Replace the side mirror glass on a 2024 Model Y Performance. The glass is retained by clips and a heated-mirror electrical connector; it can be released without removing the mirror housing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side mirror glass assembly (heated, with backing plate and actuator clip pattern) — left or right as applicable × 1 — Tesla Model Y mirror glass — order side-specific OEM replacement

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. Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery. On the 2024 Model Y the 12V (Li-ion) battery is accessed under the rear seat / trunk area — refer to 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. Tilt the mirror glass fully inward (toward the vehicle body) using the mirror adjustment switch BEFORE disconnecting the 12V battery, to expose the outer edge for prying.
7. Verify you have the correct side-specific replacement glass (driver vs. passenger; passenger side is typically convex/aspheric).
8. Lay a clean microfiber on the windowsill below the mirror to catch any fragments.

Procedure

1. 1

   Pre-position the mirror
   With ignition on (before disconnecting 12V), use the mirror adjuster to tilt the glass fully inboard so the outer edge of the glass is pushed away from the housing, creating a gap at the inner (vehicle-side) edge. Then complete the 12V disconnect from preparation.
2. 2

   Protect the housing
   Apply painter's tape along the inner edge of the mirror cap where you will insert the pry tool. This prevents marring the paint-matched housing.
3. 3

   Release the glass from the actuator clips
   Insert a wide plastic pry tool between the glass backing plate and the mirror motor/actuator at the inboard edge. Apply steady, even outward pressure. The glass is held by integrated plastic clips on the backing plate that snap onto the actuator. Work the tool around until the clips release with a soft click. Do not use metal tools — they will crack the glass and damage the actuator.
   ⚠If the glass resists, reposition the tool — do not lever harder. The backing plate clips can break and remain stuck on the actuator.
4. 4

   Disconnect the heater leads
   Once the glass is free, ease it forward 2–3 cm to expose the two spade terminals on the back feeding the defrost element. Pull each connector straight off the spade — do not twist. Set the old glass aside on the microfiber.
5. 5

   Inspect the actuator and housing
   Check the mirror actuator face for cracked clip posts, debris, or moisture intrusion. Verify the actuator still moves freely by gently rocking it by hand. If clip posts are broken, the actuator must be replaced — the glass will not stay seated otherwise.
6. 6

   Connect heater leads to new glass
   Push the two spade connectors fully onto the terminals on the back of the new glass. Polarity does not matter for the resistive heater element. Ensure wires are routed so they will not be pinched by the backing plate.
7. 7

   Seat the new glass
   Align the backing plate clips with the actuator posts. Press firmly and evenly with the flat of your palm at each clip location until you feel each clip snap home. Do NOT press on the center of the glass — press near the clip locations on the perimeter to avoid cracking the new glass.
   ⚠Pressing on the center of unsupported mirror glass will crack it. Apply pressure only over clip points.
8. 8

   Confirm full engagement
   Gently tug each corner of the glass — it should feel solidly clipped with no rocking. There should be a uniform gap between glass edge and housing all around.

Reassembly

1. Remove protective painter's tape from the mirror housing.
2. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery per Tesla procedure.
3. Close all doors and allow the vehicle to wake; the touchscreen may show a brief 'Power reduced' or systems-initializing message — this is normal after 12V disconnect.
4. Re-pair the key fob/phone key if the vehicle prompts.

Verification

• From the driver's seat, use the steering-wheel scroll/touchscreen mirror controls to articulate the new glass through full up/down/left/right travel — confirm smooth movement and no binding.
• Activate the rear defrost (which also energizes the mirror heaters on Model Y) and after 2–3 minutes verify the mirror glass is warm to the touch — confirms heater spade connections are good.
• Drive briefly and verify the mirror does not vibrate, buzz, or shift position at highway speed.
• Check that auto-fold (if enabled in vehicle settings) still operates without the glass contacting the housing.
• Note: this job is not on a scheduled Tesla service interval, but while the mirror is being serviced is a good time to confirm tire rotation status (Tesla recommends every 6,250 mi on Model Y due to high tire wear).

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