Replacement of the exterior side mirror assembly on a 2012 Tesla Roadster. The Roadster is built on the Lotus Elise platform, so the mirror assembly and its mounting hardware are Lotus-derived rather than Tesla-specific.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side mirror assembly (Lotus Elise-pattern, Roadster-fitment) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified replacement mirror assembly for 2008-2012 Tesla Roadster / Lotus Elise base
• Mirror mounting hardware kit (if not reusing originals) × 1 — OEM replacement fasteners as required

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place transmission in 1st or Reverse (manual gearbox on early Roadsters) or P on PEM-equipped units, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels.
2. Exit all doors with the key fob well 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 2012 Roadster the 12V auxiliary battery is located in the front trunk/forward compartment area — disconnect the 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. Open the door fully and support it. Lay a clean towel or painter's tape along the lower door edge and A-pillar area to protect the composite paintwork.
7. Identify whether the mirror is manually adjusted or electrically adjusted/heated — this determines whether a connector must be released.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect mirror mounting style
   Look at the inside of the door near the A-pillar/window triangle. The Roadster mirror typically mounts to the door skin via fasteners hidden behind an interior trim cover or accessed through an interior panel. Confirm visually before removing trim.
2. 2

   Remove interior mirror trim cover
   Using a plastic trim tool, gently release the interior triangular trim cover (sail panel) at the front upper corner of the door panel. Work slowly — clips on Lotus-platform doors are brittle and original-spec replacement clips are scarce.
   ⚠Do not pry against painted composite. Pry only against the trim itself with a plastic tool.
3. 3

   Disconnect mirror wiring (if equipped)
   If the mirror has electrical adjustment or heating, locate the wiring connector inside the door cavity behind the trim cover. Release the locking tab and unplug the connector. If the mirror is purely manual, skip this step.
4. 4

   Support the mirror
   Have a helper hold the mirror from the outside, or support it with one hand, so it does not drop and damage the door paint when the last fastener is removed.
5. 5

   Remove mirror mounting fasteners
   From inside the door (through the access opening exposed by the trim cover), remove the mirror retaining fasteners — typically two to three nuts or bolts securing the mirror base studs through the door skin. Retain the hardware and any gasket/seal between the mirror base and the door.
   ⚠Do not over-rotate the mirror while loosening — keep tension off the door skin to avoid stress cracks in the composite.
6. 6

   Remove mirror assembly from vehicle
   Carefully feed any wiring pigtail back through the door skin grommet and lift the mirror assembly straight off the door. Inspect the door skin gasket/foam seal — replace if torn or compressed.
7. 7

   Transfer components if required
   If the replacement mirror is supplied as a bare assembly, transfer the glass, paint-matched cap, and any heating/adjustment motor as required. Follow the new mirror's instructions for glass clip engagement.
8. 8

   Install new mirror assembly
   Feed the new mirror's wiring pigtail (if equipped) through the door grommet first, then seat the mirror base squarely against the door with the gasket properly aligned. Hand-thread all fasteners before tightening any of them.
9. 9

   Torque mirror fasteners
   Tighten the mirror retaining fasteners evenly in a cross pattern. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Roadster Service Manual / Lotus Elise service data for exact spec, as this fastener size is not in the verified Tesla torque list.
   ⚠Do not guess torque on composite-backed mounting points. Overtightening will crack the door skin.
10. 10

    Reconnect mirror wiring
    If equipped, reconnect the mirror electrical connector and confirm it locks fully. Route the harness so it cannot be pinched by the door card on reinstallation.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the interior trim/sail cover, ensuring all clips fully seat.
2. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (positive first, then negative). Battery terminal bolts: 6.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft) — do not overtighten.
3. Close the door gently and verify mirror sits flush with the door skin and is not skewed.
4. Clean any fingerprints from the mirror glass and housing.

Verification

• Cycle the ignition/12V on. If the mirror is electrically adjustable, verify full range of motion in all four directions.
• If equipped with mirror heat, verify it warms after a few minutes of operation in the appropriate mode.
• Visually confirm the mirror does not vibrate excessively at highway speed during a short road test — excessive vibration indicates a loose mounting fastener or missing gasket.
• Inspect inside the door cavity after a brief drive in wet conditions to confirm the door skin grommet is sealing and no water is entering.
• Note: This job is not on a scheduled service interval, but while the 12V battery is disconnected, consider checking 12V battery age — Roadster auxiliary 12V batteries typically need replacement every 3-5 years.

More procedures for this vehicle