[squid2004]

Finally got the mount I needed and some other pieces so I decided to tackle my video monitor install tonight. Took about 2 hours from start to finish and that includes removing plastic pieces, drilling/mounting, wiring, testing and cleaning up. And it should be known that I'm not a professional installer and not really a DIY kind of guy, but stuff like this is fun and helps you understand your vehicle better.

I love the stock JK head unit and the fact that is has DVD... so I purchased a $100 LCD monitor on ebay to take full advantage. You can find LCD monitors in this size anywhere from $90-300 depending on brand and quality. Pyle is probably the cheapest and this Sony used to go for $300-400 but are now like $150 on ebay. It was a steal at $100 - I wish the guy had more of them!


the monitor is a Sony LCD with wireless video capability, came with wireless headphones, has 2 video in, 1 out (to another monitor or recording device), separate video breakout box, all cabling, great manual, and looks fantastic.


So I started with removing the plastic over the rearview as I want to mount my monitor above it. It basically pops out as it is secured by the typical tabs. Turned over so you can see position of the tabs:



I used a universal ram mount with two ball ends for numerous configuration options. Re-installed the plastic now with the ram mount and sony monitor holder:


so now I start taking the dash apart. Always helps to know where the tabs are so you don't break or crack anything. top lid:


removing the dash face -- two screws at the top, two just below the power outlets (after you remove that lower cover in front of the shifter):


I stashed the separate video input/output box that the sony came with behind the glovebox - man there is a lot of room back there:


Head unit easily comes out by taking out 4 screws and simply pulling it out -- unplug the main wiring harness, antenna, and another plug and it comes all the way out.

I used a HDD LED cable from an old computer motherboard/case to easily plug into the video plugs 6 & 7 on the head unit (plug 6 is video and 7 is the ground plug):


I attached my video cable to that (spliced it together) and then cleaned everything up, fired it up and put in a music DVD.

clean install shot --- I ran the main cable to the monitor up through the plastic along the windshield and down the passenger side into the glovebox:


it's fairly easy to navigate the DVD using the headunit controls:




Then for kicks I wanted to try the wireless video feed so I had an x10 camera in the garage that was plugged in, switched to input 3/receiver on the monitor and low and behold, live video feed via wireless!


here is the wireless cam about 10 ft away. shot from the cam over to the jeep:




Next steps:
I'll probably add a backup (and maybe other) cameras next and use input 2 on the sony but have a switch or another video switcher. Probably add an xbox and other devices at some point so a switcher will come in handy. I'll also remove the power plug and hard wire it behind the dash. I may consider a second monitor for the rear seat - but I want it to easily flip up/down out of the way.


skill level: easy

time: 2-3 hours

tools: basic screwdriver and cloth to remove dash/plastic pieces, 7mm socket or screwdriver, wire stripper/crimper, video cable to cut/splice into head unit




Let me know if you'd like additional information or pictures.

[RedRockJK]

Excellent writeup!
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[Vincewms]

Nicely done! I dig the wireless capability too. Has anyone figured out how to keep the DVD player going in drive?

[gjeepguy]

i dont beleive that the DVD player is integrated with the jeep enough to know if you are in drive...

since it didnt come with a monitor from the factory, the dvd feature allows you to put mp3s on a dvd (larger storage capacity than a CD) to play in the jeep.

[squid2004]

Originally Posted by Vincewms

Nicely done! I dig the wireless capability too. Has anyone figured out how to keep the DVD player going in drive?

Thanks!


I put it in reverse, neutral and drive and it stayed on --- however I haven't been on the road yet. So hopefully it doesn't turn off when I reach a certain speed.

However, there was a "parking brake" wire with the monitor that is optional.


EDIT: just drove around and it worked flawlessly

[VBS4]

It won't turn off at any speed. I've had mine going for several months now and taken several trips.

[mikejwil]

Excellent info! Thanks!

[roldog24]

What Kind of LCD is that? I looked all over ebay for that type of lcd with the wireless and video adapters but was unsuccessful. A model type would be a big help as I am doing the same project very soon.

Thanks

[squid2004]

Originally Posted by roldog24

What Kind of LCD is that? I looked all over ebay for that type of lcd with the wireless and video adapters but was unsuccessful. A model type would be a big help as I am doing the same project very soon.

Thanks

I think it may be discontinued as they had a head unit that worked with it to display dvd video wirelessly. So a $400 monitor was going for $150 or so on ebay, but there were only a couple. One night i saw one auction ending in like 30 mins for this monitor and snatched it up for $100.

It's awesome but you may not be able to find them anymore. Here is the model info: Sony XVM-F65WL headrest monitor 6.5 widescreen


I'm afraid to share that info almost as I'd like a 2nd one for the rear

[RON310]

so let me see if i understand this correctly....

The head unit can play dvd's, but you need to get your own screen?
The capability is already there?

[BeerMonkeY]

you are correct, and it will play video while driving.

[SW4006]

I put a DVD in the stock unit with no monitor and it would not play the CD. It displayed something like "CD read error". Does it need to have a monitor to work.

Sounds like a dumb question, but I figured that if I put a DVD in, I would at least be able to hear the music on the menu screen. What do you think?

[RedRockJK]

Originally Posted by SW4006

I put a DVD in the stock unit with no monitor and it would not play the CD. It displayed something like "CD read error". Does it need to have a monitor to work.

Sounds like a dumb question, but I figured that if I put a DVD in, I would at least be able to hear the music on the menu screen. What do you think?

You have to have the 6-disc in dash changer to play DVD's. If you only have a single disc head unit it will only play CD's.
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[squid2004]

Originally Posted by RON310

so let me see if i understand this correctly....

The head unit can play dvd's, but you need to get your own screen?
The capability is already there?

do you have the 6-disc and does it have the DVD logo on the front?

[Thunderstrike]

Please update the post with a video switcher. I've been thinking about having 2-3 video feed and would like to know which swith you'll be using.