How to Replace the Side-View Mirror of a Jeep Grand Cherokee

by Leonardo R. Grabkowski

Many vehicles are built with a separate access cover for the side-view mirror. The Jeep Grand Cherokee doesn't have one; so you must remove the entire door panel to access the side-view mirror assembly. Since the process is much different between body styles, this article explains both the 1999 to 2004 models and the 2005 to 2009 models.

1999 to 2004

Step 1

Unhook the negative battery cable by loosening the nut with the pliers. Slip the cable away from the terminal before beginning.

Step 2

Pry off the three small screw covers on the door panel. The first one is on the sail panel at the upper corner of the door panel; another is in the armrest storage compartment; and the last one is behind the interior door handle.

Step 3

Remove the screws from the sail panel, armrest storage compartment and interior door handle. The door handle screw requires a Torx bit; the other two are standard Phillips screws.

Step 4

Use the door trim panel tool to snap out the door clips. Eleven clips secure the panel to the door. Insert the tool between the panel and the door, and push the tool back to snap out the clips.

Step 5

Carefully pull the panel from the door and lift the door lock rods from their mount. Disconnect the power window switch connection and the power mirror switch connection. Set the door panel aside.

Step 6

Pull off the foam panel to access the side mirror assembly. Support the mirror assembly with your hand, and remove the three nuts mounting the assembly to the door. Carefully pull out the assembly.

Step 7

Insert the new side-view mirror assembly, and secure the locking nuts. Replace the door panel, electrical connections and locking rods. Installation of the door panel is the reverse of removal.

2005 to 2009

Step 1

Unhook the negative battery cable before beginning.

Step 2

Remove the three door panel screws. One screw is at the front portion of the panel; another is underneath the door handle; and the last is in the door armrest console. Models 2008 and newer have an additional screw beneath the power window switch control. Pry the panel up to access this screw.

Step 3

Grab the door panel by the lower storage compartment, and tug it forcibly to unsnap the clips. Work your way around the door panel until you have all the clips unsnapped. Pull the panel away, and lift the door locking rod.

Step 4

Unhook the connections for the power window switch and power mirror switch.

Step 5

Remove the four locking nuts from the sail panel area. Hold the outside part of the mirror assembly while removing them. Pull the mirror assembly away.

Step 6

Install the new mirror assembly, and secure the locking nuts.

Step 7

Turn the door panel over to replace the snap-on clips. The clips are designed for one-time use; most of them will be broken. You must replace only the broken clips.