The rear view mirror on my 2001 forester came off the windshield and i can't figure out how to remove the mirror from the base to re affix it. I took it to a garage and they couldn't figure it out either. Obviously, due to the weight, i need to glue only the base until the adhesive is dried. Any ideas?

You named your rear view mirror 'Reginald'?

The mirror is affixed dead centre and about an inch down from the top.

https://www.google.com/search?q=2004+ford+explorer+rear+view+mirror+replacement

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This happened to me once on one of my cars. I took it to a business that replaces windshields and they glued it back on for free. I expected to pay something to have this done but did not have to.

You need to loosen the screw with a T-15 Torx driver and slide the base downward out of the mirror stem.

Hello lindleyjl,

1. You will need to disconnect the wire cove from the upper mirror base. (See image below)
2. Use a flat blade screw driver to disconnect the electrical connector from the mirror. Number 1 in the image.
3. Use a torx driver to loosen the set screw that holds the mirror base to the windshield button.


4. Slide the mirror upward off the the rear view mirror button; number 1 in the image below.



To install, reverse the above outlined procedure.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

netvan

The wires unplug from the back of the mirror. It is a very small plastic plug that clips into place and can be pulled off with wiring connections to plug intact; when done with repairs, plug it back on.

The little silver piece you are referring to is the mounting button which is normally affixed to the windshield by glue/adhesive substance. It is difficult to remove from the mirror bracket but is designed to be removed by depressing the black metal tang attached to the bracket at the front base of the button where it slides into the bracket. It took me 15 minutes to figure it out and 10 tries to get it depressed while also sliding the button out over the metal tang. Good luck! The button will then need to be cleaned and new glue/adhesive purchased from auto parts store for $5-$7. Glue it back, wait a while and remount mirror on it.

f

Replacing the rear view mirror on a Ford Explorer is easy. The only obstacle you might encounter is fear of breaking the glued metal plate off the windshield. Do not sweat it. You can buy glues at the auto parts store to reattach the mirror to the windshield (Difficulty: Moderately Easy).

Instructions:

1. Tap gently at the base of the mirror where it slides on over the metal plate glued to the windshield and pull upward. Some rear view mirrors have a small Allen screw that tightens the base of the rear view mirror to the metal plate. Disconnect the electrical plugs if your rear view mirror has them.
2. Pull the rear view mirror clear of the metal plate. Clean around the metal plate glued to the windshield. If the metal plate has come off because of harsh weather or from hammering too hard at it, reattach it with glue designed for this job.
   
3. Clean the area where you will be attaching the metal plate on the windshield. Apply the glue evenly on the surface of the metal plate that will go against the window. Be sure to clean and scrape off all the old glue before applying the new glue. Gently push the metal plate against the windshield in the spot you wanted it and hold tight for five minutes.
   
4. Wait a day before putting the base of the mirror or replacement rear view mirror onto the metal plate. Do not force the base over the plate. Forcing it will likely dislodge it again. Press firmly until it will not slide along the grooves of the metal plate. Reconnect your electrical plugs and tighten the Allen screw if your new mirror has one. Adjust the mirror according to your safe viewing preference
   

Hope help with this (remember rated this help). Good luck.

remove trim panel, remove mirror fasteners.

Glass, Outside Mirror—Town Car

Removal and Installation

1. Push upper edge of outside rear view mirror glass (17K707) into the outside rear view mirror to expose latch release.
   

1. Using a small flat-bladed screw driver or equivalent, move latch release to released position.
   

1. Remove outside rear view mirror glass mounting back and outside rear view mirror glass from outside rear view mirror.
   

1. Disconnect heater wire connectors and auto dimmer connector, if equipped.
   

1. To install reverse Removal procedure.
   

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Mirror, Power—Outside Rear View
Town Car

Removal and Installation

1. Disconnect battery ground cable (14301). Refer to Section 14-01 .
   

1. Remove front door trim panel (23942). Refer to Section 01-05 .
   

Trim Panels, Door Front—Town Car
Removal

1. Snap out two door pull strap retaining screw covers. Remove screws.
   

1. Remove three screws on front and rear side and center of front door trim panel (23942).
   

1. NOTE: The following procedure must be used during removal and installation of the door armrest and trim panel. Refer to the appropriate illustrations for component and vehicle model identification.
   
   Using the Trim Pad Removing Tool from Rotunda Windshield and Moulding/Trim Removal Kit 107-R0401 or equivalent, pry the trim panel retaining clips from the door inner panel.
   

1. NOTE: Do not use front door trim panel to remove trim clips from door inner panel. Replace any bent, damaged or missing push pins.
   
   Remove window regulator control switch housing from front door trim panel. Lift up housing in front and disconnect all connectors.
   

1. Disconnect wiring harness and heated seat switch electrical connectors if equipped.
   

1. Remove the door trim panel.
   

1. Disconnect two electrical connectors.
   

1. Remove nut from outside rear view mirror mounting base.
   

1. Swing outside rear view mirror (17682) toward driver door window glass to expose screw in mount base.
   

1. Remove screw from outside rear view mirror base.
   

1. Remove outside rear view mirror from front door (20124). Guide wiring and connectors through hole in front door.
   

1. To install, reverse Removal procedure. Tighten nuts to 8-10 Nm (71-88 lb-
   

There is a small screw in the mirror, an allen (or hex) wrench fits in it.

Most rear view mirrors are secured on a pivot point to an arm and that arm is then secured on a pivot point to the base. The base is then attached to the windshield anchor either via a screw (metal housing) or it will have a lil tab (plastic housing) that you pull back and slide the entire assembly off of the windshield anchor

there is a small alan screw in the base of the backup mirror. loose it and slide the mirror back on to teh base on the windshield and tighten down the alan screw.