How do you replace the passenger side mirror assembly 2002 Lincoln LS?

Answer 1

Needed: Phillips screwdriver, socket wrench, 3mm socket, 11 mm socket with extension, possibly tacky spray for crafting (see below).

First, there are four screws to remove around the inside door panel--one on the rear side of the door, 2 screws at the bottom and 1 on the upper left side. The one on the rear side of the door is longer so keep this separate.

Then, inside the hand grip at the bottom, there is a small plastic cover; remove this. A thin edged putty knife may work or a flat head screwdriver. This may leave marks on the top of the small cover so if you don't want that, be careful. There are two plastic tabs on the bottom, on the side facing the car. Once this is removed, remove the two screws; this will allow you to pop out the hand grip. Again be careful with the plastic hand grip and upholstery. Use the thin putty knife that could get in around the edges.

Remove the cover behind the chrome/plastic door handle. The left side has plastic tabs underneath. Again this is fragile plastic. Use the thin putty knife and/or flat head. Get in the slit on the left side and around the edges and carefully pop out. There are tabs behind the left side of this cover. Be careful and don't snap those off either. Behind this cover is a larger metal screw to take out, the last one you need. Again, keep separate.

You are now ready to remove the panel from the door. This will take muscle. There are several attachment clips around the panel that attach it to the metal door itself, and plastic screws that are attached into sockets as well. Pull hard around the frame of the panel; then slightly move to the left while pulling out the door latch, then pull the panel up and off. There are three electrical harnesses; one for the speaker, one for the electric /heated mirror and one for ?. I was able to release the one for the mirror and turned the panel sideways, leaning it against the door frame; or if preferred release all the harnesses. There is a plastic cover in front of the side mirror bolts and edging above the window; again, pull off carefully and move up. Do not remove the whole edging, just half way out up toward the middle of the window.

Now--to get the mirror off. Carefully using the 11mm socket and extension, take off the nuts--you do NOT want to drop the nuts out of the socket, they'll end up at the bottom of the door, necessitating taking the speaker assembly out to find them. Use some tacky spray used for crafting on the edges of the socket. Once these are off, remove the damaged mirror and replace. There is a gasket around the new mirror so make sure that is properly in there. You may wish to have someone hold the mirror in place while you tighten it on.

Then put the door back together in reverse order. Clean up the sockets with WD-40.

That's it for the 2002--slightly different than the other year LS's