1995-1999 Toyota Tercel Door Mirror: Manual Control and Canada-Only 1999 Fitment
Learn to diagnose a faulty manual mirror, what to check when buying a used one, and how to replace it yourself in under 30 minutes.
- Fitment for 1999 models is for Canadian-market vehicles only; the Tercel was discontinued in the US after 1998.
- The most common failure beyond physical damage is a seized or broken manual adjustment cable, which requires replacing the entire mirror assembly.
- Replacement is extremely easy, requiring only a 10mm socket and the removal of a small interior trim piece, making it a perfect DIY job.
- When buying a used mirror, always test the adjustment lever to ensure the internal cables are functional before purchasing.
Vehicle Fitment & Compatibility Warnings
This manual door mirror fits the fifth-generation Toyota Tercel. However, there is a critical year-specific detail buyers must be aware of.
- 1995-1998 Models: This part fits all Toyota Tercel models sold in the United States and North American market for these model years.
- 1999 Models: The Toyota Tercel was discontinued in the United States after the 1998 model year. It continued to be sold for one additional year in Canada. Therefore, parts listed for a 1999 Toyota Tercel are for Canadian-market vehicles only. While the part is likely identical, be aware of this distinction when searching databases that may not differentiate between US and Canadian models.
Warning: The Tercel was an economy car and came standard with manual, non-heated, non-folding mirrors. Power mirrors were not a typical option. Before purchasing, confirm your vehicle has the manual adjustment lever inside the door, not an electrical switch.
Symptoms of a Failing Door Mirror
Failures on a Tercel's manual mirror are always mechanical. Here are the most common symptoms:
- Cracked or Broken Glass: This is the most obvious sign of failure, usually caused by an impact. A cracked mirror distorts your view and is a safety hazard.
- Loose or "Floppy" Mirror Glass: If the mirror glass won't hold its position and moves around while driving, the internal pivot point is likely worn out or broken.
- Stuck or Ineffective Adjustment Lever: If the adjustment lever on the door is very stiff, won't move, or moves but doesn't adjust the mirror, the internal cables have likely seized from corrosion or have snapped. This is a very common failure on older cable-operated mirrors.
- Loose Mirror Housing: If the entire mirror assembly is loose and wobbles where it meets the door, the three mounting nuts on the inside of the door have likely loosened over time.
Buying a Used 1995-1999 Tercel Door Mirror
A used OEM mirror is often an excellent choice, offering better fit and material quality than the cheapest aftermarket alternatives. Here’s what to inspect before buying:
- Test the Adjustment Mechanism: This is the most important check. Hold the mirror base and operate the adjustment lever. It should move smoothly in all directions, and you should see the mirror glass pivot accordingly. If the lever is frozen or feels disconnected, the internal cables are bad and the part should be rejected.
- Inspect the Housing: Check the black plastic housing for major cracks, deep scrapes, or signs of heavy UV fading that can make the plastic brittle.
- Check the Mirror Glass: Look for any cracks, chips, or dark spots in the reflective coating. The passenger side mirror should be convex (objects are closer than they appear) while the driver's side is flat glass.
- Verify the Mounting Studs: Ensure the three threaded mounting studs on the base are intact and not stripped or broken. Check that the gasket that seals the mirror to the door is present and in good condition.
Pro Tip: Don't worry about minor scuffs on the black plastic housing. These can often be cleaned up or restored with a quality automotive plastic trim restorer, making a used part look nearly new.
Cost of Replacement
Replacing a Tercel door mirror is an inexpensive repair, especially if you do it yourself. Prices are for a single mirror assembly.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM | $135 - $195 | Offers perfect fit and quality but may be overkill for an older vehicle. |
| New Aftermarket | $25 - $75 | Widely available from retailers like AutoZone and on eBay. Fit and material quality can vary. |
| Used OEM | $35 - $75 | Excellent value. Provides factory fit and durability at a low price. |
| Shop Labor | $50 - $100 | A repair shop will typically charge for 0.5 to 1.0 hour of labor for this simple job. |
Step-by-Step Replacement Guide
Replacing the door mirror on a 1995-1999 Tercel is a very easy DIY job. It requires minimal tools and can be done in less than 30 minutes.
Tools Needed:
- 10mm socket with ratchet and extension (Some aftermarket bolts may be 8mm)
- Plastic trim removal tool or a flat-head screwdriver (use care to avoid scratches)
Steps:
- Remove the Interior Sail Panel: The small, triangular plastic trim piece on the inside of the door, directly behind the mirror, is called the sail panel. Gently pry it off using a trim removal tool. It is held on by clips and will pop right off.
- Remove the Mounting Nuts: With the panel removed, you will see three 10mm nuts that hold the mirror assembly to the door. Use your socket and ratchet to remove all three nuts. Be careful not to drop them inside the door panel.
- Remove the Old Mirror: While holding the mirror from the outside to prevent it from falling, remove the last nut. Carefully pull the old mirror away from the door. The manual adjustment lever will slide out through its hole.
- Install the New Mirror: Guide the adjustment lever of the new mirror through the hole in the door and line up the three mounting studs. Ensure the weather gasket is seated properly against the outside of the door.
- Secure the New Mirror: Hand-tighten the three 10mm nuts to hold the mirror in place. Once all are started, snug them down with your ratchet. Do not overtighten, as you can break the plastic housing or the studs. Hand-tight is sufficient.
- Reinstall the Sail Panel: Line up the clips on the sail panel with the holes in the door and press it firmly back into place.
- Test the Function: Operate the adjustment lever to confirm the new mirror is working correctly.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
There are no recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by Toyota or the NHTSA for the factory door mirrors on the 1995-1999 Toyota Tercel. Any recalls found for this vehicle generally pertain to aftermarket lighting components.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to remove the whole door panel to replace the mirror?
No. Unlike many other cars, the Tercel's design allows you to access the three mounting nuts by simply popping off the small triangular plastic cover in the corner of the window. You do not need to remove the main door panel.
Is the driver's side and passenger's side mirror the same part?
No, they are not interchangeable. They are specific to the left (driver's) and right (passenger's) side of the vehicle.
Do I need to paint the replacement mirror?
No. The original mirrors on the Toyota Tercel were typically made of unpainted, textured black plastic. Most aftermarket and used OEM replacements will come in this same finish, ready to install.
My adjustment lever is stuck. Can I just lubricate it?
It is unlikely to work. The stiffness is usually caused by internal corrosion inside the sealed cable sheaths. The only reliable fix for a seized adjustment mechanism is to replace the entire mirror assembly.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 87910-16390 87910-16400 87910-16410 87910-16420 87910-16860 87940-16780
Adjustment: Manual Remote (Cable-operated), Heated: No, Power-folding: No, Color: Unpainted Black Texture
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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