How Do I Change the Driver Side Mirror on a 1997 Nissan Altima?

It only takes a split second to damage the driver's side mirror on your 1997 Nissan Altima. Driving a bit too close to the center line or parking on the side of the street are both easy ways to damage the mirror. Most state laws require that all vehicles have at least the driver's side mirror attached and functional to pass state inspection. If your mirror is damaged for any reason, you can replace it with simple automotive hand tools, which makes this a great job for any weekend mechanic.

Instructions

1

Open the engine hood and remove the negative battery cable with an adjustable wrench.

2

Open the driver's car door on the Altima as far as it will go and locate the plastic cover, inside of the door, on the opposite side of the mirror housing.

3

Remove the cover by pulling outward on it. The cover snaps into place with plastic tabs and pops out when you pull on it.

4

Unplug the electrical harnesses that connect the mirror motor to the electrical system of the car. Pull up slightly on the securing tab and separate the two harnesses.

5

Remove the three nuts that secure the mirror housing to the door frame with a nut driver or socket.

6

Pull the mirror off the door. Be careful not to scratch the paint with the mirror housing studs when you pull the mirror out of the door.

7

Line the studs up with the mounting holes located on the outside of the door and slide the new mirror into place. Secure the new mirror to the door with the nuts supplied with the new mirror.

8

Reconnect the electrical harnesses by sliding them back together and pushing the securing tabs into place.

9

Place the plastic cover against the inside of the door, line up the plastic tabs and push inward until it locks into place.

10

Reconnect the negative battery cable.