Buy Lincoln Navigator Side View Mirrors

Modern Lincoln Navigator side, or "wing," mirrors have evolved from simple glass panes into high-tech safety devices. They now combine heating elements, turn-signal repeaters, blind-spot warning lights, memory motors, power-fold actuators, cameras for the 360-degree view, and even logo-puddle lights. Because the housing changed every generation (1998, 2003, 2007, 2018, 2025), fit and wiring differ by year. Mirrors must still meet federal field-of-view rules, and a recent recall shows why quality matters-water could short-circuit the LED logo lamps on 2015-17 SUVs. Replacing a cracked unit can cost over $1,400 at a shop, but many owners tackle the swap at home with basic hand tools and an online video. Setting the mirror glass correctly and keeping the glass clear are simple ways to cut blind spots and stay safe.

Overview

The side mirror-also called an exterior mirror, door mirror, or rear-view wing mirror-lets the driver see lanes beside the SUV. Since the Navigator is 210 inches long, a wide field of view is critical (Car and Driver). All model years include a driver-side flat glass and a passenger-side convex glass to meet U.S. mirror law (Federal Register).

Key Features

• Power-fold & memory: Higher trims remember mirror positions and tuck in at the press of a button or when the vehicle is locked (Lincoln, Car and Driver)
• Heat & auto-dim: Built-in heaters clear ice; some versions dim automatically against glare (Car and Driver)
• Turn-signal repeater: LED arrows in the cap alert other drivers during lane changes (Car and Driver)
• Blind-Spot Information System (BLIS): A radar-driven amber light in the mirror warns of cars in the blind zone (Lincoln, Lincoln)
• 360-degree camera: Since 2018, tiny cameras under each mirror stitch a bird's-eye view on the center screen (Lincoln Media Center, YouTube)
• Logo-puddle lamp: Some mirrors project the Lincoln star on the pavement when you approach (addcarlights.com)

Generational Changes

• 1998-2002: Large manual-fold housings; no signals or heat on base trim.
• 2003-2006: Adds heating and power adjust.
• 2007-2014: Introduces power-fold motors and mirror-mounted indicators.
• 2015-2017: Adds logo-puddle LEDs that later became the subject of a fire-risk recall (Reuters, NHTSA)
• 2018-2024: Cameras for the 360-view and auto-dimming glass on upper trims (Car and Driver)
• 2025-present: Re-shaped mirror caps to match new body lines; keeps all previous tech (Car and Driver)

Safety & Rules

U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 sets minimum field-of-view and mounting requirements for exterior mirrors (Federal Register). Properly adjusted mirrors cut blind zones and crash risk (Consumer Reports, Wikipedia). AAA notes that blind-spot warning icons in the glass reduce lane-change collisions (AAA).

Tech Integration

Mirror-based cameras feed Lincoln's 360-degree system, overlaying guidelines to help in tight spots (Lincoln Media Center). Earlier Navigators placed the backup-camera display inside the mirror rather than the dash-an idea Ford first showcased in 2008 (WIRED).

Common Failures

• Cracked or delaminated glass
• Broken power-fold gears
• Heater grid burnout
• Signal LED failure
• 2015-17 LED logo lamp short-subject to recall 25V-091; dealers disconnect the lamp wiring free of charge (Reuters, RepairPal.com)

Replacement Cost

A shop typically charges $1,471 - $1,508 (parts & labor) for a Navigator door-mirror swap (RepairPal.com). Labor is only about $80-$115; the expensive part is the motorized, painted assembly. Buying a paint-to-match cap separately or re-using the original cap can cut costs.

DIY Tips

1. Disconnect battery to avoid shorting the mirror heating or camera lines.
2. Remove inner trim: Pry off the sail-panel cover and unplug the multi-pin connector.
3. Unbolt mirror: Three 10 mm nuts hold the base.
4. Transfer cap & camera if re-using painted parts.
5. Torque nuts to spec and test all functions.
   A detailed walk-through for 2004-17 mirrors is on YouTube (YouTube).

Adjustment Advice

Set each wing mirror so only a sliver of your door is visible; this pushes the view outward and removes lane-change blind zones (Consumer Reports, Wikipedia). Check mirrors every few seconds, especially in a tall SUV where roof pillars hide cars.

Care & Maintenance

• Keep glass clean: Use ammonia-free cleaner to avoid streaks on auto-dim coatings.
• Exercise motors: Fold mirrors weekly to prevent gear seizure.
• Winter care: Let the heaters melt ice; prying can crack the glass.
• Firmware: Dealership updates can calibrate cameras and BLIS sensors.

Compatibility

Navigator mirrors share mounting with the Ford Expedition of the same year, but wiring pins, camera modules, and memory motors differ, so always match the exact year and option set before ordering parts (Car and Driver).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my Navigator mirror has BLIS?
A: Look for a small icon in the upper-outer corner of the glass that lights amber when a vehicle is beside you (Lincoln).

Q: Can I retrofit power-fold mirrors to a base model?
A: Yes, but you'll need the mirrors, a new window-switch panel, and dealer programming to enable the fold function.

Q: Do all mirrors come painted?
A: From 2018 on, the upper cap is body-color while the lower housing is textured black; older years use full-color caps.

Q: Is the glass alone replaceable?
A: Yes-snap-in replacement glass is available and costs far less than a full assembly.

Q: Will a broken mirror fail inspection?
A: Driving without a right-side mirror violates FMVSS 111 and many state laws.

Q: Why is my mirror shaking at highway speed?
A: The pivot spring can weaken; replacing the spring or the entire mirror stops vibration.

Q: What's the recall about mirror fires?
A: 35,000 units from 2015-17 had LED logo lamps that could short and cause a fire. Dealers disconnect the lamp harness for free (Reuters).

Q: Can I disable auto-dimming?
A: Lincoln's settings menu lets you toggle "Auto Mirror Dimming" on most 2018-present SUVs.

Q: Does the camera need calibration after replacement?
A: Front-view cameras do, but mirror cameras are plug-and-play; the 360 system auto-aligns.

Q: How strong is the heater?
A: It reaches about 104 °F (40 °C) in under two minutes-warm enough to melt frost quickly.

Q: Will aftermarket towing mirrors fit?
A: Some clip-on extenders fit, but Lincoln does not offer factory towing mirrors for the Navigator.

Q: What tools are required for DIY swap?
A: Trim tool, 10 mm socket, ratchet, and Torx T20 for the cap screws.

Q: Why does my mirror stay folded?
A: A stuck fold motor or blown 10 A fuse can keep the mirror closed.

Q: Can I power-fold while driving?
A: The system disables folding above about 5 mph for safety.

Q: How often should I clean camera lenses?
A: Wipe lenses weekly with a microfiber cloth to keep the 360 view clear (Lincoln Media Center).

Further Reading

• U.S. NHTSA recall lookup tool (NHTSA)
• Lincoln Co-Pilot360 technology overview (Lincoln)
• Detailed repair-cost estimates at RepairPal (RepairPal.com)

These references provide deeper technical details, safety updates, and cost data for anyone researching Lincoln Navigator side mirrors.