I just replaced the mirror on a 2006 Explorer on the passenger side and I hope I can add a few tips for those who might need to do the same. Hopefully my pictures will download properly.
In this first picture I have outlined in red boxes two snap on covers that have to be removed. There are also two screws in the lower part of the panel (circled in red) that have to be removed.
The two covers are snapped into place and need to be gently pried up with a flat screwdriver. I wrapped a cloth around the tip of the screwdriver to prevent scratching. Go easy they will pop off.
In the second photo I have circled in red two screws that have to be removed at the door latch handle after you have removed that cover.
In the third photo I have circled in red two more screws that have to be removed after you have removed the cover over the door handle.
After the two lower screws in step #1 have been removed along with the 4 screws in steps #2 and #3. You can now lift straight up on the door panel and it will come free. Remember that the electrical wires for the window and door lock controls are still attached along with the door latch cable so don't try to walk away. I used 2 bungee cords to hang the door about 10 inches lower while I removed the mirror.
The fourth and final photo shows the mirror mount area after the piece of foam insulation has been removed. I have circled in red the three nuts that hold the mirror on. One is blocked by the mirror power wire in the picture. Circled in green is the mirror power plug.
Just unhook the electrical connection and unscrew the 3 nuts holding the mirror on.
Reverse the process and you are done. Real simple. I purchased an aftermarket mirror for less than $100 dollars that had all new plastic, glass, power motor and even the puddle lamp. It also had two covers one chrome and one gloss black (paintable) because the model Explorer it was mounted on had a painted mirror cover to match the factory paint.
Any questions with a similar model please feel free to ask.
In this first picture I have outlined in red boxes two snap on covers that have to be removed. There are also two screws in the lower part of the panel (circled in red) that have to be removed.
The two covers are snapped into place and need to be gently pried up with a flat screwdriver. I wrapped a cloth around the tip of the screwdriver to prevent scratching. Go easy they will pop off.
In the second photo I have circled in red two screws that have to be removed at the door latch handle after you have removed that cover.
In the third photo I have circled in red two more screws that have to be removed after you have removed the cover over the door handle.
After the two lower screws in step #1 have been removed along with the 4 screws in steps #2 and #3. You can now lift straight up on the door panel and it will come free. Remember that the electrical wires for the window and door lock controls are still attached along with the door latch cable so don't try to walk away. I used 2 bungee cords to hang the door about 10 inches lower while I removed the mirror.
The fourth and final photo shows the mirror mount area after the piece of foam insulation has been removed. I have circled in red the three nuts that hold the mirror on. One is blocked by the mirror power wire in the picture. Circled in green is the mirror power plug.
Just unhook the electrical connection and unscrew the 3 nuts holding the mirror on.
Reverse the process and you are done. Real simple. I purchased an aftermarket mirror for less than $100 dollars that had all new plastic, glass, power motor and even the puddle lamp. It also had two covers one chrome and one gloss black (paintable) because the model Explorer it was mounted on had a painted mirror cover to match the factory paint.
Any questions with a similar model please feel free to ask.
