How to Remove the Interior Rearview Mirror of a Focus?
3 Answers
The method for removing the interior rearview mirror of a Focus: 1. Remove the mirror glass, which is relatively simple. Adjust the mirror to its maximum angle and pull it off by hand, being careful not to force it from one side. After removing the mirror glass, disconnect the two plugs. Adjust the positions of the internal clips to the left state, then carefully open the back cover with a pry tool. After removing the cover, unscrew the four screws at the back and disconnect all visible plugs. Note that many have clips and should not be forced. 2. Separate the pivot and mounting post. The main method is to insert the pry tool according to the position, then hold the ground light position of the mirror with both hands, lift it upward, and slowly rotate the mirror toward the front of the car. When the mirror passes a locking position, it can be separated. This requires some trial and error to find the correct locking position. After removal, you will find a screw, which should be removed. Then, remove the ground light and its plug. Finally, pull all the wires out through the hole in the center of the pivot, starting with the thinner plugs. After removing the lower shell, the mirror can be taken off.
Last time I took apart the interior rearview mirror on my Focus, and honestly it was simpler than expected. You just grab the upper part of the mirror body and push firmly toward the roof (note: not twisting left or right) until you hear a click—then it releases. My car is an older Focus model with auto-dimming, so there's a wire connection. You'll need to pry open the plastic cover at the base of the mirror first and unplug it. Only after removing it did I realize the mount is glued to the windshield—never try to pry the mount itself, as it could crack the glass. If your car has a rain sensor nearby, keep your hands clear of that area. The whole process took me five minutes. To reinstall, just align it with the slot and push to snap back into place—DIYing this gave me a real sense of accomplishment.
I've removed the interior rearview mirror several times, and the key is finding the right leverage point. The Focus typically uses a U-clip structure. Stand in the driver's seat, grab the joint between the mirror and bracket, and apply slight forward pressure toward the windshield while pushing upward. If it gets stuck, the clip slot might be misaligned—gently wiggle it about half a centimeter to release. I recommend doing this on a warm day as plastic becomes brittle and prone to cracking in winter. For bracket replacement, genuine OEM parts are available online for just a few dozen yuan. By the way, the empty space after mirror removal is perfect for installing a streaming rearview mirror, which significantly expands your field of view.
