Some friends of ours got their Honda Odyssey van totalled last night.
Not their fault, and everyone is okay.

Since I'm the local fix-it guy and electronics geek, I was asked if I could remove the DVD system for them before the van goes to salvage.
It's an aftermarket system from Best Buy. Screens in the ceiling, etc.
Not sure of the brand, but I figure that the basic premise is the same for all.

How do I get all this stuff out without breaking anything?
I'm sure it uses harnesses to the screens. Is that stuff generic? Proprietary? Part of the van wiring harness?

Any help will be hugely appreciated.

Steve

They used to have an install section here.


http://www.crutchfield.com/

Steve
There it is,
There it is
http://www.crutchfield.com/...tallationGuides.aspx

------------------
Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

[This message has been edited by 84fiero123 (edited 02-05-2010).]

If it's an aftermarket overhead, it's quite simple. You'll need to take out four (4) screws that secure the whole thing to the headliner. After that, it'll come down into your lap. Generally, there's a harness that will plug into the unit with 12"-18" of lead. Cut these wires separately...one will be 12V constant, another will be ground, a third will be ignition, and a fourth; dome supervision or door trigger (for the dome light). At any rate, it's now done and out.

You mention multiple screens...is this self-contained overhead system, or is it a stand-alone DVD player attached to satellite screens installed in headrests, for example. Any way you could get a few quick pictures? If I could get a few pictures, I'd have a much better idea of exactly what the setup looks like, and I could probably give you a pretty accurate walk-through to pull it all out.

Thanks guys!

It's got satellite screens, IIRC.
Can't get pics. It's in a yard, waiting for the adjustor to come and "pronounce it".

Make sure you follow all the wires and cables to find any hidden accesories to the head unit. They could be installed under seats or even under the rugs. Take all of it out if possible, you never know what you will need to reuse. My wife's aftermarket unit has a separate DVD player for the GPS disk and another box to connect extra screens, inputs and outputs. I have these mounted under the two front seats.

Avengador has excellent advice. Make sure you follow the wiring if possible and salvage everything, especially if you're not sure what it's for. You'll thank yourself later when you or somebody else has to re-install it. If they're headrest monitors, take the whole damn headrest (if the van's getting totaled anyway, nobody will care). The monitors can be removed later if they're not complete replacement units. Some headrest monitors are sold as complete replacement headrest units, and some are just to be installed in the cut factory headrest. The former is easier but more expensive, with the latter being harder but cheaper. If there's an aftermarket receiver that needs to be removed, go here, find the exact year and optioning (Nav, without-Nav, etc.), click on "Kits" and then click "product instructions". It will give you a complete (dis)assembly guide.

I just got some more info.
This just got a lot easier.
This is a stand alone, one piece unit that hangs from the ceiling.
Uses wireless headphones (?). Only integrated into the regular car system with a toggle switch for the speakers.
So... I might have a wireless transmitter to find. Otherwise, I think I'm set.

Thanks to everyone for all the help and links!
I think I've got this.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 02-05-2010).]

quote Originally posted by Raydar: I just got some more info. This just got a lot easier. This is a stand alone, one piece unit that hangs from the ceiling. Uses wireless headphones (?). Only integrated into the regular car system with a toggle switch for the speakers. So... I might have a wireless transmitter to find. Otherwise, I think I'm set. Thanks to everyone for all the help and links! I think I've got this.

Yea, that makes your life tons easier. Chances are great the FM Modulator is stuffed up in the headliner somewhere around the actual unit itself...