2017-2021 Jaguar F-PACE, XE, E-PACE & I-PACE Drooping Sun Visor: The DIY Fix and Replacement Guide

Symptoms of a Failing Sun Visor

A failing sun visor on your 2017-2020 Jaguar F-PACE, 2017-2020 Jaguar XE, 2018-2021 Jaguar E-PACE, or 2019-2020 Jaguar I-PACE will present obvious physical symptoms. The most common issues are related to the internal pivot mechanism wearing out or breaking.

• Drooping or "Floppy" Visor: The most common failure is a visor that will not stay flush against the headliner, drooping down an inch or more and obstructing your view. This is often caused by the separation of an internal plastic clamshell housing that creates tension.
• Loud "Clack" or Snapping Noise: You may hear a loud snapping or cracking sound when moving the visor up or down. This is an early sign that the internal plastic mechanism is failing.
• Vanity Mirror Light Failure: The lights around the vanity mirror may flicker or fail to turn on when the cover is opened. This can be caused by a bad connection in the wiring or a faulty switch in the mirror assembly.
• Broken Mirror or Cover: The vanity mirror or its sliding/hinged cover can crack or break from impact or age.
• Loose Mounting: The entire visor assembly may feel loose where it attaches to the roof, indicating the mounting screws have backed out.

DIY Diagnosis and Repair: The Floppy Visor Fix

For the common drooping visor problem, a DIY repair is often possible and can save you hundreds of dollars. The issue typically stems from a plastic housing inside the visor that has split apart. By reinforcing this housing, you can restore the visor's tension.

1. Remove the Visor: First, pry off the plastic trim cover at the base of the visor mount. Underneath, you will find two Torx T20 screws. Remove these screws.
2. Disconnect Wiring: Carefully pull the visor mount away from the headliner and disconnect the single electrical plug for the vanity lights.
3. Access the Inner Housing: Using a flat trim tool, carefully pry the vanity mirror assembly out of the visor body. It is held in by clips.
4. Identify the Problem: With the mirror removed, you can often see the separated seam of the internal plastic "clamshell" housing. This separation is what causes the loss of tension.
5. Secure the Housing: The most effective fix is to drill a small pilot hole and install a short (approx. 5/8" to 3/4") self-tapping screw through both halves of the plastic housing to clamp them back together permanently. Some owners have also used strong glue or a small rivet.
6. Reassemble: Snap the mirror back into place, ensuring it's fully seated to restore the light connection. Reconnect the electrical plug, screw the visor mount back into the roof, and snap the trim cover back on.

Sun Visor Replacement Guide

If your visor is physically broken or the DIY fix is not possible, replacement is a very simple process that can be done with basic hand tools.

1. Position the Visor: Unclip the visor from its outer clip and swing it towards the side window to get better access to the mounting base.
2. Remove the Trim Cover: Use a small flathead screwdriver or a plastic trim tool to gently pry off the plastic cover over the mounting bracket.
3. Unscrew the Mount: Remove the two Torx T20 screws that secure the visor assembly to the roof structure.
4. Disconnect the Electrical Connector: As you lower the visor, you will see a small wiring harness. Press the tab on the connector and pull it apart.
5. Installation: Installation is the reverse of removal. Connect the electrical plug on the new visor, position the mount, and tighten the two Torx screws. Snap the plastic trim cover back into place.

Buying a Used Sun Visor

Given the high cost of a new OEM sun visor, a used part is an excellent value. These visors are largely the same across the F-PACE, E-PACE, I-PACE, and XE models of this era, but verifying the color and material is critical.

How to Verify Compatibility

The most important step is matching your vehicle's interior color. Jaguar uses a three-letter trim code to identify the interior color scheme.

• Find Your Trim Code: Open the driver's side door and look for the vehicle identification sticker on the door jamb. In one of the corners of this sticker, you will find the word "TRIM" followed by a code (e.g., PVJ for Ebony/Black, LKP for Oyster).
• Match the Part Number: When buying a used part, provide the seller with your trim code or match the OEM part number. Common colors include Ebony (Black), and Oyster (a light beige/grey).
• Check the Material: These vehicles came with different headliner materials. The most common is a standard woven fabric called Morzine, but higher trims may have a synthetic suede called Suedecloth or Alston. Ensure the texture of the used visor matches your vehicle's headliner.

What to Inspect

• Hinge Tension: Ask the seller to confirm the visor holds its position firmly and doesn't droop.
• Physical Condition: Carefully review all photos for stains, tears, or scuffs in the fabric. Check for cracks in the plastic base or mirror cover.
• Vanity Mirror: Ensure the mirror is not cracked and the cover slides or pivots correctly.
• Why Used OEM is a Good Choice: For an interior trim part like this, a used OEM visor guarantees a perfect fit, correct electrical connection, and exact color/material match, which is often not the case with cheaper aftermarket alternatives.

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

There are no active recalls for sun visors on these Jaguar models. However, a Technical Service Bulletin (JTB00327NAS) was issued for older models (2009-on XF, 2010-on XJ, 2007-on XK) for the fabric delaminating or peeling away from the vanity mirror housing. While not specific to the F-PACE, XE, E-PACE, or I-PACE, it's a condition to watch for on used parts. The fix involves applying a special double-sided tape under the fabric.

Cost Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions