Inside rearview mirror removal?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 45
From: Marquette MI
Inside rearview mirror removal?
I'm trying to remove my inside rear view mirror to install an OnStar unit on my 02 C5. There is not an allen screw holding the mirror on - it's an auto dimming mirror. My shop manual mentions moving the mirror from left to right while pulling forward but that doesn't seem to work.
What's the secret? Special tool? Holding my mouth just right? I really want to install this OnStar FMV unit.
What's the secret? Special tool? Holding my mouth just right? I really want to install this OnStar FMV unit.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,389
Likes: 693
From: Boise ID
The shop manual says:
Important
Do NOT pull rearward on the mirror while removing the mirror or damage to the support and/or windshield will occur.
Rock the mirror from side to side pushing upward firmly. An audible click is heard when the inside rearview mirror is releasing from the support. Remove the inside rearview mirror support.
Important
Do NOT pull rearward on the mirror while removing the mirror or damage to the support and/or windshield will occur.
Rock the mirror from side to side pushing upward firmly. An audible click is heard when the inside rearview mirror is releasing from the support. Remove the inside rearview mirror support.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 45
From: Marquette MI
I can now answer my own question. At the base of the mirror mount is the bottom of a curved clip that runs across the bottom of the base. To remove the mirror grasp the clip on both sides with short narrow pliers and move left and right [parallel to the windshield]. Use short pliers to avoid exerting enough torque to break the window. This movement will allow the mirror to release from the bottom clip and two side clips and thus come off. I do not see how the instructions in the service manual could possibly work.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I had the same issue that you described when I was trying to remove the mirror for a windshield replacement. Forget about the shop manual procedure........it doesn't work!
I ended up with using a Craftsman #43305 curved shank pry tool to carefully release the spring clip retainer, while lifting the mirror off it's mount. The tool was the perfect size and shape to catch both sides of the clip.
I ended up with using a Craftsman #43305 curved shank pry tool to carefully release the spring clip retainer, while lifting the mirror off it's mount. The tool was the perfect size and shape to catch both sides of the clip.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 722
Likes: 8
From: N.Canton Ohio
Race Director
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From: The Sunshine State
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Thread revival day? Both you mirror tool removal replies are for 12 year-old threads. I think the OPs figured it out by now. 
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 153
Likes: 92
From: Atlanta
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