Repair 7

How to Replace the Drivers Side Mirror on a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac came equipped with power mirrors. To replace the drivers side mirror (or the passengers side for that matter), removing the interior door panel is required. This is due to the fact that the trim, which covers the retaining studs and nuts that secure the mirror(s), is actually part of the door panel, and not a separate component like on a lot of other vehicles. Removing the door panel is not particularly difficult, allowing a do-it-yourself enthusiast to save both time and money on this replacement procedure.

Instructions

1

Open the drivers side door wide, power down the window and then remove the keys from the ignition. This will prevent accidental power supply from being demanded while removing the power mirror.

2

Remove the two screws located at the bottom of the door panel, using the Phillips screwdriver.

3

Pull the front end of the door handle trim by hand to release the six retaining clips located on the underside of the trim.

4

Pry the window control module away from the front of the arm rest, using the trim pry tool. Remove the wire harness connections from the underside of the window control module, then set the module aside.

5

Remove the door panel retaining screw now revealed by the window control module removal, using the screwdriver.

6

Disengage the door panel clips by using the trim pry tool to pry the panel away from the door frame. Start at the bottom and work up each side. Remove the door panel by lifting it slightly upward and then away from the door frame.

7

Remove the foam insulation from the opposite side of the door frame to the drivers side mirror.

8

Disconnect the wire harness plug, now revealed from the foam insulation removal, from the power mirror.

9

Remove the three retaining nuts attached to the drivers side mirror studs, using the ratchet, extension and socket. Brace the old mirror when removing the last nut, so that the mirror does not fall and scratch the exterior paint on the door.

10

Install the replacement mirror and reconnect the door panel, window control module and door handle trim piece by reversing the removal procedure.