Wiring the system

The last thing you'll have to do is make the power and signal connections.

For the system to work, you'll need to use both a constant and 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 perfectly.

You'll run the speed sensor and reverse light leads to the box as well. Once that's done, all you have left are the audio/video connections.

All wires, including power, audio, and video, must be run from the navigation unit to the appropriate locations, usually under the vehicle's carpet.

Navigation systems require an external monitor for operation. 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've got just an external monitor, you can simply 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 in addition to a standard video input. This provides 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. As mentioned above, some connect to same-brand monitors and receivers with a single cable; this is the easiest solution.

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.

All the cables and wires, of course, have to be run from the DVD-ROM drive box to their various locations. 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.