Let me preface this by saying that it is my first real write up on any forum so be gentle lol. I hope that this will be beneficial to all of you and even if it isn't, give you some awesome pictures to look at!
Anyone who has towed with their Expedition knows it's a very capable vehicle. When it is outfitted with the HD towing package, it can tow almost as much as the F150 (2006 Expy vs 2006 F150) but it is missing one important thing. Proper towing mirrors like the F150. For the longest time us Expy owners had to make do with the goofy looking slip on mirror extensions or just use the stock mirrors. That is until these bad boys showed up.
2003-10 Ford Expedition Mirror Pair - 1AMRP01443 at 1A Auto.com
2003-10 Ford Expedition Mirror Pair - 1AMRP01442 at 1A Auto.com
These mirrors are modeled after the 12th generation (2009-2014) F150 towing mirrors, but have the correct bases to fit our trucks. You can get the one optioned out with puddle, heat, and turn signal for $305 and ones only with power and puddles for $230. I took the plunge on the upgraded TT mirrors with heated glass and signal and figured I'd see what happens.
Tools you will need to do this procedure:
1/4" drive ratchet
11mm deep socket
10mm deep socket
7mm deep socket
Flathead screw driver
Torx&Phillips bits or screw drivers
small pick (optional;it came in handy for me)
Unboxing & First Impression
When I got home a big, heavy brown box awaited me at my front door. It's hard to see, but there is a full sized hardback book on it for scale.
If you think the stock mirrors are fair sized, these ones make them look tiny. Seriously, these things are huge! 1 qt of Mobil 1 shown for scale.
Removal of the stock mirrors
I have shown the step by step procedure for the passenger side door, but it is virtually the same on the drivers side, with the exception of one more plug to remove (mirror control.)
1. Remove the plastic trim around the door handle. Be careful when doing this as a screwdriver can seriously scratch up your plastic. Ford was kind enough to include a little notch in many of these trim pieces to make removing them easier.
2. With the top trim piece off, remove the window control switch bezel. Using the screw driver to pry with, it just popped right off.
3. Disconnect any connectors on the bezel. There will be two on the passenger side, and three on the drivers side, not including the mirror control.
4. Remove the small trim piece directly below the armrest. I used a pick for this instead of my Flathead.
5. With the cover removed, unscrew the two Torx screws.
6. Remove the Phillips screw located at the top of the door panel on the side.
7. Using the 1/4" rachet and 7mm socket, remove two 7mm bolts on the lower lip of the door panel.
8. Using either the screw driver or a pick, pry the clip on the upper portion of the door panel out. Be careful with this step, as it can break easily.
9. Now that all the screws and bolts are removed, simply grip the door panel and lift it up and out, removing it from the door.
10. Disconnect the 16 pin connector from the stock mirrors to the harness in the door. Some patience may be needed with this, just keep pulling until you get it. I did not have to use any tools to get this disconnected.
11. Remove the 3 11mm bolts holding the stock mirror in place. Keep in mind that once you loosen these up the mirror will likely fall, so it is best to have a buddy help you or simply hold the mirror with one hand.
Repeat this process for the opposite door. You'll end up with this
Now it's time to install your new tow mirrors! The installation process is largely the same, however there are a few minor differences.
To attach the mirrors, use the 10mm socket to install the three nuts that came with the kit.
Depending on the year of your Expy, different pin placement may be needed. This is the diagram the manufacturer provided with the package.
Enlarged picture for the 2003-2006 trucks.
New mirror connector.
Now that you have the pins in place and the mirror bolted on, simply plug the 16 pin connector in with the one in your door.
Anyone who has towed with their Expedition knows it's a very capable vehicle. When it is outfitted with the HD towing package, it can tow almost as much as the F150 (2006 Expy vs 2006 F150) but it is missing one important thing. Proper towing mirrors like the F150. For the longest time us Expy owners had to make do with the goofy looking slip on mirror extensions or just use the stock mirrors. That is until these bad boys showed up.2003-10 Ford Expedition Mirror Pair - 1AMRP01443 at 1A Auto.com
2003-10 Ford Expedition Mirror Pair - 1AMRP01442 at 1A Auto.com
These mirrors are modeled after the 12th generation (2009-2014) F150 towing mirrors, but have the correct bases to fit our trucks. You can get the one optioned out with puddle, heat, and turn signal for $305 and ones only with power and puddles for $230. I took the plunge on the upgraded TT mirrors with heated glass and signal and figured I'd see what happens.
Tools you will need to do this procedure:
1/4" drive ratchet
11mm deep socket
10mm deep socket
7mm deep socket
Flathead screw driver
Torx&Phillips bits or screw drivers
small pick (optional;it came in handy for me)
Unboxing & First Impression
When I got home a big, heavy brown box awaited me at my front door. It's hard to see, but there is a full sized hardback book on it for scale.
If you think the stock mirrors are fair sized, these ones make them look tiny. Seriously, these things are huge! 1 qt of Mobil 1 shown for scale.
Removal of the stock mirrors
I have shown the step by step procedure for the passenger side door, but it is virtually the same on the drivers side, with the exception of one more plug to remove (mirror control.)
1. Remove the plastic trim around the door handle. Be careful when doing this as a screwdriver can seriously scratch up your plastic. Ford was kind enough to include a little notch in many of these trim pieces to make removing them easier.
2. With the top trim piece off, remove the window control switch bezel. Using the screw driver to pry with, it just popped right off.
3. Disconnect any connectors on the bezel. There will be two on the passenger side, and three on the drivers side, not including the mirror control.
4. Remove the small trim piece directly below the armrest. I used a pick for this instead of my Flathead.
5. With the cover removed, unscrew the two Torx screws.
6. Remove the Phillips screw located at the top of the door panel on the side.
7. Using the 1/4" rachet and 7mm socket, remove two 7mm bolts on the lower lip of the door panel.
8. Using either the screw driver or a pick, pry the clip on the upper portion of the door panel out. Be careful with this step, as it can break easily.
9. Now that all the screws and bolts are removed, simply grip the door panel and lift it up and out, removing it from the door.
10. Disconnect the 16 pin connector from the stock mirrors to the harness in the door. Some patience may be needed with this, just keep pulling until you get it. I did not have to use any tools to get this disconnected.
11. Remove the 3 11mm bolts holding the stock mirror in place. Keep in mind that once you loosen these up the mirror will likely fall, so it is best to have a buddy help you or simply hold the mirror with one hand.
Repeat this process for the opposite door. You'll end up with this
Now it's time to install your new tow mirrors! The installation process is largely the same, however there are a few minor differences.
To attach the mirrors, use the 10mm socket to install the three nuts that came with the kit.
Depending on the year of your Expy, different pin placement may be needed. This is the diagram the manufacturer provided with the package.
Enlarged picture for the 2003-2006 trucks.
New mirror connector.
Now that you have the pins in place and the mirror bolted on, simply plug the 16 pin connector in with the one in your door.
ics-****:
