Side Mirror Glass

Replace the side mirror glass on a 2012 Tesla Roadster. The Roadster shares its mirror assembly design with the Lotus Elise platform; the glass is typically retained by clips and a ball-socket backing plate, not by Tesla-specific hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Replacement side mirror glass (Roadster/Lotus Elise-pattern, correct side L/R) × 1 — OEM-equivalent Roadster mirror glass — verify heated vs non-heated to match original
• Replacement trim clips (in case any break on removal) × 1 — manufacturer-specified mirror retention clips

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place transmission in gear (1st or Reverse) for the manual-equipped Roadster, and engage the parking brake.
2. Exit the vehicle with the key fob well away from it. 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 area — refer to the owner documentation for exact location and 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. Inspect the new mirror glass against the old one before starting: confirm side (L/R), curvature, and presence/absence of heater terminals.
7. Apply two strips of painter's tape across the face of the existing mirror glass to contain fragments if it breaks during removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Position the mirror for access
   Tilt the mirror glass fully inward (toward the body of the car) by pushing gently on the outboard edge. This exposes the inboard edge and creates a gap behind the glass at the outer edge for tool access.
2. 2

   Insert pry tool behind the glass
   Insert a wide plastic trim tool between the mirror glass and the housing at the outer (outboard) edge. Work it in until you feel the back of the glass plate (the ball-and-clip backing). Avoid metal tools — they will chip the housing paint and can crack the glass.
   ⚠Do not pry against the housing's painted lip. Brace the tool against the rigid inner frame of the housing only.
3. 3

   Release the glass from its backing plate
   Apply steady, even outward pressure with the trim tool until the glass pops free of its retention clips. On the Roadster/Elise-style mirror, the glass is held by spring clips on a pivoting backing plate — it will release with a distinct click. Do not yank; let the clips disengage progressively.
   ⚠If the glass resists strongly, reposition the tool — forcing it will shatter the glass and may damage the backing plate.
4. 4

   Disconnect heater wiring (if equipped)
   Once the glass is free, carefully tilt it out and check the back. If two spade terminals are present for the defrost heater, pull each connector straight off the terminal. Note orientation — polarity is generally not critical for resistive heaters, but photograph the connection for reference.
5. 5

   Inspect the backing plate and clips
   With the glass removed, inspect the plastic backing plate for cracks, broken clip arms, or seized adjustment motors (if power-adjustable). Verify the plate still pivots freely. Replace any broken trim clips before installing the new glass.
   Torque spec

   Trim Clips3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Connect heater wiring to new glass
   If the new glass is heated, push each spade connector firmly onto the corresponding terminal on the back of the new glass. Ensure the wires are routed so they will not be pinched when the glass seats against the backing plate.
7. 7

   Seat the new mirror glass
   Align the new glass squarely with the backing plate so each retaining clip lines up with its socket on the back of the glass. Press firmly and evenly with both thumbs on the center of the glass — NOT the edges — until you hear/feel each clip snap into place. Confirm the glass is fully seated by gently tilting it through its full range; it should move with the backing plate as a unit, with no rattle.
   ⚠Pressing on the corners or edges of mirror glass to seat it is the most common cause of cracking the new glass. Always press over the center where the backing plate ball is located.

Reassembly

1. Remove painter's tape from the mirror face and clean the glass with a microfiber towel.
2. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (negative terminal last).
3. Allow the vehicle's low-voltage systems to wake; cycle the ignition on.

Verification

• Sit in the driver's seat and confirm the mirror glass tilts smoothly through its full range without binding or popping out.
• Confirm there is no rattle when the door is closed firmly.
• If equipped with a heated mirror, turn on the rear defrost (which typically powers the mirror heaters on the Roadster) and after several minutes verify the glass is warm to the touch.
• Check the mirror's reflection for distortion — a properly seated glass sits flush with the housing on all four edges.
• Note: this job is not part of any Tesla scheduled service interval, but while you are working in this area it is a good time to check 12V battery age (3–5 year typical AGM service life) and brake fluid condition (Tesla recommends replacement every 2 years).

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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