Lincoln/Mercury Repair: Mercury Villager - install side mirror, mercury villager, power window switch

Question
Hi, I bought a new driver's side mirror for my 99 Mercury Villager.  It looks like we need to take the door panel off to install it.  Is this correct?  Is there an easier way?
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Shannon,

There are three bolts hidden behind what Ford calls a rain slash guard... (whatever!). It's at the top of the door panel and and the door panel must be removed, appearently, to get to the mirror bolts behind that shield thingie. Here are the Ford directions on removal:

REMOVAL

NOTE: Power window equipped door trim panel shown; manual window door trim panel similar.

Disconnect the battery ground cable.

Remove the door trim panel master switch finish panel screw cover. (Power window switch(es) depending on which side).

Remove the door trim panel master switch finish panel.
1 Remove the screw.
2 Remove the door trim panel master switch finish panel.

Disconnect the electrical connectors.

Remove the front door trim panel screw.

Remove the front door trim panel.
1 Pull the front door trim panel to release the pin-type retainers from the door.

Disconnect the front door lamp electrical connector.
Remove the front door handle escutcheon.
2 Lift to remove the front door trim panel.

INSTALLATION


To install, reverse the removal procedure. NOTE: When the battery is disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the vehicle relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to relearn the strategy.