How to Remove the Interior Rearview Mirror?
5 Answers
Method to remove the interior rearview mirror: Pinch the cylinder behind the mirror and rotate it 45 degrees counterclockwise to detach it. Here is some relevant information about rearview mirrors: 1. Car rearview mirrors are located on both sides of the front of the vehicle as well as inside the car. They reflect the situation behind, beside, and below the car, allowing the driver to indirectly see these areas. They serve as a "second pair of eyes," expanding the driver's field of vision. 2. Car rearview mirrors are important safety components, and their mirror surface, shape, and operation are carefully designed. The quality and installation of rearview mirrors are subject to industry standards and cannot be done arbitrarily.
When removing the interior rearview mirror, typically the common type mounted on the windshield, there are several mounting methods. The most common are clip-on or adhesive bases. For older models, there might be a small button on the base—press it while pushing upward, and gently pry it off. Avoid using excessive force to pull, as this can scratch the glass or break the mounting components. Remember to turn off the vehicle's power first, especially if the mirror has electronic functions like auto-dimming, to prevent short-circuiting the wires. Last time I replaced a dash cam, this is how I did it: wear gloves for grip, use a plastic pry tool, and proceed slowly. After removal, if there’s any adhesive residue on the base, clean it with alcohol. The whole process takes just a few minutes, but be careful not to damage the windshield edges—safety first. Many newer cars have sturdier bases; if there are special screws, have a screwdriver handy to gently loosen them.
When considering safety, I've removed the interior rearview mirror before—it's not just a simple detachment but also about preventing accidents. The bonding points on the windshield can be fragile, so first turn off all electrical circuits to avoid issues with electronic mirrors. The general disassembly steps are: manually inspect the base type; if there are obvious knobs or screws, carefully unscrew them with the appropriate tools; if not, most likely it's a press-release mechanism—locate that small button, press it gently, and then push outward. Avoid impatient yanking to prevent glass cracks or interior damage. After completion, cleaning residual adhesive is crucial—I use a cotton cloth dipped in a bit of cleaner to wipe it off easily. Such operations may seem simple, but if the car is a high-end brand, the fixing mechanism could be more complex. It's advisable for inexperienced individuals to first consult the owner's manual or online video references to ensure a one-time success.
Removing that thing is straightforward: The rearview mirror on the windshield is usually secured with clips. Locate the small release button on the base, press it, and lift upward to detach. If it's the screw type, gently loosen it with a flathead screwdriver. Before removal, ensure the mirror has no electronic functions to avoid electric shock risks. The process is quick—just avoid using excessive force to prevent glass damage. After completion, clean off any adhesive residue.
I usually remove the interior rearview mirror for upgrades or repairs, such as installing a new dashcam. First, inspect the base: for clip-on types, press the release button and pull it off; for screw-type, use tools to unscrew; adhesive-mounted ones are trickier—gently pry them up and apply adhesive remover to soften residual glue. During the process, wear gloves for grip and prevent dust from falling into the mount holes. After removal, check the base's stability and reinforce if loose.
