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Parts and Accessories
Mobile AV System DVD-Player Installation
- Materials:
- In addition to standard automotive -mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.) and the installation kits, some of the specialty tools used here included cordless drill, wire cutters and strippers, utility knife and wire hook. An air-compressor and set of pneumatic tools will is optional, but may be very helpful for this project.
- DVD Installation and A/V Connections
- Our DVD unit comes with a remote sensor so that the unit can be operated using a remote control. We mounted the sensor adjacent to the factory overhead console.
- The wiring for the sensor was routed above the headliner and down the side pillar with the rest of the A/V wiring we installed earlier.
- Use caution in placement of the wires so that they don't interfere with the operation of the seatbelt. It's a good idea to test seatbelt operation after running the wires to make sure that they are operating properly.
- Secure the remote-sensor wire and the other wires routed down the pillar using zip ties.
- Run a power wire and the accessory wire over to the fuse-box, near the driver-side door. The power wire is fused here in order to protect the electronic components. The accessory circuit supplies power to the DVD/LCD system when the vehicle is started, and will shut them down whenever the van is turned off.
- Drill a hole in the dash panel and install the cut-off switch that will be used to turn off the FM transmitter when it's not needed.
- With the switch in place, reinstall the dash panel. Test the switch to ensure that it's working properly.
- Work can now begin on the 12-volt battery and ground connections. Though the DVD player came with a cigarette-lighter adapter, we opted to make a permanent electrical connection. When connecting the power at the back of the unit, make sure that the positive and negative sides are hooked up properly, according to the printed indicators on the back of the unit. In our case, the solid black side of the wire was negative, and the side with the white stripe was the positive wire.
- Splice the power wires from the components to the power wires from the fuse box. Next, splice the accessory wires from the components to the accessory wire from the fuse box.
- Attach ends of the ground wires to terminal connectors, and secure the ground wires to the vehicle's frame to ensure a good ground connection. In our case, we bolted the connectors to the side pillar using a socket wrench.
- With the components grounded, connect the remote-sensor wire that was run down earlier from the headliner opening. Also connect the yellow video-jack and black audio-jacks at the back of the DVD player.
Plug the audio input cable into the FM-audio transmitter.
- The video-output of the DVD player is sent through a Y-connector so that it can send video signal to both the front and rear LCD monitors. Also use Y-connectors to route the stereo-audio to both the FM transmitter and the pull-down LCD panel. The FM transmitter provides the audio portion of the signal to the van's factory stereo; the pull-down LCD-panel can provide audio through wireless headsets if needed.
With the wiring connections all made, you can power up the system and make sure that video signal is reaching both LCD screens.
- Use a cordless drill to pre-drill holes in the floor of the van, beneath the passenger seat, so that the DVD player can be secured in place using sheet-metal screws.
- Once the DVD player has been secured, mount the FM audio-module and secure it to the DVD bracket using zip-ties.
Reinstall the trim pieces and seat-belts, and test the seat-belts to ensure that they don't bind. Next install the passenger-side seat, taking care when positioning the seat over the DVD player. Bolt the seat back down securely.
- Reconnect the factory overhead console to its wiring harness, and insert it back into the ceiling. Secure the console to the ceiling with its mounting screws.
- Finally, glue the remote sensor in position on the side of the overhead console.
- That completes the installation of the DVD player and the audio-video connections. You can now try out the system to see if all the components work.
- Important:
These steps in this automotive procedure are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and Note that come with your kit or replacement parts.
- Note::
As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.
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