[mettlerj]

I have a 04 X with the factory rear dvd system I am upgrading the factory stereo system, and was wondering if or how to hook the factory rear dvd system to it?

 

[JohnHagerty]

Mettlerj,

I have hooked up a Z1 GPS/DVD/Radio in my 04x and have hooked up the factory DVD so it will play sound through radio to car speakers. Or it can be played with headphones for the kids without going to speakers. If I want to play a dvd on dash radio I need to plug in the Video cable into the exterior video input on the Factory DVD - this allows dvd or map to display on the factory Dvd player.

It took about six months to get the info to figure out the factory DVD, finaly got the info from a great DVD factory expert.

The rep sent a PDF attachment with the info for hookup. Basically you have to make a loop from DVD back into DVD. It normally works by sending loop to factory radio and then radio back to DVD. Without factory radio you need to make it a loop at the DVD, and run a set of speaker wires (via RCA plug) to your new radio input with the sound will play through your new radio to your X speakers.

Since it is an attachement send me your email and I'll forward it too you. I do also have some pictures of my install I could send as well. It is all his work and method, not mine - it works.

I wish there was a way to get video from new radio to factory Dvd without external input, but I could not figure that one out. Took the DVD unit apart and just don't see working - not just a wire fix.

Send me your email for the pdf instructions via pm

 

[dsroka80504]

There is actually an easier way, you can get an FM modulator for your DVD player. It hooks in and will transmit the sound at whatever frequency you choose, usually a lower end one 88.7, 90.1, whatever. Just tune your radio to that frequency and you will get sound. The quality will not be as good as running it directly into the radio, but much easier and good enough for govt work.

 

[MPTonyT]

Mettlerj,

I have hooked up a Z1 GPS/DVD/Radio in my 04x and have hooked up the factory DVD so it will play sound through radio to car speakers. Or it can be played with headphones for the kids without going to speakers. If I want to play a dvd on dash radio I need to plug in the Video cable into the exterior video input on the Factory DVD - this allows dvd or map to display on the factory Dvd player.

It took about six months to get the info to figure out the factory DVD, finaly got the info from a great DVD factory expert, might have gotten fired for helping me.

The Dephi rep sent PDF attachment with the info for hookup. Basically you have to make a loop from DVD back into DVD. It normally works by sending loop to factory radio and then radio back to DVD. Without factory radio you need to make it a loop at the DVD, and run a set of speaker wires to your new radio input with the sound will play through your new radio to your X speakers.

Since it is an attachement send me your email and I'll forward it too you. I do also have some pictures of my install I could send as well. I will take the Reps name off just because I don't want him to take a chance to loosing his job for helping me if had not all ready. But it is all his work and method, not mine - it works.

I wish there was a way to get video from new radio to factory Dvd without external input, but I could not figure that one out. Took the DVD unit apart and just don't see working - not just a wire fix.

Send me your email for the pdf instructions via pm

I'm axnious to see how the Rep told you to do it. Im looking at a schematic from Ford and what should have to happen is power pin 5 in the 20 pin harness LG/BK with accessory 12v and it will power up the DVD player. The audio out from the DVD player is on pins 17, 18, 19 & 20 which i have had people connect to a set of RCa's and get audio. I'm not sure of this loop you are talking about and running a set of speaker wires?? You may be right but if you can explain that would be great. ill PM you my email if you wish to send me the info.

Thanks,

 

[MotionMan]

I hooked up 2 amps, 2 subs and replaced all the speakers but I left the factory head unit.....I am not a big fan of the DVD but I worry more about the steering wheel controls, I have not reached for the radio in years:lol: the wheel rules. I was able to retain all functions by adding all this though, the head unit is just a receiver now and it sounds great so I am content.....but I like your idea.

 

[MPTonyT]

Motion Man - FYI Pac-audio.com makes a module which allows your factory steering wheel controls to communicate with the aftermarket head unit. I have one in my current vehicle and i haven't reached for the radio either. Fairly simple install too.

 

[topgun35]

i used a module on my last chevy to keep the steering wheel controls but you have to hook up an infered like a remote worked prety good might have to do the same to the EX if i change the head unit but i to am worried about the factory dvd player

 

[MotionMan]

Thanks a million, I have a head unit from a boat that I really wanted to try, now I can do it.:thumbsup:

 

[JohnHagerty]

I did the PAC-audio.com unit to keep controls working on Steeringwheel for my aftermarket radio.

Did the DVD loop to allow kids to listen to Factory DVD with headsets (quite for me), also ran speaker wire from factory DVD to input on my new radio so I can play factory DVD over Excursion speakers.

If I use the video output on my new radio I can plug the video wires into external input on factory DVD and play a DVD on both screens, up front and on factory DVD, as well as navigation or what ever I display on my Z1 radio. I guess I could have went a step further and looked at splitting the inputs to factory DVD inside the housing and ran the video wires hidden to my output on new radio - well, kids don't really use it that much and its work for several years like it is and we really don't usually play move on both, quick external plugs work if we do.

MPTONYT, YES you are right, Speaker wires need to go from Factory DVD into "RCA plug" and into your new radio input.

 

[ajohansson]

Guys,

there is a company called PIE. They make a harness that will take your audio pin from your factory dvd player and output it to rca to plug into any head replacement head unit. They call it a DVD keeper. Its a great little gadget. When I upgrade my head unit I am going to do this. I have a 2003 and I dont have wireless head sets. My next head unit will also have 2 zone audio so the kids can watch a dvd and my and the wife can listen to xm while on road trips.

DVD Keepers

AJ

 

[bsclayton]

DVD headphones only?

So if I want to replace my head unit, and just have the rear DVD operate as a standalone with headphones, do I need to do anything to the wiring? Ideally, I'd like to get an alpine iphone compatible unit with video in dash, but retain the factory DVD for Barney, Elmo, and all the other painful sounds that come out of that unit. It would be a godsend if they could ONLY listen through wireless headphones.

Are there wires behind the headunit that need to be connected or looped in order to retain use of the DVD?

 

[ajohansson]

Here is what you do. To be able to play wireless to your kids and play audio through speakers for yourself your New Alpine head unit needs to have a second audio output. Most of the nice ones do. The Kenwood I am looking at does.

So when you pull out your old head unit there will be the wiring that comes from your sperate factory dvd player. you will plug the DVD keeper into that and you will then have a set of left and right rca cables to input into your new head unit for audio. From the second audio output on the back of your new head unit I would recommend hooking up an Infrared wireless speaker unit and mount it in the headliner.

With this set up you can play your ipod/sat/fm-am/cd on your front speakers and play the dvd player into the wireless output for the headsets.

This is what I plan to do eventually. You can also keep all of your steering wheel controls with the stuff folks above had mentioned and have rear view camera in the high brake light.


MobileVideo4Less.com: NEW! 03-05 Ford Third Brake Light w/ Built in CCD Color Camera for Expedition, Navigator & Excursion
Kenwood - DDX714

 

[CDF FC]

after factory GPS/DVD/RADIO PDf

can you send me a copy of the PDF please, i am having the same problem.

Mettlerj,

I have hooked up a Z1 GPS/DVD/Radio in my 04x and have hooked up the factory DVD so it will play sound through radio to car speakers. Or it can be played with headphones for the kids without going to speakers. If I want to play a dvd on dash radio I need to plug in the Video cable into the exterior video input on the Factory DVD - this allows dvd or map to display on the factory Dvd player.

It took about six months to get the info to figure out the factory DVD, finaly got the info from a great DVD factory expert.

The rep sent a PDF attachment with the info for hookup. Basically you have to make a loop from DVD back into DVD. It normally works by sending loop to factory radio and then radio back to DVD. Without factory radio you need to make it a loop at the DVD, and run a set of speaker wires (via RCA plug) to your new radio input with the sound will play through your new radio to your X speakers.

Since it is an attachement send me your email and I'll forward it too you. I do also have some pictures of my install I could send as well. It is all his work and method, not mine - it works.

I wish there was a way to get video from new radio to factory Dvd without external input, but I could not figure that one out. Took the DVD unit apart and just don't see working - not just a wire fix.

Send me your email for the pdf instructions via pm

 

[msturg]

If you don't mind I would like a copy of the pdf as well. I googled my problem and should have known to check this site first. There is a ton of great information just in this thread

 

[traderdaddy]

ok here is what i want to do

I want to replace the factory head unit and use just the overhead monitor and not the dvd player. How do I do this??

 

[vinnyfl]

Hi John
Can you email me the pdf of the rear dvd setup? Or anyone else have one they can email me? [email protected]
Thanks guys!!

Mettlerj,

I have hooked up a Z1 GPS/DVD/Radio in my 04x and have hooked up the factory DVD so it will play sound through radio to car speakers. Or it can be played with headphones for the kids without going to speakers. If I want to play a dvd on dash radio I need to plug in the Video cable into the exterior video input on the Factory DVD - this allows dvd or map to display on the factory Dvd player.

It took about six months to get the info to figure out the factory DVD, finaly got the info from a great DVD factory expert.

The rep sent a PDF attachment with the info for hookup. Basically you have to make a loop from DVD back into DVD. It normally works by sending loop to factory radio and then radio back to DVD. Without factory radio you need to make it a loop at the DVD, and run a set of speaker wires (via RCA plug) to your new radio input with the sound will play through your new radio to your X speakers.

Since it is an attachement send me your email and I'll forward it too you. I do also have some pictures of my install I could send as well. It is all his work and method, not mine - it works.

I wish there was a way to get video from new radio to factory Dvd without external input, but I could not figure that one out. Took the DVD unit apart and just don't see working - not just a wire fix.

Send me your email for the pdf instructions via pm

 

[co_alpine]

I was looking around and don't see the DVD Keepers, do they still make them?

 

[ajohansson]

resurrection.

This diagram is on how to get video out of the factory dvd to the screen or basically tap into it. also how to tap into or relocate your rear dvd auxiliary input.

this youtube shows you how to retain the audio from the read dvd.

AJ

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/38333511/EXCURSION DVD DIAGRAM.pdf

 

[yarryman]

John

This is awesome. I have been trying to get this work around all day. Can you send me the instructions you have. My email is [email protected]

Thanks Todd

 

[yarryman]

will this work on a 2006 dodge durango as well?

email [email protected]

Thanks For the Help