How to Remove a Honda Side Mirror Cover

The quick way: tilt the mirror glass to create a gap, protect the paint with tape, then use a plastic trim tool to release the cap’s perimeter clips—on some Hondas you’ll first pop off the mirror glass and undo a couple of hidden screws. The exact method varies by model and whether the mirror has an integrated turn signal, blind-spot indicator, or (on older models) a LaneWatch camera, so identify your mirror style before prying.

Why it matters and what varies by model

Honda side mirror covers (the painted “caps”) are friction-fit on many models, but others combine clips with screws accessed behind the mirror glass. Mirrors with LEDs, heaters, cameras, or blind-spot indicators add wiring you must support and, in some cases, unplug. Below is a step-by-step guide that covers both common designs so you can remove the cap without breaking tabs or scratching paint.

What you’ll need

Gather the following tools and materials to reduce the risk of damage and make the job faster and safer.

• Plastic trim tools (non-marring pry tools)
• Painter’s/masking tape and a microfiber cloth
• Small flathead screwdriver (for tiny clips/connectors)
• Phillips screwdriver and Torx bits (T10–T20) depending on model
• Gloves and safety glasses
• Hair dryer or low-heat gun (to soften clips in cold weather)

Having the right tools lets you pry at the right spots with controlled force, minimizing the chance of snapping clips or chipping paint.

Identify your mirror style

Before you pry, determine if your Honda uses a clip-on cap only or a clip-plus-screw arrangement that requires removing the mirror glass first.

• Clip-on only: Common on many Civic, CR-V, HR-V, and Accord trims without cameras. The cap has internal tabs that latch to the housing; no screws hold the cap itself.
• Clip-plus-screws: Found on some trims/years, especially with integrated turn signals or additional electronics. Screws are usually accessible only after popping off the mirror glass.
• Electronics to note:
  

  • Turn signal repeater in cap (wire harness to support/unplug).
  • Blind-spot indicator (BSI) LEDs behind glass; usually doesn’t affect cap removal but be gentle with wiring.
  • LaneWatch camera (older Civics/Accords, passenger side); it mounts under the mirror—support the harness and avoid stressing the camera.

A quick visual check for seams, lenses, and underside screw holes helps you choose the correct process and avoid unnecessary disassembly.

Prep the mirror and protect finishes

These steps set you up to work safely and avoid cosmetic damage.

1. Park on level ground, power off the vehicle, and fold mirrors out (not folded-in) for access.
2. Clean the mirror cap and surrounding area to remove grit that can scratch paint while prying.
3. Apply painter’s tape around edges where you’ll insert tools. Drape a microfiber cloth over the door to protect the panel.
4. Tilt the mirror glass fully inward and upward to open a gap along the outer and lower edges.
5. If it’s cold, gently warm the cap with a hair dryer to make plastic tabs less brittle.

A few minutes of prep prevents most accidental chips, scuffs, and broken tabs.

Removal: clip-on (friction-tab) Honda caps

Use this method if your cap is held on by plastic clips only—common on many Hondas without extra screws behind the glass.

1. Create a starting gap at the top outer edge: insert a plastic trim tool between the painted cap and the black mirror housing.
2. Release the first clip with gentle outward prying. Don’t twist hard; walk the tool along the seam.
3. Work along the upper edge from outer corner toward the hinge side, releasing clips sequentially.
4. Move to the side and lower edges, continuing to release clips. Keep the cap supported so freed tabs don’t re-latch or snap.
5. If your cap includes a turn signal lens, be ready for a short wire. Once the cap is mostly free, carefully pull it away and locate the connector.
6. Disconnect the signal connector by lifting the locking tab with a small screwdriver; do not pull on wires.
7. Lift the cap off completely and set it on a soft surface. Inspect clips for damage.

Patience matters here: steady, even prying along the seam preserves the tabs and avoids stress cracks in the paint.

Removal: caps retained by screws (glass-off first)

If your Honda uses hidden screws, you’ll remove the mirror glass to access them, then free the cap clips.

1. Adjust the glass to its most inward/upward position to expose a pry point at the lower outer corner.
2. With gloved hands or a wide plastic tool, gently pry near the lower outer corner to pop the glass off the central pivot ring. Support the glass as it releases.
3. Unplug heater terminals (and BSI LED connector if present) from the back of the glass. Note orientations for reassembly.
4. Look inside the housing for screws securing the painted cap (often Phillips or Torx). Remove these screws and keep them safe.
5. From the outside, use a plastic trim tool to release any remaining cap clips around the perimeter.
6. If a turn signal is integrated, support the cap, locate the harness, and unplug the connector before fully removing the cap.
7. For passenger mirrors with a LaneWatch camera (older Civics/Accords), avoid putting tension on the camera harness. The cap usually comes off without removing the camera, but keep the assembly supported and wires slack.
8. Lift the cap away and inspect all tabs and seals.

Taking the glass off sounds daunting, but it’s a snap-fit plate: work slowly at the corner, support the pane, and avoid prying directly on the heating pad.

Reinstalling the mirror cover

Reassembly is the reverse, but alignment and sequence matter to prevent rattles and gaps.

1. Transfer any foam seals, retainers, or clips from the old cap to the new one if you’re replacing it.
2. Reconnect any wiring (turn signal, heater, BSI) until it clicks positively; confirm routing isn’t pinched.
3. Align the cap’s tabs with the housing. Seat the top edge first, then press along the sides and bottom until each clip snaps in.
4. If screws are used, reinstall them to snug—do not over-tighten into plastic.
5. If you removed the glass, reconnect terminals, align the glass with the motor plate, and press evenly at the center until it clicks onto the pivot.
6. Power on the vehicle to test mirror adjustment, heating, indicators, and cameras. Check for flush gaps and secure fit.

A careful push on each perimeter point should yield firm engagement without creaks; any springy spot likely indicates a missed clip.

Model notes and watch-outs

The following quick notes address common Honda variations seen in recent years.

• Civic (2016–2021): Many trims used LaneWatch on the passenger side. The camera sits under the mirror—support the harness and avoid strain while removing the cap. Later 2020–2021 trims phased in blind-spot monitors instead.
• Civic (2022–present): No LaneWatch; blind-spot indicators are common. Most caps are clip-on; some trims with signal repeaters may hide screws behind the glass.
• Accord (2018–2022): Mix of clip-on and screw-retained caps depending on trim and signal repeaters. 2023–present typically uses BSI; handle connectors carefully.
• CR-V (2017–2024): Many are clip-on with integrated signal lenses; be ready to unplug a short harness.
• HR-V (2023–present): Generally clip-on; use light heat in cold temps to avoid brittle tabs.

If you’re unsure, a quick VIN-specific parts diagram or factory service manual snapshot will confirm whether screws are present and where tabs sit.

Common mistakes and quick fixes

These pitfalls account for most broken caps—here’s how to avoid them and what to do if they occur.

• Prying metal-on-paint: Always use plastic tools and painter’s tape to prevent chips.
• Starting at the wrong edge: Begin at the outer top edge where the first clip often has a slight relief.
• Forcing a stuck clip: Apply mild heat and “walk” the tool; don’t twist hard in one spot.
• Ignoring hidden screws: If the cap won’t budge after several clips release, stop—check behind the glass for screws.
• Straining wires: Support the cap as soon as it loosens; unplug connectors before moving away.
• Loose fit after reassembly: A missed clip or misrouted wire can block seating; remove, reroute, and re-snap.

If a clip breaks, many caps still hold with the remaining tabs, but replacement is best for long-term security and noise prevention.

When to pause and seek help

If you hear cracking, see the cap deform, or encounter a mirror that won’t release despite gentle, even prying, stop and consult a service manual or a model-specific video. Dealer or body shop techs can often swap a cap in minutes, especially on camera-equipped mirrors.

Summary

Most Honda side mirror covers come off by tilting the glass, protecting the paint, and releasing perimeter clips with a plastic trim tool; some models add hidden screws you access after removing the mirror glass. Work slowly, support any wiring for turn signals or sensors, and verify all clips snap back in during reassembly. A brief model check prevents broken tabs and ensures a clean, flush fit.

Can you replace just the side mirror cover?

It’s the housing that covers the entire assembly (except the glass). Its purpose is to protect the wiring and other components from moisture and debris. If your side mirror cover is broken, you have two different repair options to choose from: replacing just the cover or doing a full replacement.

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How to remove Honda Accord side mirror cap?

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How to remove Honda CRV mirror cover?

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