Repair 02-06 Toyota Camry Side Mirror

Repair a 2003 Toyota Camry Left side view mirror. Not a mechanic but understand the parts and steps are the same for 2002-2006 Camry. This repair is to replace the power mirror motor so you can reuse a mirror housing. Because this involves removing the mirror glass, this instructable also shows how to replace the mirror glass should your mirror be broken and you can then skip replacing the motor if it functions ok. The power part of the mirror stopped working on this camry and the mirror was loose and would not stay where adjusted, a safety concern. Ordered an entire assembly but ended up replacing the motor because it was much quicker and easier than painting the assembly and the rest of the mirror (glass/backing and housing) was fine to reuse. The hardest part was figuring out that it is easy to remove the mirror glass as we did not want to just pull and break and then getting up the nerve to grasp and pull the mirror loose. The rest is easy. If you are reading this and your glass is broken, buy that and the correct mirror adhesive and you should be good to go. If the glass is good but the mirror is loose inside the housing, you can probably just buy the motor itself online (or remove from a mirror housing that matches the make and model year but not the color).

This is NOT an instructable to replace the entire housing. That is a quick and easy project and there are plenty how to videos and instructions online.

#10 star driver if replacing the power mirror motor.

Cleaning rags and window cleaner.

Tape, such as duct tape, if the mirror glass is broken.

Consider gloves to protect hands.

Possibly a small flat head screw driver or othe tool to pry wire connection if replacing motor.

Can purchase complete mirror assemblies online but those need to be painted unless you find an exact color match and it can be much quicker, simpler, and cheaper to just replace the mirror glass, the motor, or both.

If your glass is broken you will need to purchase new glass and adhesive unless you purchase mirror glass WITH backing.

If the glass is fine but the power motor does not move the mirror correctly or the mirror moves around loosely in the assembly, then you likely need a new motor but can keep the same housing and glass/backing.

This is the worrisome part but you can do just fine. Tape the glass well and protect your fingers if broken. The mirror is clipped at the top and hinged at the bottom. Slide your fingers between the mirror and housing at the TOP of the mirror and firmly pull the top of the mirror out toward you and down. Keep holding it once it folds down and you can then slide the mirror and housing off (they are glued together). Lay them carefully to the side. The hard part is done!

To replace the glass if broken- remove any broken glass from the plastic backing and then use adhesive per instructions to attach new mirror glass to backing, allow fo dry, then slide the bottom hinges on, push the top in, and you are done! You can purchase the correct mirror glass online or possibly at a local glass store. No picutures of a broken mirror here because this mirror glass was fine, the motor was the issue.

IF you need to replace the motor- simply use the #10 star driver to remove the three screws visible through the three holes in the motor. Put the screws to aside where you will not loose them. Then pull the wire plug loose from the old motor You may need to use a small screwdriver or like to gently pry around the plug to loosen, then pull out. After the old motor is out, discard the old motor and take a moment to clean out the housing. Then get the new motor, plug the wire into the new motor, attach the motor with the three screws. Clean the mirror. Re-attach mirror/ backing- being sure to line up the hinges on the bottom and then snap the top firmly into place, test the power mirror to make sure the mirror adjusts and you are done.