Removing the rear view mirror on the ŠKODA Octavia A5: instructions with photos and tips

Removing the rear view mirror ŠKODA Octavia A5 (2004–2013) – The challenge faced by owners when replacing glass, repairing a drive or installing sensor alarms. The process seems simple, but has a number of hidden nuances, which can damage plastic clips, wiring break or airbag operation. In this article, we will understand three official methods of withdrawal (depending on the configuration of the car), we list the necessary tools and warn against typical errors.

Feature Octavia A5 - use of different mirror mounts in the basic and top versions. For example, in cars with electric-powered Dismantling requires turning off the battery terminal, and in models without options, it is enough to remove the plastic lining. We will describe each stage in detail so that you can cope without the help of a car service.

Preparation: Tools and Safety Precautions

Before starting work, make sure you have everything you need. The absence of even one tool can lead to damage to the mirror power connector or scratches on the paint coating of the door. Here's the full list:

• 🔧 Plastic puller (or a flat screwdriver with tape on the stinger) - to remove the pad without scratches.
• ⚡ 10 mm socket wrench - for unscrewing the mounting bolt (in versions with electric drive).
• 🔌 T20 screwdriver - to remove the interior panel of the door (if necessary).
• 🧲 Magnetic holder - so as not to lose bolts and nuts in the doorway.
• 🔋 Multimeter - to check the integrity of the wiring after removal (optional).

If your Octavia A5 equipped side airbags (in the doorway), necessarily. disconnect the battery 10-15 minutes before the start of work. This will prevent the pyropatron from accidentally firing when the contacts are closed. In models without pillows, it is enough to remove the terminal "minus".

⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal tools to tamper with plastic clips! Even light pressure can break the locks, which will lead to creaking of the door when moving.

Method 1: Removing a mirror without an electric drive (basic equipment)

In the simplest versions Octavia A5 The mirror is mounted on three plastic clips and one bolt. This method is suitable for machines without heating and adjustment options. Follow the steps:

1. Lower the door window 2/3 to gain access to the inside of the mirror.

2. Put a plastic pad at the base of the mirror plastic puller, starting from the bottom corner. The clips operate with a characteristic click.

3. After removing the cover you will see one bolt under the end key by 10 mm - spin it counterclockwise.

4. Gently pull the mirror over yourself while swaying it up and down to release the clips.

If the mirror doesn't yield, don't force it! Perhaps one of the clips didn't come out of the groove. Check if there's any inside the door. additional fastening (Sometimes found on restyled models 2008-2013.)

Battery turned off (for versions with pillows)

Door glass down 2/3

Have a magnet for bolts on hand

The slap is being worn with a plastic tool.

Method 2: Removing the electric and heated mirror

In versions Octavia A5 optionally electrical adjustments and heating The process is complicated by the presence of wiring. It is important not to damage the power connector, otherwise the mirror will stop working. Act on the algorithm:

1. Remove interior door panel (Unscrew two bolts under the handle and one under the speaker, then dent the clips).

2. Disconnect power connector from the mirror. It can be fixed with a plastic clip - click on it from above.

3. Unscrew three mounting bolts (two below and one above) with a 10 mm end key.

4. Remove the mirror, holding the wiring, so as not to squeeze it with the door mechanism.

If after removal you find oxidized contacts in the connector, clean them with alcohol or a special liquid Kontakt 60. This will prevent problems with heating in the winter.

Model Octavia A5	Number of bolts	Availability of connector	Features
Basic (no options)	1	No	Clips are fragile, remove carefully
Electrically driven	3	Yes (4-pin)	Requires to turn off the battery
Facelift 2008+	2	Yes (6-pin)	Additional clip on top

⚠️ Attention: Often used in heated mirrors thermal fuse at 10A. If after installation the heating does not work, check it with a multimeter in dial mode.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when removing mirrors. Octavia A5. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Broken clips — use only plastic pullers and pry the trim from the corner, not in the center.
• ⚡ Short circuit - Always disconnect the battery if there is an airbag in the door.
• 🔌 Broken wiring — do not pull the mirror by the wires, but hold the connector when removing it.
• 🔍 Lost bolts - use a magnetic holder or cover the hole with masking tape.

One of the most non-obvious problems - this is jamming of the adjustment mechanism after incorrect assembly. If the mirror does not move after installation, check:

1. The connector is connected correctly (the contacts must match in color).
2. No distortion when tightening the bolts (tighten them crosswise).
3. Integrity of drive gears (if damaged, the entire mechanism will need to be replaced).

What to do if the mirror does not come off?

If the mirror cannot be removed despite the bolts being unscrewed, check:

1. **Hidden bolt** - in restyled models, a fastener is sometimes added under the glass seal.

2. **Stuck clips** - try spraying them with silicone lubricant WD-40 and wait 5 minutes.

3. **Corrosion** - in old cars, bolts can “stick”. In this case, use a penetrating lubricant. Liqui Moly MoS2 and an extension wrench for more leverage.

Replacing mirror glass: nuances

If you only need to replace glass mirror (for example, due to cracks or scratches), the process is simplified. In most cases, glass is mounted on two plastic latches and adhesive base. To remove it:

1. Heat up the mirror hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) for 2–3 minutes to soften the adhesive.

2. Pry up the glass plastic card or with a pick, starting from the bottom corner.

3. Clean the base from any remaining adhesive with a solvent. White spirit.

4. Install the new glass, pressing it for 10-15 seconds to secure it.

Important: do not use superglue or other aggressive compounds! They may damage the plastic base. The best option is a special adhesive for car glass, for example, 3M 08609.

Mirror installation: reassembly

Rear view mirror assembly Octavia A5 must take place in reverse order, but taking into account several key points:

1. Please check before installation integrity of sealing rubber on the base of the mirror. If damaged, replace it, otherwise moisture will enter the door.

2. Tighten the bolts criss-crossto avoid distortion (tightening torque: 5–7 Nm).

3. Connect the power connector until final fixation mirrors to ensure functionality.

4. After assembly, check adjustment mirrors in all directions (up-down, left-right).

If after installation the mirror vibrates at speed, the reason could be:

• 🔧 Insufficient tightening of bolts.
• 🔄 Damaged fastening clip.
• 🌡️ Deformation of the plastic base (for example, after an impact).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the mirror on the Octavia A5

Is it possible to remove the mirror without removing the door panel?

Yes, but only in basic versions without electric drive. In models with electrical adjustment, it is impossible to get to the power connector without removing the panel.

What should I do if the mirror does not work after removal?

Check:

1. Fuse integrity F37 (10A) in the block under the steering wheel.
2. The connector is connected correctly (the contacts should not be oxidized).
3. The operability of the drive motor (when 12V is supplied to pins 1 and 3, it should rotate).

What glue should I use to glue glass?

We recommend 3M 08609 or Loctite 406. Avoid universal adhesives such as "Moment" - they turn yellow over time and lose their elasticity.

Is it possible to repair the electric mirror drive?

Yes, if the problem is in the gears or motor. Spare parts for repair are sold separately (for example, gearbox 1Z1 857 651). However, in 70% of cases it is cheaper to buy a complete mirror.

Where to buy an original mirror for Octavia A5?

Look for original spare parts by article numbers:

• Left: 1Z1 857 501 (heated: 1Z1 857 501A)
• Right: 1Z1 857 502 (heated: 1Z1 857 502A)

Analogues: HELLA (8XL 355 009-561), Bosch (1 987 312 010).