interior rear view mirror removal
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interior rear view mirror removal
I'm trying to remove the interior rear view mirror on my '05 E350. It appears that there is no tool required as per the factory workshop manual:
"Removal - Position the interior rear view mirror in the full down position. Grasp the interior rear view mirror and carefully continue to pull down on the mirror until released from the bracket."
Does this mean that the mirror slides DOWN off the piece that is glued to the windshield? I've read elsewhere that you should take a hammer to it????? Other posts talked about using a screwdriver in the bottom, but there doesn't appear to be anything in the bottom slot to use a screwdriver on? Any help would be appreciated.
"Removal - Position the interior rear view mirror in the full down position. Grasp the interior rear view mirror and carefully continue to pull down on the mirror until released from the bracket."
Does this mean that the mirror slides DOWN off the piece that is glued to the windshield? I've read elsewhere that you should take a hammer to it????? Other posts talked about using a screwdriver in the bottom, but there doesn't appear to be anything in the bottom slot to use a screwdriver on? Any help would be appreciated.
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Joined: May 2010
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From: infraction
there is a spring type clamp on the mirror itself.
Warning, it's possible to crack the glass.
But what I do it slide the mirror up and ever slightly twist. it should pop off.
here's the backside of mine... so you can see.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Warning, it's possible to crack the glass.
But what I do it slide the mirror up and ever slightly twist. it should pop off.
here's the backside of mine... so you can see.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
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Bbasso - thanks for the pic and info. I pushed, banged and twisted and can't get it to move in the slightest. I'm afraid if I use anymore force I'll rip it off or crack the windshield. When I tap in an upward direction with a hard plastic hammer it sounds very solid - not like something that just needs a little more force to make it happen.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Keep banging, pushing and what not but keep you local windshield guy on speed dial!
There IS a tool designed specifically for removing these mirrors. If you don't want to break the windshield just drive by a windshield shop and ask them to pop it off for you.
While the manual is basically correct there's just a bit more to this than they no doubt describe. FWIW these mirrors are a break away type, meant to separate in event of a collision etc etc.
Watch the glass shop remove the mirror in case you need to do this again. Be careful and best of luck!
There IS a tool designed specifically for removing these mirrors. If you don't want to break the windshield just drive by a windshield shop and ask them to pop it off for you.
While the manual is basically correct there's just a bit more to this than they no doubt describe. FWIW these mirrors are a break away type, meant to separate in event of a collision etc etc.
Watch the glass shop remove the mirror in case you need to do this again. Be careful and best of luck!
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Your "factory workshop manual" appears to contradict mine on both counts.
My Body/Chassis Service Manual identifies the "Rotunda mirror removal tool" OR an "Optional Removal Method" employing "a small single blade screwdriver". Instructions clearly describe the need to "release the mirror retaining ("spring") clip" & "using an upward force...pull up on the mirror". FORD illustrations make how to remove mirror clear.
If you "banged...with a hard plastic hammer" on the top you might've seriously jammed/wedged the mirror onto the tapered "s.s button" which is glued on the windshield.
The mirror slides UP off the piece that is glued to the windshield when released. Until the spring retaining clip is released it should sound "very solid".
It appears that there is no tool required as per the factory workshop manual:
"Removal - Position the interior rear view mirror in the full down position. Grasp the interior rear view mirror and carefully continue to pull down on the mirror until released from the bracket."
Does this mean that the mirror slides DOWN off the piece that is glued to the windshield? I've read elsewhere that you should take a hammer to it????? Other posts talked about using a screwdriver in the bottom, but there doesn't appear to be anything in the bottom slot to use a screwdriver on?
"Removal - Position the interior rear view mirror in the full down position. Grasp the interior rear view mirror and carefully continue to pull down on the mirror until released from the bracket."
Does this mean that the mirror slides DOWN off the piece that is glued to the windshield? I've read elsewhere that you should take a hammer to it????? Other posts talked about using a screwdriver in the bottom, but there doesn't appear to be anything in the bottom slot to use a screwdriver on?
If you "banged...with a hard plastic hammer" on the top you might've seriously jammed/wedged the mirror onto the tapered "s.s button" which is glued on the windshield.
The mirror slides UP off the piece that is glued to the windshield when released. Until the spring retaining clip is released it should sound "very solid".
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I did note from Bbasso's pic that the direction of removal was obviously UP - so my tapping with the hammer was in that direction.
Thanks guys - we'll see what today brings....
Dave
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Decided to give it one more try before going to the glass shop. With all the info I got I figured that sticking a small screwdriver in the bottom recess and prying out against the piece that mounts to the window was worth a try. It came right off. I didn't realize that the spring clip was built into the main piece. Anyway - thanks for all the help - so simple once you know how it works!!!!
Getting the old mirror off allowed me to mount my rear view monitor. I love it. No more huge blind spots back there.
Getting the old mirror off allowed me to mount my rear view monitor. I love it. No more huge blind spots back there.
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Fleet Owner
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Good deal DT---glad you found the info you needed. Bbasso's idea is great and not too different than I'd use however I'm a bit more hesitant suggesting taking even a "soft" hammer to your windshield! 
Since I run a cargo van with partition curtain that mirror is more in the way than anything-----it was the first thing removed when my new-to-me van arrived.
Love to see a photo of your monitor installed-----have been thinking of having one of my own soon. Several reviews and installation threads make this almost a must have.
Thanks for the follow up!
Since I run a cargo van with partition curtain that mirror is more in the way than anything-----it was the first thing removed when my new-to-me van arrived.
Love to see a photo of your monitor installed-----have been thinking of having one of my own soon. Several reviews and installation threads make this almost a must have.
Thanks for the follow up!
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JWA - mine is a cargo van with a partition also. There is some expanded steel mesh where the rear view mirror would look through - talk about blind spots!!! Sorry - no pics - the only camera I've got is mounted on the back of the van. I installed the camera and monitor so its on whenever the ignition is in run. Not just when in reverse. I'm loving it - no more backing up over kids and dogs. 
It has also helped reduce the size of the blind spot on the passenger side and no more small cars hiding on my rear bumper.
The camera I used is by Rydeen - #ZH07-150B and the monitor is Rostra 250-8131 Universal 5-inch Stem Mount Monitor.
Your comment about the mirror being breakaway was very helpful in understanding the nature of the mount along with Bbasso's picture and Club Wagons info from his manuals - altogether they did the trick.
thanks again guys for the help
It has also helped reduce the size of the blind spot on the passenger side and no more small cars hiding on my rear bumper.The camera I used is by Rydeen - #ZH07-150B and the monitor is Rostra 250-8131 Universal 5-inch Stem Mount Monitor.
Your comment about the mirror being breakaway was very helpful in understanding the nature of the mount along with Bbasso's picture and Club Wagons info from his manuals - altogether they did the trick.
thanks again guys for the help
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Amen brother.
Kewl! Been looking at Step Vans & consider 'backup camera' system a must have. Even interested in them for Club Wagon.
Did you do a lot of comparison shopping? Care to discuss?
Looked over both links & had some Q's. While waiting for company to reply let me ask here.
Saw comment that new camera design allowed cooler running, extending life. Asked: What is operational life expectancy?
Saw that monitor included 'button' & adhesive to mount on windshield. Asked: If it's needed or does monitor fit directly on existing FORD windshield 'button'?
Saw positive or negative image, but not color. Presume this is a single color/monochrome display, not full color?
Saw camera has low light capability, but no idea how sensitive. Does it rely on good backup lights at night, or is it more sensitive than eyes, like Nite Vision/light amplifier?
Kewl! Been looking at Step Vans & consider 'backup camera' system a must have. Even interested in them for Club Wagon.
Did you do a lot of comparison shopping? Care to discuss?
so simple once you know how it works!!!!
Getting the old mirror off allowed me to mount my rear view monitor.
I installed the camera and monitor so its on whenever the ignition is in run. Not just when in reverse. I'm loving it - no more backing up over kids and dogs.
The camera I used is by Rydeen - #ZH07-150B and the monitor is Rostra 250-8131 Universal 5-inch Stem Mount Monitor.
Getting the old mirror off allowed me to mount my rear view monitor.
I installed the camera and monitor so its on whenever the ignition is in run. Not just when in reverse. I'm loving it - no more backing up over kids and dogs.
The camera I used is by Rydeen - #ZH07-150B and the monitor is Rostra 250-8131 Universal 5-inch Stem Mount Monitor.
Saw comment that new camera design allowed cooler running, extending life. Asked: What is operational life expectancy?
Saw that monitor included 'button' & adhesive to mount on windshield. Asked: If it's needed or does monitor fit directly on existing FORD windshield 'button'?
Saw positive or negative image, but not color. Presume this is a single color/monochrome display, not full color?
Saw camera has low light capability, but no idea how sensitive. Does it rely on good backup lights at night, or is it more sensitive than eyes, like Nite Vision/light amplifier?
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Did you do a lot of comparison shopping? Care to discuss?
Did the shopping about 6 months ago - unfortunately don't remember the myriad of details.
Saw comment that new camera design allowed cooler running, extending life. Asked: What is operational life expectancy?
Sorry don't know. If you find out let me know.
Saw that monitor included 'button' & adhesive to mount on windshield. Asked: If it's needed or does monitor fit directly on existing FORD windshield 'button'?
It slipped right over the windshield button and has a set screw - simple and easy (once I got the rear view mirror off).
Saw positive or negative image, but not color. Presume this is a single color/monochrome display, not full color?
No - it's full color - nice - am quite pleased with the image.
Saw camera has low light capability, but no idea how sensitive. Does it rely on good backup lights at night, or is it more sensitive than eyes, like Nite Vision/light amplifier?
One of the reasons I picked this particular camera was the low light level - .2 Lux if I remember correctly. Seems to do quite well. It was quite dark yesterday and raining a lot and yet it worked much better than I would have expected. So far I am real happy with it. If I remember I'll go out tonight and see how it works with just the regular backup lights.
Did the shopping about 6 months ago - unfortunately don't remember the myriad of details.
Saw comment that new camera design allowed cooler running, extending life. Asked: What is operational life expectancy?
Sorry don't know. If you find out let me know.
Saw that monitor included 'button' & adhesive to mount on windshield. Asked: If it's needed or does monitor fit directly on existing FORD windshield 'button'?
It slipped right over the windshield button and has a set screw - simple and easy (once I got the rear view mirror off).
Saw positive or negative image, but not color. Presume this is a single color/monochrome display, not full color?
No - it's full color - nice - am quite pleased with the image.
Saw camera has low light capability, but no idea how sensitive. Does it rely on good backup lights at night, or is it more sensitive than eyes, like Nite Vision/light amplifier?
One of the reasons I picked this particular camera was the low light level - .2 Lux if I remember correctly. Seems to do quite well. It was quite dark yesterday and raining a lot and yet it worked much better than I would have expected. So far I am real happy with it. If I remember I'll go out tonight and see how it works with just the regular backup lights.
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Checked it out at night - the small compact florescence bulb over the entry way to my apartment building was enough light for the camera to work - it was grainy but worked better than I expected. Brake lights added a little and stock backup lights helped even more. I was able to check all my rear lights with it - little bonus I hadn't considered.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I think another user by the name of KillerRC installed a very nice high-tech camera in his newer E van---incorportated into his double DIN dash space for the newer radio units. His installation was very slick.
His overall impressions were it was very benefical and like you probably saved a few driveway kids and pets too!
I'll look at your set up-----always nice to have a real life user report about their experiences.
His overall impressions were it was very benefical and like you probably saved a few driveway kids and pets too!
I'll look at your set up-----always nice to have a real life user report about their experiences.
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