Will this plug directly into my van without rewiring?

Yes—it's wired for factory harness compatibility. Swap the old mirror out and plug the new one in. No additional wiring needed.

Do I need to remove the door panel to install this?

Yes. You'll need to remove interior trim to access the mounting bolts behind the glass. Standard mirror replacement job—basic hand tools and maybe 20 minutes per side.

Is the heating element already functional or does it need activation?

The heating element comes ready to go. It'll operate when you turn on your van's rear window defroster—no separate switch needed.