There are a few different types of flat screens you can install in your car. This can be a screen for a TV, DVD player or computer. When installing a flat screen, the two most common locations are within the dashboard or in one of the seat headrests. You will need a screen designed specifically for one of these locations. Each location has a different method of installation.
Instructions
Dashboard
1. Disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable using a wrench on the black cable clamp nut.
2. Remove the trim panel that surrounds the radio. You usually need to pry it off with a trim stick.
3. Remove the radio's fasteners with a screwdriver or wrench and pull the unit out of the dash. Disconnect the antenna lead and electrical connector from the back end of the unit.
4. Feed the three wires into the dashboard, route the switched power wire (usually red) to the ignition switch and insert it into the switch's wire harness. You will likely need to unscrew and remove the steering column cover using a screwdriver.
5. Run the constant power wire (yellow) through the firewall and to the battery. Loosen the positive battery cable's clamp nut with your wrench, insert the wire within the clamp and tighten the clamp.
6. Mount the black ground wire underneath a screw on the chassis or at some similar ground point.
7. Insert the flat screen into the dashboard and reconnect the trim panel, then reconnect the battery cable.
Headrest
8. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
9. Remove the headrest from the seat --- there is often a hole in the base where you'll push a pin into it to release the clips ---and remove the upholstery cover from the headrest.
10. Place the screen's mounting bracket on the back side of the headrest and trace its outline onto the foam using a marker.
11. Cut into the foam with a knife using the trace marks as a guide. Hollow out the foam until it can fit the mounting bracket inside. Drill a hole into the bottom of the foam with a large screwdriver where the frame's wire hole will be.
12. Place the cover back on the headrest and cut out a hole in the upholstery where it covers the mounting hole.
13. Apply contact cement to the newly created hole in the headrest and then place the frame into the hole. Wait for the cement to dry completely.
14. Insert the screen into the frame and feed the wiring through the hole in the bottom.
15. Run the wiring down the seat and toward the steering column, then connect the wires as described in Steps 4-6 in Section 1. Reconnect the battery afterward.
Tags: battery cable, cable clamp, flat screen, foam with, into dashboard