5
Installing the DVD-ROM drive
The DVD-ROM drive box installs like an external amplifier or satellite
radio tuner. First, find a good location for it. Under the passenger
seat is the most common location — don’t worry about accessing
the drive regularly; once you’ve inserted the map disc, you won’t
likely take it out.
The box also contains a gyroscope, which relays important direction
information about the turns you make to the system. The system
uses this information in conjunction with the information it receives
from the GPS satellites with which it’s in contact via the antenna. You
must mount the box horizontally; mounting the box at an angle will
throw the gyroscope off, and cause the system to deliver incorrect
in-route guidance.
The DVD-ROM drive box has four mounting feet or a mounting
bracket. Once you’ve found the spot in which you’d like to mount the box, mark the location of the
feet. Drill holes for the screws (which are usually included). Before drilling, check beneath the
mounting location to make sure you don’t puncture the fuel tank, fuel lines, transmission or brake
lines, etc.
Wiring the system
Connect the box to both a constant and a switched 12-volt power source. Using a multimeter can
help you with this task. You’ll also need to find a place to ground the DVD-ROM drive — using a seat
bolt usually works well.
Run the speed sensor and reverse light leads to the box. Once that’s done, all you have left are the
audio/video connections.
If you have an in-dash receiver with a monitor, you can run a video cable from the navigation system
to the receiver’s video input. If you're using an external monitor, run the video cable from the
navigation system to the monitor’s video input. Some video receivers and external monitors feature
special navigation inputs for same-brand navigation systems, which provide the best screen
resolution, frees up the monitor’s standard input for another video component, and sometimes
facilitates touch-screen operation of the navigation system. It also takes care of the required
audio connection.
Lastly, you’ll need to connect the navigation system to an audio source in order to take advantage of
its voice prompts. Some navigation systems come with a small external speaker (or will
accommodate an optional one); if this is the case, check your owner’s manual for speaker placement
tips. Otherwise, you can connect the audio from the navigation system to your external monitor or
in-dash receiver via a set of standard RCA patch cables.
To ensure neat cable runs that are out of sight, you might have to remove trim panels and pull up
some of your vehicle’s carpet. Though not difficult, this should be done carefully. Once the cables are
connected, and the box is mounted, you’re ready to navigate.
The best place for the navigation unit itself is on the floor. For the gyroscope
to work accurately, you must make sure the unit is mounted horizontally,
and aligned correctly with respect to the vehicle. (“Brain box” of the Pioneer
AVIC-N1 navigation receiver shown above.)
All wires, including power, audio, and video, must be run from the
navigation unit to the appropriate locations, usually under the
vehicle’s carpet.
Always be careful when
drilling or cutting in a
vehicle. Be aware of
things such as wiring,
windows, fuel lines and
safety devices. Check
drilling/cutting depth
and location to avoid
damage to vehicle
appearance.
CAUTION:
!
®
Copyright 2005 Crutchfield Corporation
