Replacing or repairing interior components in your 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse? This guide offers insights into fastener replacement and headliner removal, based on firsthand experience. It’s crucial to understand the process and potential challenges before starting this project.
Essential Fasteners for Your 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse Interior
Before diving into interior disassembly, investing in new fasteners is highly recommended. You’re likely to lose or break some of the original clips during the process. Upgrading to higher quality fasteners can also improve the fit and finish of your interior panels and potentially reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).
The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse utilizes specific types of fasteners:
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Door Trim Panel Clips: These clips often include a foam ring for a tighter fit and improved NVH. Consider replacing all of them, even if they appear undamaged. Similar clips can be found online.
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Plastic Rivets: These are used throughout the car’s interior and are prone to breaking. Having a supply on hand is essential. Replacement rivets are readily available.
Headliner Removal: A Step-by-Step Approach
Removing the headliner in a 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse can be a complex process. The traditional method, often outlined in repair manuals, involves a near-complete disassembly of the interior, starting from the rear and working forward. This includes removing the back seat and various trim panels to access the B-pillar.
After exposing the B-pillar, you’ll need to loosen the A-pillar covers and carefully disconnect the dome light wiring harness. The dome light itself is secured by two metal clips that rely on friction to hold it in place. These clips can be tricky to re-engage when reinstalling the headliner, so exercise caution. There’s no fixed mounting point for the dome light, making reinstallation challenging without proper care. Finally, the headliner can be carefully pulled out from the back of the car.
While complete disassembly is a thorough approach, there might be shortcuts for removing specific pillar covers without taking apart the entire interior. However, if you’re planning on tasks like painting the headliner, the comprehensive disassembly method allows you to address other interior repairs or upgrades simultaneously.
Conclusion: Planning Your 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse Interior Project
Disassembling the interior of a 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse requires careful planning and preparation. By securing the necessary fasteners beforehand and understanding the complexities of headliner removal, you can tackle this project efficiently and minimize potential frustrations. While shortcuts might exist, a methodical approach ensures a thorough job and allows for concurrent improvements to your vehicle’s interior.
