DIY Network

Mobile A/V System: DVD-Player Installation From "Weekend Mechanic" episode WKM-311

The two LCD monitors installed in this minivan are both connected to a single DVD player mounted underneath the passenger seat.

In this segment of DIY's Weekend Mechanic, host Bruce Bonebrake installs the DVD player and tests the new A/V system in the minivan.

Materials:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.) and the installation kits, some of the specialty tools used in this episode 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.

DIY Difficulty Rating for the Project: This job requires some wiring and soldering, but the installations are all fairly straightforward and not unlike installing a home stereo-system. We gave it a difficulty rating of 2 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. It took us about 8 hours to finish this job. Depending on the system you choose and your vehicle, your work time could vary. Allow yourself a full weekend to complete this project properly.

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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 (figure A).

• The wiring for the sensor was routed above the headliner (figure B) 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.

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

  
  

• Secure the remote-sensor wire and the other wires routed down the pillar using zip ties (figure C).

• Run a power wire and the accessory wire over to the fuse-box, near the driver-side door (figure D). 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.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  
  

• 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 (figure E). 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 (figure F). In our case, the solid black side of the wire was negative, and the side with the white stripe was the positive wire.

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  
  

• 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 (figure G).

• 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 (figure H). In our case, we bolted the connectors to the side pillar using a socket wrench.

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  

  
  

• 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 (figure I).

• Plug the audio input cable into the FM-audio transmitter (figure J).

  Figure I

  Figure J

  
  

  
  

• 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(figure K). 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.

  Figure K

  The video-feed to the two overhead LCD monitors checks out.

  
  

  
  

• 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 (figure L).

• Once the DVD player has been secured, mount the FM audio-module and secure it to the DVD bracket using zip-ties (figure M).

  Figure M

  Figure L

  
  

  
  

• 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 (figure N). Bolt the seat back down securely.

• Reconnect the factory overhead console to its wiring harness, and insert it back into the ceiling (figure O). Secure the console to the ceiling with its mounting screws.

  Figure O

  Figure N

  
  

  Figure P

  
  

• Finally, glue the remote sensor in position on the side of the overhead console (figure P).

Important: Included in this segment are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps 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 precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

RESOURCES :

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books

Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896