How to Mount a Dodge Dakota Side View Mirror

by Leonardo R. Grabkowski

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The Dodge Dakota is a mid-size pickup truck that has been sold since 1987. Late-model Dakotas use a fairly simple side view mirror setup--the mirror is mounted to the door via three mounting posts, and held in place by standard bolts. Mounting a new mirror on your Dodge Dakota only takes a few minutes, but the process of removing the door panel and the old mirror may prove time consuming. The process is applicable to all Dodge Dakota third-generation models, manufactured from 1997 to 2004.

Step 1

Open the hood, loosen the negative battery cable nut, and disconnect the cable from the battery post.

Step 2

Remove the five Phillips screws attaching the door panel to the door skin. There are two screws along the bottom of the door panel, one beneath the armrest, one behind the interior door handle--pull the handle open for access--and another on the side-mirror sail panel in the upper corner of the door panel.

Step 3

Remove the power window switch trim, if the truck is equipped with power windows. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the trim's corner and push up to disengage the clips. Pull the trim panel away and disconnect the window switch electrical connection.

If the Dakota is equipped with manual windows, insert the crank tool underneath the manual window crank's base. Push it forward to disengage the clip, and then pull the crank off.

Step 4

Grasp the door panel and push it up to disconnect the clips from the door skin. Pull the door panel away carefully. Inspect behind the door panel to determine if any connections are still attached. Some models may have an electrical connection for power mirrors. If some are attached, disconnect them and set the door panel aside.

Step 5

Peel back the protective cover from the door skin, and then pull off the rubber grommet attached to the side mirror mount.

Step 6

Remove the three bolts mounting the old mirror, while supporting the outside part of the mirror with your hand. Once the bolts are removed, pull the mirror off.

Step 7

Mount the replacement side view mirror. Insert the mirror mounts into the Dakota's door mounting holes. While providing outside support for the mirror, tighten the three bolts and replace the rubber grommet.

Step 8

Position the door panel against the door, and reconnect the power mirror connection, if applicable. Reattach the door panel to the door skin by pushing in, re-engaging the door clips.