Dodge Ram 2002-2008: How to Replace Side Mirror
Replacing your side view mirrors on your Dodge Ram is easy. Follow these steps to get back on the road safely with new side mirrors!
This article applies to the Dodge Ram (2002-2008).
The purpose of your side view mirrors is to make sure you are not going to veer into anyone during a lane change. Without functioning side view mirrors, you are taking a huge risk of not being able to see what is next to you. Another excellent reason to replace your mirror is to add additional features to your truck like towing or heated mirrors. It is almost as if Dodge expected some mirrors to be broken because this installation is extremely simple and can be done in less than an hour!
Materials Needed
- Flat head screwdriver
- 10mm socket and ratchet
- T20 Torx bit
- New mirrors
Step 1a – Remove door panel
Remove the small plastic cover behind the door handle. It will pry off easily with a flat head screwdriver which will reveal a T20 Torx screw. Remove this screw and pop off the plastic trim around the door handle (shown in red in Figure 1) while being mindful of the plastic tabs holding the trim in. Next pop off the plastic trim (shown in blue) using a screwdriver or your hands and set it aside.
Pro Tip
Do not force any piece of plastic to come off; chances are, there is a screw that might be holding the panel on.
Step 1b – Remove door panel
Remove the six T20 Torx screws around the perimeter of the door panel. These are circled in red in Figure 2. Next, remove the window switch panel by gently prying around it and releasing its clips. This panel has to be completely removed by taking off any connectors at the bottom of the panel. The door panel can be popped off by pulling it up and towards you. You are almost halfway done!
Figure 2. Remove six T20 screws. 
Figure 3. Remove window switch panel.
Pro Tip
If you happen to break a clip on the switch panel or lose a screw, chances are your local auto parts store has replacements.
Step 2 – Remove mirror
Remove the mirror connections on the door panel by popping them off one by one as shown in Figure 4. Depending on the options your Ram came with, there might be more than two connections. Next, remove the three 10mm bolts holding the mirror on. Before removing the last bolt, support the mirror with your hand so that it doesn't drop. Remove the last bolt and slightly pull the mirror away from the door to release it. You have successfully removed your mirror!
Figure 4. Remove mirror connections on door frame. 
Figure 5. Remove three 10mm bolts to remove mirror.
Pro Tip
Do not remove all three bolts supporting the mirror at once because the mirror can drop and cause damage to your truck.
Step 3 – Install new mirror
Install new mirror in the reverse order of the steps above. Feel proud that your Ram is back on the road safe and ready for new adventures!
- Re-install 10mm bolts to secure mirror.
- Re-install mirror connections on door frame.
- Re-attach window switch panel.
- Re-install Torx screws.
- Re-attach plastic trims on door panel.
Featured Video: How to Replace/Install Side View Mirror Dodge Ram
Related Discussion
- Side View Mirror Replacement - Dodgeforum.com
