A Guide To Fixing Your 2015 Nissan Altima Passenger Side Mirror

So, your 2015 Nissan Altima's passenger side mirror has taken a hit, huh? Whether it's a cracked glass, a malfunctioning power adjustment, or the whole assembly is hanging on by a thread, it's a common issue. A functioning side mirror is crucial for safe driving, and while a professional repair is always an option, tackling it yourself can save you some serious cash. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to diagnosing and fixing common passenger side mirror problems on your 2015 Altima.

Understanding the 2015 Altima Side Mirror System

Before diving into the fix, let's understand the components of the Altima's side mirror. It's not just a piece of glass; it's a mini-system. The typical 2015 Altima passenger side mirror comprises the following:

• Mirror Glass: The reflective surface itself, often heated for defrosting.
• Mirror Housing: The plastic shell that encases the components and provides aerodynamic shaping.
• Actuator Motors (Power Mirrors): Small electric motors that adjust the mirror's angle horizontally and vertically.
• Wiring Harness: Connects the mirror to the car's electrical system, providing power for the actuator motors and heating element (if equipped).
• Mounting Bracket: Attaches the mirror assembly to the door.
• Turn Signal Indicator (Optional): Some models include a turn signal indicator integrated into the mirror housing.

The mirror's operation is pretty straightforward. The driver uses a control panel inside the car to send electrical signals to the actuator motors. These motors then move the mirror glass to the desired position. If the mirror is heated, a separate circuit provides power to a heating element behind the glass, melting ice and fog.

Technical Breakdown: Diagnosing the Problem

The first step is to pinpoint the problem. Here's a breakdown of common issues and how to diagnose them:

1. Broken Mirror Glass

Symptoms: Cracks, chips, or a completely shattered mirror surface.

Diagnosis: This is usually a visual diagnosis. Inspect the mirror glass for any signs of damage. A small crack might be repairable with a special epoxy, but a shattered mirror requires replacement.

2. Non-Functional Power Adjustment

Symptoms: The mirror doesn't move when you use the power adjustment controls inside the car.

Diagnosis:

1. Check the Fuse: Locate the fuse box (usually under the dashboard or in the engine compartment) and check the fuse for the power mirrors. A blown fuse is a common culprit. Refer to your owner's manual for the fuse location and amperage. Replace the fuse with one of the correct amperage only. Using a higher amperage fuse can cause serious electrical damage.
2. Inspect the Wiring Harness: Check the wiring harness connecting the mirror to the car. Look for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or loose connections. Use a multimeter to test for voltage at the connector. With the ignition on and the mirror adjustment switch activated, you should see voltage fluctuations on the wires corresponding to the adjustment directions. If no voltage is present, the problem likely lies further upstream, such as a faulty switch or wiring problem within the car's interior.
3. Test the Actuator Motors: If you have access to a multimeter and a 12V power source (like a spare car battery or a bench power supply), you can directly test the actuator motors. Carefully disconnect the wiring harness from the mirror. Identify the wires that power the motors (consult a wiring diagram if needed). Apply 12V to the motor wires. If the motor doesn't respond, it's likely faulty and needs to be replaced. Be extremely careful when applying power directly to the motors, as incorrect polarity can damage them.
4. Faulty Switch: The control switch inside the car could be defective. A process of elimination is needed to prove this. If both mirrors exhibit similar issues, the switch may be suspect. Professional diagnostics, using a scan tool, may be required.

3. Loose or Damaged Mirror Housing

Symptoms: The mirror assembly is wobbly, detached from the door, or the housing is cracked.

Diagnosis:

1. Inspect the Mounting Bracket: Check the mounting bracket for cracks or breaks. Also, check the screws or bolts that hold the bracket to the door. Are they loose, corroded, or missing?
2. Examine the Housing: Look for cracks or breaks in the plastic housing itself. Severe damage might necessitate replacing the entire mirror assembly.

4. Non-Functional Turn Signal Indicator (If Equipped)

Symptoms: The turn signal indicator in the mirror doesn't light up when you activate the turn signal.

Diagnosis:

1. Check the Bulb/LED: If the indicator uses a bulb, check if it's burnt out. If it's an LED, it's less likely to fail, but still possible. LED's can be difficult to replace, so sometimes a whole mirror assembly is required if this is the case.
2. Inspect the Wiring: Check the wiring harness for any breaks or loose connections. Use a multimeter to test for voltage at the connector when the turn signal is activated.

Repair Procedures

Once you've diagnosed the problem, you can proceed with the repair.

Replacing Mirror Glass

This is often the easiest repair. Replacement glass is readily available online. Most mirror glass is held in place with adhesive or clips.

1. Remove the Old Glass: Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges. Gently pry the old glass away from the mirror housing. You may need to use a plastic trim tool to avoid damaging the housing. If the glass is severely shattered, use duct tape to hold the pieces together while you remove them.
2. Clean the Mounting Surface: Remove any remaining adhesive or debris from the mounting surface.
3. Install the New Glass: Apply new adhesive (if required) to the mounting surface. Carefully align the new glass and press it firmly into place. Secure with tape until the adhesive cures (usually 24 hours).

Replacing the Mirror Assembly

This is more involved but still manageable.

1. Disconnect the Battery: Disconnecting the negative battery terminal is a crucial safety step to prevent electrical shorts.
2. Remove the Interior Door Panel: You'll need to remove the interior door panel to access the mirror's mounting bolts and wiring harness. Use a plastic trim tool to carefully pry off the panel. There are usually screws hidden behind plastic covers or in the door handle recess.
3. Disconnect the Wiring Harness: Locate the wiring harness connecting the mirror to the car. Disconnect the connector.
4. Remove the Mounting Bolts: Remove the bolts holding the mirror assembly to the door.
5. Install the New Mirror Assembly: Align the new mirror assembly and install the mounting bolts. Torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications (if available).
6. Connect the Wiring Harness: Connect the wiring harness to the new mirror.
7. Reinstall the Door Panel: Reinstall the interior door panel.
8. Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
9. Test the Mirror: Test the power adjustment, heating (if equipped), and turn signal indicator to ensure everything is working correctly.

Replacing an Actuator Motor

This requires a good level of technical skills. Often, the actuator motor is part of the mirror assembly and cannot be replaced independently. In this case, a complete assembly replacement will be required.

1. Remove the Mirror Glass: See instructions above.
2. Disassemble the Mirror Housing: Carefully disassemble the mirror housing to access the actuator motors. This may involve removing screws, clips, or adhesive.
3. Disconnect the Wiring: Disconnect the wiring from the faulty actuator motor.
4. Remove the Actuator Motor: Remove the faulty actuator motor.
5. Install the New Actuator Motor: Install the new actuator motor and connect the wiring.
6. Reassemble the Mirror Housing: Reassemble the mirror housing.
7. Reinstall the Mirror Glass: See instructions above.

Common Issues and Maintenance Concerns

• Corrosion: Road salt and moisture can corrode the electrical connections in the mirror assembly. Periodically inspect the connections and clean them with electrical contact cleaner.
• Vibration: Excessive vibration can loosen the mounting bolts or damage the actuator motors. Periodically check the mounting bolts and tighten them if necessary.
• Impact Damage: Obviously, impacts can damage the mirror glass, housing, or internal components. Avoid hitting objects with your mirrors.

Do’s and Don’ts / Best Practices

Do’s:

• Always disconnect the battery before working on electrical components.
• Use plastic trim tools to avoid damaging the plastic panels.
• Take pictures of the disassembly process to help with reassembly.
• Use the correct tools for the job.
• Consult a wiring diagram if you're unsure about the wiring connections.

Don’ts:

• Don't force anything. If something doesn't come apart easily, you're probably doing something wrong.
• Don't use excessive force when prying off the mirror glass or door panels.
• Don't ignore warning signs, such as loose mirrors or malfunctioning power adjustments.
• Don't use a higher amperage fuse than specified.

Conclusion

Repairing your 2015 Nissan Altima's passenger side mirror is a doable DIY project for the intermediate car enthusiast. By understanding the system, carefully diagnosing the problem, and following these steps, you can save money and gain valuable experience. However, if you're uncomfortable working on electrical systems or disassembling interior panels, it's always best to seek professional assistance. Safety first! If the damage is extensive or you encounter complications beyond your skill level, take your Altima to a trusted mechanic. A properly functioning side mirror is essential for safe driving, so don't delay in getting it fixed!