It is not only dangerous, but illegal in some states, to operate a vehicle without a working door-mounted rearview mirror. If your Focus mirror gets damaged on the road, in a parking lot or by another means, replacing it will cost you a pretty penny. You can save a few of those coins by replacing the mirror yourself. The work can be performed by anyone with some mechanical skill, a good socket set and an hour or two of free time.
Remove the trim cover on the inside of the door opposite the mirror. The panel is attached with a clip you can push out of its seat, allowing you to pull the trim panel away.
Disconnect the wiring harness leading to the mirror control motor underneath the trim panel. The harness is attached with a clip, which has a retaining clip you have to push down before it will slide off the motor connector.
Use the socket wrench to unbolt the mirror from the door frame and remove the old mirror by pulling outward, away from the door.
Place the new mirror studs through the bolt holes and reattach in the reverse manner you removed the old mirror.
Reconnect the wiring harness for the mirror control motor.
Reinstall the trim panel and make sure the clip in the side slides back into its seat.
Use the window cleaner and rag to clean the fingerprints from the mirror and trim.
