Here are 10 questions and some hints on how to find the answers if you need to replace a broken or missing door mirror.
- What year vehicle?
- What make vehicle?
- What model vehicle?
- What’s the trim level?
- Examples (LE, XLE, Silverado, FX4, Limited)
- You may also need to check to see if there is multiple versions of the specific vehicle you have. For example the 2004 Ford F150 came in a Heritage (older body style) or New Style. On this vehicle the mirrors are different.
- Is the mirror cover plastic or metal?
- Is the mirror cover chrome, black, or color coded to match the paint on the vehicle?
- If it’s color coded to match the paint on the vehicle you’ll need to get the paint code so that you can get an exact match.
- Does the mirror have power adjustment, or manual adjustment?
- If the vehicle is new to you, or you’ve just never adjusted the mirrors check for a power adjuster. It could be a couple of different places. On the dash between the drivers door and the steering column. It could be on the drivers door either right by the mirror mounting, or on the power switch area near the power window and power lock switches.
- Does the mirror have a turn signal flasher in it?
- Does the mirror have heated (defrost) glass?
- This is sometimes hard to tell.
- You can look for a defrost logo (a rectangle with three wavy lines going into it from the bottom).
- Check the owners manual.
- Call the dealer with your VIN number.
- Is the mirror a stock mirror or an aftermarket upgrade replacement?
- Check photos of a stock vehicle to verify that the mirrors you have are the original mirrors for your vehicle.
- Some trucks have towing mirrors that were an upgrade from the factory or aftermarket upgrades, check to see if the mirrors are upgraded towing mirrors.
- The trend toward having turn signals in the mirrors has prompted many accessory shops to carry aftermarket mirrors that have added turn signals in them. Check to see if your mirrors are aftermarket mirrors.
Questions on why you need the right part the first time, whether you removed the right part or need information on Part numbers check out the linked blog posts.