2000-2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Radio: A Buyer's Guide to Standard vs. Infinity Systems
This guide explains the crucial differences between the base and premium Infinity sound systems to help you find the right used radio and avoid common compatibility problems.
- You must match the replacement radio to your car's original sound system — Standard or Infinity. They are not interchangeable.
- Many of these radios have an anti-theft feature that may require a four-digit code after installation. This code can be retrieved from Mitsubishi.
- The most common failures are the CD player mechanism and the digital display screen.
- Replacement is a simple, plug-and-play process that is very feasible for DIYers with basic tools.
Identifying Your Eclipse's Audio System: Standard vs. Infinity
Before purchasing a replacement radio for your 2000-2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse, you must first identify which audio system your vehicle has. The standard (base) system and the premium Infinity sound system use completely different head units and wiring harnesses. They are not plug-and-play with each other.
Warning: A radio from a car with the Infinity system will NOT work in a car with the standard system, and vice-versa. The Infinity head unit requires the external factory amplifier to produce sound.
Here’s how to tell which system you have:
- Check for Logos: Look for the 'Infinity' brand name on the front of your original radio or on the door speaker grilles.
- Look for the External Amp: Check under the front passenger seat. If you see a factory-installed amplifier, you have the Infinity premium sound system.
- Speaker Sizes: Vehicles with the Infinity system often have 6x9-inch speakers in the rear, while standard systems may have smaller 6.5-inch speakers.
Symptoms of a Failing Eclipse Radio
Failures in these radios are common due to age. Here are the typical signs that your unit may need replacement:
- CD Player Malfunctions: The unit may refuse to accept, read, or eject CDs. You might hear clicking or grinding noises from the CD mechanism.
- Dim or Dead Display: The LCD screen that shows the radio station, track number, and clock may become dim, flicker, or go out completely. Sometimes this can be caused by a blown fuse labeled "lighter" in the fuse box.
- Erratic Volume Control: Turning the volume knob may cause the volume to jump up and down randomly or not change at all.
- No Sound or Intermittent Audio: The radio may power on, but no sound comes from the speakers. This can be a sign of internal failure in the head unit or, in Infinity systems, a problem with the external amplifier.
- Radio Asks for a Code: If the battery has been disconnected, the radio may display "CODE" and become inoperable until the correct four-digit security code is entered.
Buying a Used 2000-2002 Eclipse Radio
Purchasing a used OEM radio is often the most straightforward and cost-effective solution. Because these units are plug-and-play within the same sound system type, it's a popular DIY repair.
Step 1: Verify Your System and Part Number
Once you've confirmed whether you have the Standard or Infinity system, the next step is to match the part number. The part number is printed on a sticker on the radio's metal chassis. You will need to remove the radio to see it. Common part numbers include:
| Part Number | System Type | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MR372110 | Standard | Single CD Player |
| MR549078 | Standard | Single CD Player |
| MR337276 | Infinity | Single CD / Cassette |
| MR337269 | Infinity | Single CD Player |
| MR490088 | Infinity | 4-Disc In-Dash CD Changer |
Pro Tip: Always get the part number from your original radio. While other numbers might work, matching the exact part number is the best way to guarantee compatibility.
Step 2: Physical Inspection
When buying a used unit, inspect it for:
- Clear Display: Ensure the screen is not cracked, leaking, or cloudy.
- Intact Buttons: Check that all buttons are present and feel functional.
- Clean Connectors: Look at the back of the radio. The connector ports should be clean and free of corrosion or bent pins.
- Untouched Chassis: Avoid units with signs of being opened or tampered with, such as non-factory screws or pry marks.
Programming and Anti-Theft
Some 2000-2002 Eclipse radios are equipped with an anti-theft security feature that requires a four-digit code if the unit loses power from the vehicle's battery. If your replacement radio displays "CODE" upon installation, you will need to obtain this code.
You can request the code from Mitsubishi's official website by providing the radio's serial number (found on the unit's chassis), part number, and the vehicle's VIN. Once you have the code, you typically enter it using the radio preset buttons. 🎬 Watch: How to get the unlock code for your Eclipse radio Not all radios from this era have this feature, so you may find that your replacement unit works immediately without needing a code.
Replacement Overview
Replacing the radio in a 2000-2002 Eclipse is a relatively simple job that most DIYers can complete in under an hour.
- Remove the two Phillips screws at the bottom of the trim plate surrounding the radio and climate controls.
- Carefully pull the trim panel forward to release the clips holding it in place.
- Disconnect the electrical connector for the emergency flasher switch.
- Remove the four screws that secure the radio brackets to the dash.
- Slide the radio out, then disconnect the main wiring harness(es) and the antenna cable from the back of the unit.
Installation is the reverse of removal. This is a plug-and-play procedure; no special programming is required, though you may need the security code as mentioned above.
🎬 See how to enter the radio security codeCost Comparison
Replacing a faulty radio involves choosing between used OEM, new aftermarket, or trying to find a new OEM unit.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM | $750 - $950+ | Extremely rare and often discontinued. May need to be special ordered from a dealer. |
| Used OEM | $50 - $150 | Widely available from online sellers and salvage yards. The most cost-effective direct-fit option. |
| New Aftermarket | $100 - $300+ | Requires an installation kit, wiring harness adapter, and potentially an antenna adapter, adding $30-$50 to the cost. Infinity systems require a special adapter to integrate with the factory amplifier. |
| Shop Labor | $100 - $150 | Typically about one hour of labor for a professional installation. |
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)
As of this writing, there are no specific NHTSA recalls or TSBs for the radio audio units in the 2000-2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse. There was a recall (NHTSA 15V-338) related to the passenger sun visor, which could detach during airbag deployment, but this does not involve the radio itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need an anti-theft code to install a used radio?
Maybe. Some units require a four-digit code after power is reconnected, while others do not. If the radio displays "CODE", you will need to get the code from Mitsubishi using the radio's serial number. If it does not ask for a code, it is simply plug-and-play.
Can I install an Infinity radio in my car that has the standard sound system?
No. The Infinity head unit is designed to work with a separate, external amplifier located under the passenger seat. A car with the standard system lacks this amplifier and the necessary wiring, so the Infinity radio will not produce any sound.
Why won't my aftermarket radio turn on or produce sound?
For an aftermarket radio to work correctly in an Eclipse with the Infinity system, you must use a special wiring harness adapter that provides RCA outputs and a remote turn-on wire to activate the factory amplifier. Without this adapter, the amp will not turn on, and you will get no sound. If there is no power at all, double-check your constant (yellow) and ignition (red) wire connections.
Will a radio from a Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder fit my coupe?
Yes, as long as the radio is from the same year range (2000-2005) and matches your car's sound system (Standard or Infinity), the head units are physically and electronically interchangeable between the coupe and Spyder convertible models.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 34W211 97299009A MR337269 MR337271 MR337276 MR372110 MR490088 MR549078 MU MR337269 MU MR337276 MUMR372110 MUMR549078 W211
Dash Opening: Double-DIN. Two primary systems: Standard (internal amplifier) and Infinity (external amplifier).
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Mitsubishi Eclipse:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- Identifying Your Eclipse's Audio System: Standard vs. Infinity
- Symptoms of a Failing Eclipse Radio
- Buying a Used 2000-2002 Eclipse Radio
- Step 1: Verify Your System and Part Number
- Step 2: Physical Inspection
- Programming and Anti-Theft
- Replacement Overview
- Cost Comparison
- Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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