How to remove rear view mirror?

[Boggus]

Mine is rattling these days and I'm going crazy.  Want to inspect it off the windshield.

[SHOdded]

Might be different on the Taurus.  On my Edge:

Interior Rear View Mirror

Special Tool(s)   Mirror Remover
501-D118 
Installer, Rear View Mirror
501-025 (T94P-17700-AH) 

Removal

CAUTION: Twisting the interior rear view mirror base from right to left may cause a stress fracture of the windshield.

1.  Remove the wire cover (if equipped).
2.  Remove the compass by pulling down on the compass rearmost edge (if equipped).
3.  Insert the special tool between the mirror mount and windshield bracket from the bottom.

Release the mirror mount from windshield bracket by pulling the tool away from the windshield.

Installation

1.  Slide the mirror mount over the windshield bracket from the top and adjust the mirror to the up position.
2.  Using the special tool, press the mirror assembly downward along the windshield until the mount is seated on the windshield bracket.
3.  Install compass and wire cover (if equipped).

Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror

Special Tool(s)   Mirror Remover
501-D118 


Item  Part Number  Description 
1  —  Interior mirror electrical connector (part of 14A005) 
2  19A548  Electronic compass sensor 
3  17700  Interior mirror 

Removal

1.  Remove the wire cover.
2.  Disconnect the electrical connector.
        NOTE: The compass (if equipped) does not need to be removed prior to this step.
        NOTE: High level mirror shown, others similar.
3.  Insert the special tool between the mirror mount and windshield bracket from the top.
4.  If equipped, separate the compass from the mirror assembly by disengaging the compass locking tabs.
5.  Release the mirror mount from the windshield bracket by pulling the tool and mirror down and away from the windshield.

Installation

1.  Slide the mirror mount over the windshield bracket from the top and adjust the mirror to the up position.
2.  Quickly press the mirror assembly downward along the windshield until a click is felt. The click indicates the base is engaged to the windshield bracket.
3.  If equipped, install the compass, electrical connector and wire cover. Check the compass zone and calibration. For additional information, refer to Section 413-08.

[Boggus]

So without special tools, can one use pick tools or small flathead screwdrivers?  Or where can I buy the tool

[slurppie]

The only images of the tool I found were trash but it basically looks like a metal strip that more than likely releases a tab when inserted. Look at the mount to see what the width is and go pick up a cheap band/hose clamp. Bend it flat and see if it releases the mirror.

[ZSHO]

I believe its a special crimping tool needed because of the rain sensor (camera)built in the windshield,would personally exercise caution before attempting any type of procedure because of the sensors many functions especially the glass which is much thinner and roughly 30 percent lighter than an ordinary glass and there is a very high risk it could crack,a dealer visit is called for ,just my 2 cent.  Z