed from the area, open the driver door, then disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal per the architecture notes for this 2024 Model Y. Wait an additional 2 minutes before continuing.
2. 2

   Remove the interior sail panel (triangle) cover
   From inside the vehicle, gently pry the small triangular trim cover at the front-upper corner of the door panel using a plastic trim tool. Start from the rear edge and work forward. The cover is held by two or three internal clips. Set the cover aside on a soft surface.
   ⚠Pry only against the trim itself, not against the painted aluminum door skin.
3. 3

   Disconnect the mirror electrical connector
   With the sail panel removed, locate the mirror's multi-pin connector. Depress the locking tab and unplug. Inspect the connector for moisture or corrosion. Free the harness from any retaining clip on the door so it can be pulled out through the grommet from the exterior.
4. 4

   Support the mirror from outside
   Have an assistant support the mirror from the outside, or hold it yourself, before loosening the mounting fasteners. The assembly is heavier than it looks and will fall against the door if unsupported, denting the aluminum.
   ⚠An unsupported mirror can fall and damage paint, glass, or the mirror itself.
5. 5

   Remove the mirror mounting fasteners
   From the interior side, through the sail panel opening, remove the mirror mounting fasteners (typically three Torx-head bolts on a triangular pattern threaded into a captured plate on the door). Keep light pressure on the mirror from outside as the last fastener is removed.
6. 6

   Remove the mirror assembly and feed harness through grommet
   Carefully pull the mirror outward from the door, guiding the wiring harness and rubber grommet out through the door opening. Note the orientation of the grommet for reinstallation. Inspect the door-side gasket/foam for damage.
7. 7

   Transfer any reusable items and inspect new mirror
   If the new mirror does not include the foam gasket, transfer it from the old unit. Confirm the new mirror's paint code matches the vehicle, and that the connector pinout matches (Performance trim includes blind-spot/auto-dim circuits — verify the replacement is the correct trim variant).
   ℹ️A non-Performance mirror will physically bolt up but will disable blind-spot indication and auto-dim functionality.
8. 8

   Install the new mirror assembly
   Feed the new mirror's harness and grommet through the door opening from outside. Seat the grommet fully into the door to maintain the water seal. Align the mirror to the door mounting boss and start all mounting fasteners by hand to avoid cross-threading.
9. 9

   Torque the mirror mounting fasteners
   Tighten the mounting fasteners in a cross pattern. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual for the exact mirror mounting fastener spec. Do not overtighten into the aluminum door structure.
   ⚠Aluminum threads strip easily — do not exceed the manufacturer-specified torque.
10. 10

    Reconnect mirror harness and route correctly
    Route the harness back through any retaining clips inside the door cavity. Plug the connector in until the latch clicks audibly. Confirm the connector is fully seated — a partial connection is the most common cause of intermittent heat/fold/blind-spot faults after this repair.
11. 11

    Reinstall the sail panel triangle cover
    Align the triangle cover's clips with the door panel sockets and press firmly until each clip seats. Verify the cover sits flush with no gaps that could whistle at highway speed.
12. 12

    Reconnect 12V battery
    Reinstall the 12V negative terminal. Torque to the verified specification.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Remove protective painter's tape from the door and mirror area.
2. Close the door gently and verify the sail panel cover is flush.
3. Wake the vehicle by pressing the brake; allow the touchscreen to fully boot.

Verification

• From the touchscreen, open Controls → Mirrors and verify power adjust works in all four directions on the replaced side.
• Engage Reverse and confirm tilt-down behavior (if previously enabled) functions on the new mirror.
• Test power fold from the touchscreen — both mirrors should fold and unfold together.
• Activate the turn signal and visually confirm the integrated LED indicator illuminates.
• Turn on rear defrost and feel the mirror glass for warming after 2–3 minutes (mirror heat is tied to rear defrost on Tesla).
• Drive a vehicle in the adjacent lane to confirm the blind-spot indicator illuminates on the mirror (Performance trim).
• At night or in a dim garage, shine a light at the mirror to confirm auto-dim electrochromic function darkens the glass.
• Check for any new alerts on the touchscreen. If mirror functions are erratic, a service-mode mirror calibration may be required.
• Inspect the door grommet area after a car wash or rainstorm to confirm no water intrusion into the door cavity.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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