Cracked, broken or otherwise damaged mirrors on your Volkswagen Jetta are a big problem, as they prevent you from seeing what's behind you while driving. Whether it's an outside mirror on the door or the rearview mirror inside the car, you need to replace a damaged mirror as soon as possible. The replacement procedure will vary depending on the type of mirror you're changing; make sure your replacement mirror is designed to work with your Jetta.
The rearview mirror on the interior is attached to a base plate on the car's windshield. To disconnect it from the windshield, grasp the mirror by the stalk. Twist the stalk counterclockwise and slide the mirror downward, disengaging it from the base plate. To make installation easier, take note of the position the old mirror is in when it disengages.
Installing the new mirror is the reverse procedure of removal. Hold the mirror by its stalk and position it near the base plate; try to position it the same way the old one was in when you removed it. Slide the stalk upward and twist it clockwise to lock it in place on the base plate.
Remove the door trim panel so you can access the mirrors fasteners. Disconnect the negative battery cable in the engine, then pry off the pull handle and the switch bezel with a trim stick (disconnect the bezel's electrical connectors) and remove the screws behind them. Remove the panel's screws at the bottom, use the trim stick to disengage the panel's clips, lift the panel off the door and disconnect any electrical connectors behind it.
If the Jetta has power windows, disconnect the mirror's electrical connector and place tape on the connector so you can withdraw it through the mirror harness hole without snagging it. Remove the mirror's trim cover by removing its mounting screw with a small Phillips screwdriver, then remove the mirror's mounting screw on the inside of the door (it should require a Torx wrench) so you can remove the mirror on the outside.
The installation process is also the reverse of removal. Secure the new mirror in place with the mounting screw on the inside of the door and then screw the trim panel back in place. Reconnect the electrical connector if needed, then reconnect the door trim panel and the negative battery cable.
