How to Install a Car Multimedia System

An all-in-one car multimedia system provides a number of attractive options for car drivers. DVD and video game options allow backseat passengers to watch movies and play games, while GPS navigation options help the driver get where he needs to go. Professionals can install a car multimedia system for you, but if you have the know-how, you can do it yourself and save a little money.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Pencil or marker
• Utility knife
• Drill

1. Determine the size and location of your car multimedia system. You'll typically need to place monitors where the driver cannot see them, as it's illegal for a screen to be in view of the driver in most states. The easiest option is to mount it in the ceiling of the car, near the dome light.

2. Disconnect the negative terminal in your car's battery. You never want electricity running while you install a car multimedia system.

3. Unscrew the mounting on the dome light and remove it from its housings.

4. Hold the multimedia system up to the point on the ceiling where you intend to install it. Mark that location with a pencil or marker. Use a utility knife to cut the fabric away from the marked-off portion of the car's ceiling.

5. Remove the mounting bracket which held the dome light and install the mounting bracket for the multimedia system. Specific methods vary according to the multimedia system. Some may be mounted with screws, while others may need to be drilled into the car ceiling.

6. Run the cables from the multimedia system beneath the fabric of the ceiling into the electrical system of the car, along with any existing antennas, VCRs, game systems or DVD players included in the multimedia system. Specifics will vary according to model, though most will have a power and accessory harness, an FM receiver cable and a new dome light cable to hook up to the old dome light. Consult your instruction manual for specifics.

7. Check the wiring to make sure it doesn't cross over into any important areas, obscure your view of the car's instrumentation or otherwise interfere with normal driver and passenger activities.

8. Raise the video console into position and connect it to all of the pertinent wiring.

9. Install the console into the mounting bracket, securing it into place with screws or drills as appropriate to the specific model.

10. Reconnect the battery and run through all of the options on the multimedia player to ensure that everything is working correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• Particulars will vary widely depending upon the kind of multimedia system you buy and the car you intend to install it in. Always consult your instruction manual, and contact the car dealer or manufacturer if you have any questions.