2016 Nissan Altima Driver Side Mirror

So, your 2016 Nissan Altima's driver's side mirror is giving you trouble? Don't worry, you're not alone. It's a fairly common issue, and thankfully, most mirror problems can be resolved without breaking the bank. Let's walk through some common problems and how to tackle them.

Common Problems with Your 2016 Altima's Driver's Side Mirror

Before we dive into solutions, let's pinpoint the specific issue you're facing. Here are some typical scenarios:

Cracked or Broken Mirror Glass: This is often caused by accidental impacts, road debris, or even temperature fluctuations.
Non-Functional Power Adjustment: Your mirror motor might be dead, a wiring issue could exist, or the switch itself might be faulty.
Damaged Housing: The plastic casing surrounding the mirror can crack, break, or become detached due to collisions or even vandalism.
Loose or Wobbly Mirror: The mirror assembly might be loose at its mounting point to the door.
Turn Signal Not Working (if equipped): If your Altima has integrated turn signals in the mirror, these can sometimes fail due to bulb burnout or wiring problems.
Blind Spot Warning Indicator Malfunction (if equipped): The indicator light might not illuminate or might stay on constantly, signaling a sensor issue.
Mirror Completely Detached: This is the most extreme case, usually resulting from a significant impact.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

Now, let's explore some solutions for each of these problems. Safety first! Before attempting any repairs, ensure your vehicle is parked in a safe location, the ignition is off, and you have appropriate safety gear like gloves and eye protection.

1. Cracked or Broken Mirror Glass

This is often the simplest and most cost-effective repair. You have a couple of options:

Replacement Glass: You can purchase replacement mirror glass online or at auto parts stores. These are usually pre-cut to fit your Altima's mirror housing and often come with adhesive backing.
DIY Tip: Before ordering, carefully measure the dimensions of your existing mirror glass to ensure a proper fit. To install, gently pry out the old glass (wear gloves!), clean the mirror housing thoroughly, and then stick the new glass in place. Ensure it's properly aligned.

Approximate Cost: $20 - $50 (depending on the quality and retailer)

Tools Needed: Plastic pry tools, cleaning solution, microfiber cloth.
Professional Replacement: A mechanic or auto glass specialist can replace the mirror glass for you. This is a good option if you're uncomfortable with DIY repairs.
Approximate Cost: $50 - $150 (including labor)

2. Non-Functional Power Adjustment

This usually requires more troubleshooting:

Check the Fuse: The first step is to check the fuse box (usually located in the driver's side footwell) for a blown fuse related to the power mirrors. Consult your owner's manual for the correct fuse location.
DIY Tip: A fuse puller tool makes this process easier. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a fuse of the exact same amperage.

Approximate Cost: A few dollars for replacement fuses.
Inspect the Wiring: Check the wiring harness that connects to the mirror. Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
DIY Tip: You might need to remove the door panel to access the wiring. Be careful not to damage any of the clips or fasteners. Use a multimeter to test for voltage at the mirror motor connector when the mirror adjustment switch is activated. If there is no voltage, there is a wiring issue.

Tools Needed: Multimeter, wire stripper/crimper (if repairs are needed), electrical tape.
Test the Mirror Adjustment Switch: The switch itself could be faulty. Sometimes, the switch can be cleaned to remove debris hindering good electrical contact.
DIY Tip: Testing the switch usually requires accessing the switch assembly from within the door panel. A mechanic would use a multimeter to test each pin on the switch and see if it is sending the correct signals.
Replace the Mirror Motor: If the wiring and switch are good, the mirror motor itself might be dead. This usually requires replacing the entire mirror assembly.
Approximate Cost: $100 - $300 (for the mirror assembly) + labor if professionally installed.

3. Damaged Housing

Depending on the severity of the damage, you have a few options:

Minor Cracks: For small cracks, you might be able to use epoxy or plastic repair kits to patch them up. However, this is often a temporary fix and might not look perfect.
Housing Replacement: You can purchase replacement mirror housings online or at auto parts stores. These are usually specific to your Altima model year.
DIY Tip: Replacing the housing often involves removing the mirror glass and some internal components. Refer to a repair manual or online video for specific instructions.

Approximate Cost: $50 - $150 (for the housing)

Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, plastic pry tools, potentially a heat gun (to loosen stubborn parts).
Complete Mirror Assembly Replacement: If the housing is severely damaged, it might be easier and more cost-effective to replace the entire mirror assembly.

4. Loose or Wobbly Mirror

This is usually a simple fix:

Tighten Mounting Bolts: Check the bolts that secure the mirror assembly to the door. These might have come loose over time.
DIY Tip: You'll likely need to remove the interior door panel to access these bolts. Be careful not to overtighten them, as you could damage the door panel or mirror assembly.

Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, socket set.
Check for Damaged Mounting Points: If tightening the bolts doesn't solve the problem, the mounting points on the door or mirror assembly might be damaged. In this case, you might need to replace the mirror assembly or repair the door panel.

5. Turn Signal Not Working (if equipped)

Troubleshooting this involves:

Check the Bulb: The most common cause is a burned-out bulb.
DIY Tip: The bulb type will be listed in your owner's manual or can be found by inspecting the old bulb after removal. You'll likely need to remove the mirror glass or a small access panel to replace the bulb.

Approximate Cost: $5 - $15 for a replacement bulb.
Inspect the Wiring: Check the wiring to the turn signal bulb for any damage or loose connections.
Check the Turn Signal Flasher Relay: Although less common for a single turn signal failure, a faulty flasher relay can sometimes cause issues.

6. Blind Spot Warning Indicator Malfunction (if equipped)

This can be tricky to diagnose:

Check for Obstructions: Ensure the blind spot monitoring sensors (usually located in the rear bumper) are clean and free of obstructions like mud, snow, or debris.
Sensor Replacement: The sensor itself might be faulty. This usually requires professional diagnosis and replacement.
Approximate Cost: $100 - $400 (depending on the sensor and labor)
Wiring Issues: A wiring problem in the blind spot monitoring system can also cause malfunctions.

7. Mirror Completely Detached

In this scenario, you'll almost certainly need to replace the entire mirror assembly.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many mirror repairs are DIY-friendly, there are times when it's best to consult a professional mechanic:

If you're uncomfortable working with electrical wiring.
If you're not confident in your ability to remove and replace the door panel.
If you suspect a complex electrical issue.
If you need to replace the entire mirror assembly and want to ensure it's done correctly.

Finding Replacement Parts

You can find replacement mirror parts at various sources:

Auto Parts Stores: NAPA, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, etc.
Online Retailers: Amazon, eBay, RockAuto.
Nissan Dealership: For genuine Nissan parts (often more expensive but higher quality).
Salvage Yards: A good option for finding used parts at a lower cost.

Remember to always verify the part number to ensure it's compatible with your 2016 Nissan Altima. You can usually find the part number on the original part or by consulting your owner's manual or a parts catalog.

By following these troubleshooting steps and solutions, you should be able to get your 2016 Nissan Altima's driver's side mirror back in working order. Good luck!