How to Wire a DVD Player in Cars

Unless it has batteries or a cigarette lighter adapter, a DVD player installed in your car must be connected to the car's power source. There are usually three different color-coded wires attached to the player. One is connected to the ignition switch to supply power when the switch is on. Another goes to a constant power source when the ignition is off. The third wire grounds the DVD and power supply to prevent an electrical discharge.

Things You'll Need

• Wire crimping tool
• Screwdriver
• Wrench

Instructions

1. Route the wires from the DVD player out to the engine compartment. Your method for doing this depends on where the player is mounted. If it's a headrest player, send the wires down through and underneath the seat. If it's an overhead player, send the wires underneath the upholstery.

2. Connect the red wire from the DVD player to the ignition switch. Insert the wire lead into one of the pin holes on the switch's electrical connector.

3. Attach the yellow wire to a constant 12-volt power source. The car battery itself is a good choice. Loosen the bolts on the battery, strip the insulation off the wire and secure the wire underneath the bolts.

4. Mount the black wire to a good ground. This can be any metal place on the car where you can secure the wire lead under a screw or something similar. Such screws can be found in the chassis.

Tips & Warnings

• Audio output sources in DVD players can vary. Some players connect to external speakers through RCA cables and some have wireless headphones. Consult the manual for the audio options for your particular player.