Replacement of an exterior side mirror assembly on the 2024 Tesla Roadster. This vehicle's body and chassis architecture is unique and not well documented publicly; defer to OEM service information for any fastener or trim detail not explicitly verified.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side mirror assembly (left or right, model-specific) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified Roadster mirror assembly — confirm side, color, and feature set (heat/power-fold/camera) against VIN
• Replacement trim clips/retainers (if damaged on removal) × 1 — OEM-spec interior trim clips

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place the vehicle 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 (or 16V/48V on applicable models) low-voltage battery. The Roadster's LV battery location is not publicly documented — refer to the Tesla Service Manual before attempting; do not guess.
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 door window fully if possible before disconnecting the 12V, to ease access to the mirror mounting area.
7. Confirm the replacement mirror matches the original by side, color, and equipped features (heat, power fold, signal, camera).
8. Lay a soft cloth over the door sill, window glass, and exterior paint below the mirror to prevent scratches.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the mirror mounting area
   From inside the door, remove the interior mirror trim cover or sail panel that conceals the mirror mounting fasteners and harness pass-through. Use a plastic trim tool to release clips gently — work around the perimeter rather than prying from a single point. Set fasteners and clips aside in order.
   ⚠Trim clips on low-volume Tesla vehicles are often fragile; have replacements on hand.
2. 2

   Disconnect the mirror wiring harness
   Locate the mirror harness connector(s) behind the trim panel. Release the connector lock tab and pull the connector straight off — do not pull on the wires. If the harness is routed through a rubber grommet in the door, gently work the grommet free so the harness can pass through when the mirror is removed.
   ℹ️Photograph connector orientation and routing before disconnecting to aid reassembly.
3. 3

   Support the mirror
   Have an assistant support the mirror from the outside, or hold it yourself with one hand against the door, before loosening any fasteners. The mirror assembly can be heavy enough to drop and damage paint or glass if unsupported.
4. 4

   Remove mirror mounting fasteners
   From inside the door (behind the trim cover), remove the manufacturer-specified mirror mounting fasteners (typically 2-3 nuts or bolts). Keep the fasteners with the old mirror in case they are reused. Do not force the mirror off — once fasteners are out, it should lift away cleanly with the harness pulled through the grommet.
   ⚠If the mirror does not separate easily, stop and check for an additional hidden fastener or retaining clip rather than prying against the door skin.
5. 5

   Inspect the mounting surface and grommet
   With the mirror removed, inspect the door's mounting boss, sealing gasket/foam, and harness grommet for damage or corrosion. Clean the contact surface. Transfer the gasket to the new mirror if it is not already installed, ensuring it seats fully to prevent water intrusion into the door.
6. 6

   Position the new mirror
   Feed the new mirror's harness through the door grommet/opening first, then seat the mirror onto the mounting surface. Confirm the gasket is not pinched and the mirror is flush against the door before installing fasteners.
7. 7

   Install and torque mounting fasteners
   Hand-thread all mounting fasteners before tightening any of them. Tighten in a cross pattern in two stages. Final torque must be to OEM specification — refer to the Tesla Service Manual for the Roadster mirror mounting fasteners; do not assume a generic value.
   ⚠Mirror mounts on aluminum/composite door structures are easy to over-torque and strip. Do not exceed the OEM spec.
8. 8

   Reconnect the mirror harness
   Reseat the harness grommet fully into the door, then connect the mirror harness connector(s) until the locking tab clicks. Ensure no wires are pinched between the mirror and the door.
9. 9

   Reinstall interior trim
   Reinstall the interior mirror trim cover/sail panel, ensuring all clips are aligned before pressing home. Replace any clips that were damaged during removal.

Reassembly

1. Verify all interior trim is fully seated with no gaps or loose clips.
2. Reconnect the 12V/LV battery and torque the terminal hardware.
3. Close the door and confirm the mirror sits flush with the door skin and the gasket is uniformly compressed.

Verification

• With the vehicle powered on, test all mirror functions equipped on this assembly: glass adjustment (up/down/left/right), heat (if equipped — glass should warm with defrost active), power fold (if equipped), turn signal indicator, blind-spot indicator, and camera feed on the center display (if equipped).
• Check that no warning or fault messages appear on the touchscreen related to mirrors, cameras, or blind-spot monitoring.
• If the mirror is camera-equipped or has power fold, a configuration/calibration via Tesla service software may be required — confirm via the Tesla Service Manual for this VIN.
• Spray water along the top of the mirror base and check the inside of the door for leaks before final trim closeout if there is any concern about gasket seating.
• Road test at low speed and confirm there is no wind whistle or vibration from the new mirror.
• Torque references: Battery Terminal Bolts (6.0 Nm) used when reconnecting the 12V battery.

More procedures for this vehicle