Jeep Grand Cherokee 1999-2004: How to Replace Side Mirror

Replacing the side view mirrors can seem like a daunting task, but it's actually much easier than it seems.

By Peter Sessler - August 26, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (1999-2004).

Replacing the side view mirrors on the 1999-2004 Grand Cherokee WJ is fairly easy to do. However, unlike other cars, there are several additional steps to take before you can actually remove the mirrors, such as removing the door side panels and then disconnecting the power harnesses. Once that is done, you can remove the screws holding the mirrors on. Besides the standard mirrors, there are the optional power heated mirrors and the power heated mirrors with the auto-dim and memory function.

Materials Needed

Set of metric sockets
Torx T25 screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Putty knife
Masking tape
Small flat head screwdriver

Step 1 – Remove side panels

Remove the three door trim panel screws using a Phillips screwdriver on the inside of the pull-handle. Then use a T25 Torx driver behind the chrome handle on the last screw which is on the upper right top area, covered by a plastic trim plug. Use a small flat head screwdriver to pop the trim plug out. The door panel does not have to be removed completely. The right hand side of the door can be unsnapped from the fasteners to access the mirror bolts.

Figure 1. The door trim panel is held in place by three screws.

Step 2 – Remove fasteners and actuator rods

Use a plastic putty knife to pry the 10 fasteners loose and then work around the door trim to pop the remaining fasteners loose. You might want to use a rag to cover the putty knife to protect the panel. Next, while you are holding the loose trim panel in place, remove both of the metal actuator rods. These are held in place by yellow snap-on clips on the side of the metal rods. Then lift the rods straight up out of the sockets.

Figure 2. The 10 door trim fasteners hold the door panel in place.

Step 3 – Remove wiring connectors

Remove the two wiring connectors. One is for the main connector and the other is for the power mirror connector. In addition, vehicles with the day/night mirrors also have a two-pin harness which has to be removed as well.