Removing the old radio in a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse is the necessary first step if you want install a newer stereo. Taking your Eclipse to a car audio specialist to have them do it means paying installation fees. The stereo in the Eclipse can be removed with nothing more than a Phillips screwdriver, so there is no need to pay someone else to do it for you.
Disconnect the negative battery cable from your Eclipse's battery.
Remove the two Phillips screws along the bottom of the radio/climate control trim panel.
Lift up the bottom of the trim panel to unlock the lower retaining clips. Work your fingers around the sides of the panel to loosen the other clips and remove the panel.
Remove the four Phillips screws holding the stereo in place. Slide the stereo out of the dashboard and disconnect the wiring harness and antenna cable from the back of the device.
