DIY Network

Mobile DVD System: Pre-Wiring Video Components Wiring Before Installation Keeps Things Simple From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-211

	This 2003 Nissan Frontier enters into a whole new dimension with the addition in-dash DVD player, backseat monitors and a gaming system.
	Hey, our favorite show is on!

In phase-2 of the multimedia upgrade on a 2003 Nissan Frontier, Andrew Totolos pre-wires the video components. In order to make the install of the DVD player and gaming system easier, Andrew does much of the wiring for the components outside of the car. He also readies the components for installation in the car by applying hook-and-loop tape.

Tools and materials

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), tools and materials used to complete this entire project include:

DVD head-unit with flip-out in-dash monitor
LCD monitors with flush-mount kits for the head rests (2)
Power inverter
Gaming system
Rotary tool
Wiring harnesses
Extension wire
Barrel connectors
Eyelet connectors
Splice connectors
Spade connectors
RCA cables
Hook-and-loop tape
Utility knife
Marker
Wire ties
Wire coat hanger
Electrical tape
Straight edge

DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: We gave this a difficulty rating of 3 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale.

advertisement

Figure A

The A/V Components and Accessories

The main component for this upgrade is an in-dash DVD front-end. Other components include a gaming system which requires two separate power-inverters--one to convert from 12 volts of DC power to 120 volts of AC power, and a second to go to 8.5 volts--the power required to run the game system (figure A).

In addition, each monitor comes with its own control unit (figure B), which hook into the head unit to receive power and display. Hookup of the head unit requires external wiring harnesses in order to tie in with the truck's wiring (figure C).

To simplify the wiring procedure, it's best to do as much of the wiring as possible outside of the car before all of the components are installed. Here are the basic steps.

Figure B

Figure C

	Figure D
	Figure E

Pre-Wiring the Components

• First, hook up the control units from the monitors to the head unit in the dash. This requires making extensions.

• Twist together the yellow constant power wires from both units and add an eight-foot extension to the end.

• The red wire is the ignition lead that turns the units on when the ignition is on. Combine them in the same way as the yellow wire so that only one connection is needed to power the units inside the truck (figure D).

• The ground wires will be attached to a bolt close to where the unit will be housed, so combine those wires and attach once eyelet connector to both.
  
  
• Blue wires are useless right now because they run a remote to a separate audio system, so just cut them short (figure E) and wrap the ends with electrical tape.
  

  	Figure F
  	Figure G

• The power inverter was designed to be plugged into a 12-volt accessory outlet in the vehicle. But for a permanent install it's better to cut off the connector and hardwire the leads into an accessory outlet from behind. The ground will be attached to a nearby bolt, so all it needs is an eyelet connection (figure F).

• Now that all the connections are wired up, it's time to get to the head unit. The head unit doesn't work with the factory wiring in the car, so harnesses will have to be used.

• Combine all of the odd-colored matching wires with crimp-on splice connectors (figure G) leaving the red, yellow and black wires for last.
  

  Figure H

• The yellow and red wires will need to be used as taps for the monitor power, so combine the two yellow wires in one side of the splice connector but leave the other side open for the time being. Do the same thing with the red wires from the harness adapters.

• For the project car, an extender will need to be added to the ground wire with an eyelet connector and hooked to one of the radio mounting bolts to get the needed ground.

• To prepare the pink parking-light sensor wire (figure H), put a spade connector on the end so when you put it in the car you can just plug it right in.

• Now that all the wiring is done, it's time to start putting the components in the car. All of them will go under the passenger seat with hook-and-loop tape. Attach one side of the tape to the bottom of the component and the other side to the car, and you're ready to install.

  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.

  Important: Included in this summary 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 upgrade-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.
  

  
  

  RESOURCES :
  

  Racing Innovations, Inc.
  We apologize no contact information is available.
  

  
  Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guide: Import Cars (Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guides)
  Author: Joe Pettitt
  Order this book from Amazon.com.
  Voyageur Press (October 2000)
  ISBN: 1884089526
  

  RELATED PROJECTS: Acrylic Subwoofer Enclosure: Prep Work Acrylic Subwoofer Enclosure: Box Panels Acrylic Subwoofer Enclosure: Glue-Up and Amp-Wiring Acrylic Subwoofer Enclosure: Completion Introduction and In-Dash Receiver Installation Installing an Add-On CD Changer Car Speaker Upgrade Installing a Subwoofer

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Mobile DVD System: Installing the Monitors
  	Mobile DVD System: Pre-Wiring Video Components
  	Mobile DVD System: Components Installation and Completion