AcuraZine - Acura Enthusiast Community

Acura TSX 2004-2008: How to Replace Side Mirror

When a side mirror gets severely damaged, there's not much you can do other than replace it. This article will show you how to replace the side mirror on a 1st generation TSX.

By Jared Hammond - May 11, 2016

This article applies to the Acura TSX (2004-2008).

It happens often: you park on a busy, narrow road and someone hits your mirror and breaks it. Why should you pay even more to have the dealership replace the side mirror when you can just as easily do it yourself? If you need to replace your side mirror assembly, then this is the article for you. Follow the instructions below to learn what's involved.

Materials Needed

  • Side mirror assembly
  • Ratchet w/ 8 mm socket
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Plastic pry tool or flathead screwdriver

Step 1 – Remove covers from the door panel

Start with the corner trim cover near the A-pillar. Just pry it off. Behind it you'll see the three bolts that go to the side mirror assembly. Before you can remove those, you'll need to remove the rest of the door panel.

Figure 1. Pry off corner trim cover.

Next, pry up the cover behind the door latch. This will reveal two Phillips screws.

Figure 2. Pry off door latch cover.

Lastly, remove the cover piece located inside the arm rest. This will reveal another Phillips screw.

Figure 3. Pry up the armrest cover.

Step 2 – Remove the switch panel

Remove the three screws that were hidden by covers. The one on the armrest is what holds down the window switches.

Figure 4. Remove screws.

With a plastic pry tool, carefully pry up the window switch panel until it pops loose from the door panel. Pull it out then disconnect the two electrical plugs on the back by pinching the tabs on the plugs.

Figure 5. Remove the switch panel.

Step 3 – Remove door panel

Use your plastic pry tool to carefully pry up the door panel from the bottom. Continue to work your way around until the door panel is completely loose, then lift it up over the lock. Unhook the door latch cable, then set the door panel aside.

Figure 6. Pry up the door panel.

Pro Tip

Be careful not to break the door panel clips.

Step 4 – Remove the side mirror

Disconnect the white electrical plug going to the side mirror. Then pry loose the cable tie for the side mirror electrical harness.

Figure 7. Disconnect the side mirror plug.

Remove the three nuts holding the side mirror bolts to the door. Then pull the side mirror off the door, carefully pulling the electrical harness through the opening in the door.

Figure 8. Remove the three nuts on the back of the side mirror.

Step 5 – Install new side mirror

Installation is the reverse of the previous steps. Line up the bolts on the back of the side mirror assembly with the holes in the door, then tighten down the nuts. Plug in the side mirror electrical connector.

Reconnect the door latch cable, then fit the door panel over the lock and press it to the door. Return the switch panel and tighten down the three screws to the door panel. Then, return the three cover pieces to the door panel.

Featured Video: Removing Acura TSX Mirror

Related Discussions