2000-2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sun Visor: Fixing Droop and Navigating Recalls
Your complete guide to diagnosing common sun visor failures, finding the right part with or without a lighted mirror, and understanding the important safety recall.
- A critical safety recall exists for the passenger sun visor on all 2000-2005 Eclipses; verify the fix (a tether strap) has been installed.
- The most common failure is drooping, which is best fixed by replacing the unit.
- Compatibility hinges on one question: Does your car have an illuminated mirror? The wiring plugs are different.
- Replacement is a simple DIY task that requires only a screwdriver and about 15 minutes.
Symptoms of a Failing Sun Visor
The most common failure for sun visors in the 3rd generation Eclipse is a loss of tension, causing it to droop or fall down unexpectedly. This can be a minor annoyance or a significant safety hazard if it obstructs the driver's view.
- Visor Drooping or Sagging: The visor will not stay in the fully stowed position against the headliner. It may sag slightly or fall down completely, especially when driving over bumps. This is caused by wear in the internal pivot mechanism.
- Flickering or Dead Vanity Light: On models with illuminated mirrors, the light may flicker when the visor is moved or stop working entirely. This usually points to a faulty switch inside the mirror assembly or a break in the wiring.
- Broken Mirror or Cover: The vanity mirror can crack from impact, and the plastic cover that slides or flips over it can break at its hinges.
- Cracked or Broken Mounting Point: The plastic base where the visor mounts to the roof can become brittle over time and crack, causing the entire assembly to become loose.
Important Safety Recall: Passenger Sun Visor (Recall C1505E)
Warning: Mitsubishi issued a safety recall (NHTSA Campaign ID: 15V338) for all 2000-2005 Eclipse and 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder models. During a frontal airbag deployment, the passenger sun visor could detach if it is in the down position and be propelled toward the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The official remedy is for a Mitsubishi dealer to install a tether strap on the passenger-side sun visor to prevent it from detaching. For Eclipse Spyder models, the sun visor mounting hook is also replaced. Before purchasing a used vehicle or replacing a visor, you should check if this recall has been completed by contacting a Mitsubishi dealer with the vehicle's VIN.
Buying a Used 2000-2005 Eclipse Sun Visor: Your Inspection Checklist
A used OEM sun visor is often the best choice, as new OEM parts can be expensive or discontinued, and aftermarket quality can be inconsistent. Here’s what to look for when buying a used one.
1. The Crucial Compatibility Check: Illuminated vs. Non-Illuminated
The single most important check is whether your Eclipse has illuminated vanity mirrors. Visors with lights have a different wiring connector than those without. Before you buy, inspect your existing visor:
- If you have a light: You must buy a replacement visor that also has a light to ensure the plug matches.
- If you do not have a light: You need a non-illuminated version.
A visor for a lighted application will not plug into a car wired for a non-lighted one, and vice-versa. Always compare the electrical connector on the replacement part to your original.
2. Test the Tension
The main reason for replacement is drooping. When inspecting a used visor, hold it by its mounting bracket and swing the visor up and down. It should feel firm and hold any position without falling. If it feels loose or floppy, it will not stay up in your car either.
3. Inspect for Physical Damage
- Mounting Bracket: Check the plastic around the screw holes for any cracks. This is a common stress point.
- Mirror and Cover: Make sure the mirror isn't cracked and that the cover opens, closes, and latches properly.
- Fabric Condition: Check for stains, tears, or significant fading, which is common on cars from sunny climates.
4. How to Find Your Interior Color Code
To get a perfect match, you need to know your car's interior color code. Mitsubishi places this information on a metal data plate riveted to the firewall in the engine bay. Look for a section labeled "INTERIOR" or "TRIM." The code will be a short series of letters and numbers. Common colors for this generation are a medium gray/charcoal and a tan/beige.
| Common Interior Colors |
|---|
| Gray / Charcoal |
| Tan / Beige |
Cost Comparison: Eclipse Sun Visor Replacement
Prices can vary based on condition, color, and features. The recall service to install the tether strap is performed free of charge by Mitsubishi dealers.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM | $115 - $160 | May be difficult to find for certain colors or have long backorder times. |
| New Aftermarket | $40 - $80 | Quality and color match may vary. Some options exist for recovering the original visor with new fabric. |
| Used OEM | $35 - $75 | Best balance of cost and quality. Inspect carefully for wear and ensure feature compatibility. |
| Shop Labor | $50 - $100 | Replacement is very simple, so labor cost is typically the shop's minimum one-hour charge. |
Sun Visor Replacement Guide (DIY)
Replacing the sun visor on a 2000-2005 Eclipse is a very easy DIY job that takes less than 15 minutes.
🎬 Watch this quick video walkthrough of replacing a drooping sun visorTools Needed:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Small flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Expose the Screws: The mounting bracket at the base of the visor has a plastic cover. Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry this cover open. It's hinged on one side and will snap open.
- Remove the Mounting Screws: With the cover open, you will see two Phillips head screws. Remove both screws.
- Disconnect the Electrical Plug: As you pull the visor away from the headliner, a short wire with a small plastic connector will be visible (if equipped with a light). Press the tab on the connector and pull it apart to disconnect it.
- Install the New Visor: Plug in the electrical connector on the new visor. Tuck the wiring into the headliner and align the mounting bracket with the screw holes.
- Secure the New Visor: Install the two Phillips head screws. Tighten them until they are snug, but do not overtighten, as this can crack the plastic bracket.
- Close the Cover: Snap the plastic screw cover shut. Test the visor's movement and the vanity light to ensure everything works correctly.
Pro Tip: If your visor is just slightly loose, you can try tightening the two mounting screws first. Sometimes they can back out over time, causing a wobble.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will a sun visor from an Eclipse Spyder fit a Coupe?
Yes, the sun visors are generally interchangeable between the Coupe (hatchback) and Spyder (convertible) models of the same generation. However, you must still verify the color and the illuminated mirror option for a perfect match. The recall procedure for the Spyder was slightly different, involving a new mounting hook.
Can I just fix my drooping sun visor instead of replacing it?
Some DIY fixes exist, such as using velcro strips or trying to crimp the internal pivot rod, but these are often temporary and may damage the visor or headliner. Given the low cost of a good used replacement, swapping the entire unit is the most reliable and cleanest repair.
Is the sun visor clip that holds the outer end available separately?
Yes, the stationary clip that the visor snaps into (opposite the pivot) is a separate part. If your visor droops from the outer end, you may only need to replace this small, inexpensive clip rather than the entire visor assembly.
How do I check if the passenger visor safety recall was done on my car?
You can call any Mitsubishi dealership's service department with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). They can look up your vehicle's service history and see if recall campaign C1505E is listed as open or completed. You can also check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: MR453915 MR453916 MR531513 MR532051 MR532053 MR623069 MR623070 MR623071 MR623072
Varies by driver/passenger side, color (gray, tan), and feature (illuminated vs. non-illuminated mirror).
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
- Symptoms of a Failing Sun Visor
- Important Safety Recall: Passenger Sun Visor (Recall C1505E)
- Buying a Used 2000-2005 Eclipse Sun Visor: Your Inspection Checklist
- 1. The Crucial Compatibility Check: Illuminated vs. Non-Illuminated
- 2. Test the Tension
- 3. Inspect for Physical Damage
- 4. How to Find Your Interior Color Code
- Cost Comparison: Eclipse Sun Visor Replacement
- Sun Visor Replacement Guide (DIY)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off