Here's how to troubleshoot and tighten them:
1. Identify the Source of Looseness: Carefully examine the mirror's mounting point on the door. The looseness could be at either the mirror itself or the mounting arm.
2. Tighten the Mirror to the Arm: Many manual mirrors have a small nut or bolt holding the mirror glass to the adjustment arm. Locate this and tighten it using the appropriate wrench or socket. Don't overtighten; you could damage the mirror glass or its housing.
3. Tighten the Arm to the Door: This is the more likely culprit. The mounting arm is usually attached to the door with one or two bolts. You'll likely need to remove the door panel (look up a tutorial online specific to your 1996 Ram 1500) to access these bolts. Tighten them securely, again avoiding over-tightening.
4. Check for Damaged Parts: While tightening, inspect for any stripped threads, bent or broken parts on the mounting mechanism. If you find damage, replacement parts might be necessary.
Important Notes:
* Safety First: Always engage the parking brake and turn off the engine before working on your vehicle.
* Door Panel Removal: Removing the door panel can seem intimidating, but with a little patience and some online guidance, it's usually straightforward. Search YouTube for "1996 Dodge Ram 1500 door panel removal" for visual instructions.
* Replacement Parts: If the bolts are stripped or parts are broken, you may need to replace the entire mirror assembly or the mounting hardware. Check with a Dodge parts dealer or an online parts retailer.
If you're uncomfortable working on your vehicle yourself, it's best to take it to a qualified mechanic.
