Mirror "debonded" from my driver's side door housing

I was washing the car today (specifically around the driver's side mirror). Things were going good until........ POP! The reflective mirror popped off the rubber looking membrane inside the mirror opening. I could not see any signs of adhesive/glue used to attach it. What did the factory use and what can I safely use to reattach my mirror lense without fear of it ever falling off again? These mirrors are heated of coarse.

A local glass chain told me to use RTV to reattach it when it happened to mine. He said to spread a thin layer so the heating element will get good coverage, and it's been working flawlessly for the lat 4-5 years or so. I used the black high temp stuff and it worked well.

My 2003 Jetta TDI driver side mirror popped out today. No evidence of adhesive either.

Side view mirror popped out

Abacus said:

A local glass chain told me to use RTV to reattach it when it happened to mine. He said to spread a thin layer so the heating element will get good coverage, and it's been working flawlessly for the lat 4-5 years or so. I used the black high temp stuff and it worked well.

Click to expand...

Thanks for your post. What kind of/Brand RTV you recommend!

Pretty sure that grey material had a layer of adhesive and it just dries up over time

I just used a tube of superglue for mine. Just make sure to pop the assembly out so you can line it up properly.

Same thing happened to me but I was driving and it was lost on the highway. I bought a replacement form the dealer same day and it came with replacement adhesive. was around $80, not cheap but I found it very disconcerting to drive without a drivers mirror.

My daughters 05's fell off last week, used gray RTV and a heat gun and it's been perfect