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Installation Tip For An In Dash Car DVD Player

andybrock | Dec 8, 2009 |

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If you ever have tackled the installation of anything for your car that was not standard or OEM designed, you know the hassle that is involved. If you think you can perform the installation without the aid of a professional installer, then go for it. Otherwise, you are in for a few interesting hours of work and frustration.

The following are some tips to follow for the installation of an in dash car DVD player.

The very first thing you must do is to determine if the new in dash car DVD player will fit into the dash of your car. In dash car DVD players come in two sizes – either DIN or 2 DIN. The US standard for a DIN unit is 2" x 7" and the 2 DIN sized unit is 4" x 7". Be careful as you shop for your unit looking for one that can fit into the space designed for audio equipment in your car's dash.
Now carefully remove the existing audio system. Take care to not remove any wiring or mounting brackets, as they might be helpful for the new installation.
Remove the new in dash car DVD player from the box. The unit should have a mounting sleeve attached to it. Carefully remove the unit from the mounting sleeve and gently shove it without the DVD player into the location in the dash where your old audio equipment was attached. Locate the tabs on the mounting sleeve and bend them wherever necessary to secure the mounting sleeve in place.
Next, depending on your car, there will be a co-ax cable coming from the antenna or a wiring module with inputs for the antenna and power antenna controls. If your car has a co-ax cable, slide it carefully into the port that should be marked 'AM/FM' on the side of the DVD player's rear panel. You may have to screw it clockwise to firmly attach the cable in place. If your car has a plastic wiring module for the antenna, simply plug it into the antenna port on the rear of the in dash car DVD player. As you install the antenna wiring, don't forget to pass the cable or wires through the dash opening. If you fail to do this, you will have to dismantle the cable or wires and re-do this portion.
The wiring harness is the next item to install. In newer cars, you will find that full audio/video wiring can be plugged directly into the in dash car DVD player. Do this by plugging the modular harness into the unit. Be sure to push it in until it snaps in place. Older cars may require the purchase of an adapter for the wiring harness in order to complete the installation. Again be careful to pass the wiring harness connections through the opening in the dash before snapping them into place on the unit.
At this point you should be ready to test the unit. Be sure the wiring harness and the antenna are plugged in to the unit. With those items secure to the in dash car DVD player it should be fully operational. Turn the ignition key to the accessories position or start the vehicle. Now press the power button on the DVD player. If the unit does not come on, or there is something erratic happening, check the wiring connections. If the in dash car DVD player comes on and all its functions work, proceed to the next installation step.
Slide the unit into the mounting sleeve. Be careful to move any protruding or stray wires through the opening where the in dash car DVD player will be finally mounted. You will have to apply some firm but gentle pressure to slide the unit into place. If there seems to be some resistance as you push the unit into the sleeve, remove the player and check for any wiring or cables that may be restricting movement. Once all is clear slide the unit in place and insert the mounting screws through the mounting sleeve into the player.
Replace any trim rings or other interior hardware to complete the installation of your car DVD player.

These are general instructions for the installation of an in dash car DVD player. Be sure to read all the installation instructions that come with the unit from the manufacturer before attempting the installation. You may want to pay the extra money to have a professional do it, but remember, if you are careful, you can probably do it yourself.