Side Rear View Mirror Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L 2009-2017 Location and Replacement

In this video, I show you the exact location of the mounting hardware and the complete step-by-step process to replace a side rear view mirror on a 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine.

Whether your driver or passenger side mirror is cracked, the power adjustment motor has failed, or the housing was swiped in a parking lot, replacing it is a straightforward job. The mirror assembly is bolted directly to the front corner of the front door frame. However, to access the hidden mounting nuts and the electrical wire harness plug, you must partially remove or peel back the interior door trim panel. Knowing how to release the plastic clips without breaking them will save you time and prevent annoying door rattles down the road.

Common Reasons to Replace a Side Mirror:

• The mirror glass is shattered, cracked, or the internal heating element (on heated mirror models) fails to defrost the glass
• The power mirror adjustment motor makes a grinding noise or refuses to move the glass vertically or horizontally
• The turn signal indicator built into the mirror housing (if equipped) stops blinking or becomes water-damaged
• The plastic outer housing or mounting arm is physically broken or detached from the vehicle body
• The auto-dimming feature fails, causing the glass to remain permanently dark or distorted

Safety First

Always prioritize safety before starting an automotive electrical or body repair. Make sure the vehicle is safely parked on a flat, level surface, the emergency brake is securely engaged, and the ignition is turned completely off with the keys removed. You should disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting this repair. Because you will be unplugging and plugging in power mirror harnesses (which can carry live memory power or signal currents for heated/auto-dimming options), disconnecting the battery prevents short circuits or blown fuses.

When removing the interior door panel, use dedicated plastic trim upholstery tools rather than a metal screwdriver to avoid gouging the plastic or scratching the door’s painted metal edge. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying dirt or brittle plastic clips that might snap during removal.

Need Help? Ask an Expert

I am an experienced mechanic, and I am here to help you guide your vehicle projects to a successful finish. If you hit a snag trying to locate the hidden screws behind the interior door handle bezel, have trouble unhooking the door latch cable to free the panel, or need help verifying if a replacement mirror supports your specific factory options like blind-spot alert or power-folding, leave a message in the comments below. Let me know what you are running into, and I will help you solve your car’s problem!