Question for Audio Experts (DVD headunit)

[Curt NA]

Question for all the audio experts out there:



I recently purchased a DVD head unit. In the instructions, it was mentioned that if the parking brake wire was not connected, then video will not play. I believe the manual states the parking brake wire on the radio is "B-". Could I just hook up this wire to ground (also stated as "B-") in order for the video to play properly?



I understand why they are trying to impose this restriction, but I am definitely not planning on watching videos while driving. In addition, I don't want to snake the wire all the way to the parking brake.



TIA!

 

[Curt NA]

If just grounding the head unit's parking brake wire doesn't work, does anyone know which wire I need to connect to on the ST?



I have the wiring diagram from the link below, but I can't see a parking brake wire.

 

[Dan Long]

Some units can get away with just grounding the wire permanently, but some others will need a switch hooked up. My Alpine requires you to set the brake, then release it, then set it again to display video functions. To bypass this, I used a Pac TR-7 (I think thats the #) module that does this automatically, so I never have to worry about it. What headunit are you using?

 

[Todd Z]

Couldn't you just use a toggle switch ???? Then flip it as many times as needed ???



Todd Z

 

[user 62851]

On my alpine IVA310, I have a toggle switch and for the video to be used, I just need to put my foot on the brake, click the switch 3 times and release the brake. (not the e-brake)

 

[Dan Long]

That's what I meant by switch:wacko:... but the PAC module is MUCH nicer!

 

[Curt NA]

Thanks for the help, guys. I haven't actually tried to install the unit yet. If I decide to hook the wire up to the parking brake, where could I find the correct wire on an '01 ST?

 

[Axel Deneselya]

the pac 7 is only 20 bucks or so. I have it on my alpine iva-w205. it is the way to go. A switch will work as well if you dont mind the hassle.

 

[Dan Long]

Find the wire going to the parking brake, set the brake and test the wire to make sure its giving you a ground. Release the brake and verify that there is no ground at the wire. If the above conditions are met, that's the wire you want. Really though, the PAC module is every penny!

 

[Woppy V]

[Broken External Image]:



Here is what I had to do. I added a toggle switch to my ground and installed it into the center console. Flick that once or twice and bam you are watchin TV when you shouldn't be!

 

[Curt NA]

Thanks to everyone who replied.



I lucked out and found that all I needed to do was ground the wire in order for the video to work. Best solution was free!