GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Your vehicle may have a DVD Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system. The RSE system includes a DVD player, a video display screen, two sets of wireless headphones, and a remote control.

Parental Control

This button is located behind the video screen. Press this button while a DVD or CD is playing to freeze the video and mute the audio. The video screen will display Parental Control ON and the power indicator light on the DVD player will flash. It will also disable all other button operations from the remote control and the DVD player, with the exception of the eject button. Press this button again to restore operation of the DVD player.

This button may also be used to turn the DVD player power on and automatically resume play if the ignition is in RUN, ACCESSORY, or if RAP is active.

Before You Drive

The RSE system is for rear seat passengers only. The driver cannot safely view the video screen while driving and should not try to do so.

Headphones

The RSE system includes two sets of wireless headphones.

Each set of headphones has an ON/OFF control. An indicator light will illuminate on the headphones when they are on. If the light does not illuminate, the batteries may need to be replaced. See "Battery Replacement" later in this section for more information. To turn the headphones off activate the ON/OFF control.

Each set of headphones has a volume knob. To adjust the volume, adjust this knob.

The transmitters are located below the video display screen. The headphones will shut off automatically if they lose the signal from the system after about four minutes to save battery power. The signal may be lost if the system is turned off or if the headphones are out of range of the transmitters.

When using the wired headphones, if the front seat passengers use XM™ Satellite Radio Service (if equipped), you will hear the audio for XM™, instead of the DVD or CD that is currently playing through the RSE.

Notice: Do not store the headphones in heat or direct sunlight. This could damage the headphones and repairs will not be covered by the warranty. Storage in extreme cold can weaken the batteries. Keep the headphones stored in a cool, dry place.

Battery Replacement

To change the batteries, do the following:

  1. Loosen the screw on the battery compartment door located on the left side of the headphone earpiece.
  2. Replace the two AAA batteries in the compartment. Make sure that they are installed correctly, using the diagram on the inside of the battery compartment.
  3. Tighten the screw to close the compartment door.

If the headphones are to be stored for a long period of time, remove the batteries and keep them in a cool, dry place.

Stereo RCA Jacks

The RCA jacks are located behind the video screen. The RCA jacks allow audio and video signals to be connected from an auxiliary device such as a camcorder or a video game unit to the RSE system. Standard RCA cables, not included, are needed to connect the auxiliary device to the RCA jacks. The yellow connector inputs video and the red and white connectors input right and left audio. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper connection of the auxiliary device.

To use the auxiliary inputs on the RSE system, connect an external auxiliary device to the color-coded RCA jacks and turn both the auxiliary device and the RSE system power on. If the RSE system had been previously in the DVD player mode, pressing the SRCE button on the faceplate or the remote control will switch the RSE system between the auxiliary device and the DVD player.

How to Change the Video Format when in the Auxiliary Mode

The auxiliary input video format is preset to NTSC. In some countries, the video format may be in PAL system. To change the video format, perform the following:

  1. Press the display menu button.
  2. Press the down arrow button to highlight the Video Format option.
  3. Press the enter button to select Video Format.
  4. Press the right or left arrow button to select the desired video format.
  5. Press the enter button to accept the change.

Audio Output

Audio from the DVD player or auxiliary inputs may be heard through the following possible sources:

    • Wireless Headphones
    • Vehicle Speakers
    • Vehicle wired headphone jacks on the Rear Seat Audio system (if equipped)

The RSE system will always transmit the audio signal by infrared to the wireless headphones, if there is audio available. See "Headphones" previously for more information.

The RSE system is capable of outputting audio to the vehicle speakers by using the radio. The RSE system may be selected as an audio source on the radio if the RSE system power is on. Once the RSE system is selected as an audio source on the radio, adjust the speaker volume on the radio, if necessary. If the RSE system power is not on, the RSE system will not be an available source on the radio. Refer to the radio information for the radio that your vehicle has for more information.

The RSE system is capable of outputting audio to the wired headphone jacks on the Rear Seat Audio system (if equipped). The RSE system may be selected as an audio source on the Rear Seat Audio system if the RSE system power is on. Refer to Rear Seat Audio (RSA) for more information.

Video Screen

The video screen is located in the overhead console. To use the video screen, push forward on the release latch and the screen will fold down. Adjust the screen's position as desired. When the video screen is not in use, push it up into its latched position.

The DVD player and display will continue to operate when the screen is in the up or the down position. This video screen contains the transmitters for the wireless headphones and the remote control. If the screen is in the closed position, the signals will not be available for the operation of the wireless headphones and the remote control.

Your vehicle may also have a video screen for the third row passengers. The second row video screen must be in the down position for the wireless headphones and the remote control to work with the third row video screen.

To use the video screen, push forward on the release latch and the screen will fold down. Adjust the screen's position as desired. When the video screen is not in use, push it up into its latched position.

Notice: Avoid directly touching the video screen, as damage may occur. See "Cleaning the Video Screen" later in this section for more information.

DVD Player

The DVD player is located in the overhead console. The DVD player can be controlled by the buttons on the DVD player and by the buttons on the remote control. See "Remote Control" later in this section for more information.

The DVD player power may be turned on when the ignition is in RUN, ACCESSORY, or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active.

The RSE system DVD player is only compatible with DVDs of the appropriate region code for the country that the vehicle was sold in. The DVD region code is printed on the jacket of most DVDs.

Standard audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, Video CD and Photo CD/CD-R media are fully supported by this DVD player. DVD-R and DVD-RW media is supported if formatted as DVD-Video. DVD+R and DVD+RW media may or may not be supported by the DVD player. The DVD player does not support DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, and DVD Audio media. An error message will appear on the display if this type of media is inserted into the DVD player.

When using the wired headphones, if the front seat passengers use XM™ Satellite Radio Service (if equipped), you will hear the audio for XM™, instead of the DVD or CD that is currently playing through the RSE.

If an error message appears on the video screen, see "DVD Messages" later in this section.


Object Number: 878195  Size: B2

DVD Player Buttons

(Power): Press this button to turn the RSE system on and off. The power indicator light will illuminate when the power is on.

(Eject): Press this button to eject a DVD or CD.

SRCE (Source): Press this button to switch between the DVD player and an auxiliary source.

(Stop): Press this button to stop playing, rewinding, or fast forwarding a DVD or CD. Press this button twice to return to the beginning of the DVD.

(Play/Pause): Press this button to start play of a DVD or CD. Press this button while a DVD or CD is playing to pause it. Press this button again to continue the play of the DVD or CD.

(Main DVD Menu): Press this button to access the DVD menu. The DVD menu is different on every DVD. Use the up, down, left, and right arrow buttons to move the cursor around the DVD menu. After making a selection press the enter button. This button only operates when playing a DVD.

(Set-up Menu): Press this button to adjust the color, tint, brightness, contrast, display mode, and dynamic range compression. The dynamic range compression feature can be used to reduce loud audio and increase low audio produced by some DVDs. If your vehicle has the third row video screen, press the set-up menu button twice, to access the set-up menu. To change a feature back to the factory default setting, press this button to display the feature, then press and hold this button. The default setting will appear on the display. While playing an Audio or DVD disc, press and hold this button to display and to remove the track and time information.

, , , (Menu Navigation Arrows): Use the arrow buttons to navigate through a menu.

(Enter): Press this button to select the choices that are highlighted in any menu.

Playing a Disc

To play a disc, gently insert the disc with the label side up into the loading slot. The DVD player will continue loading the disc and the player will automatically start, if the vehicle is in RUN, ACCESSORY, or when RAP is active.

If a disc is already in the player, press the play/pause button on the DVD player faceplate or on the remote control.

Some DVDs will not allow fast forwarding or skipping of the copyright information or previews. Some DVDs will begin playing after the previews have finished. If the DVD does not begin to play the main title, refer to the on-screen instructions.

Stopping and Resume Playback

To stop playing a disc, press and release the stop button on the DVD player faceplate or the remote control.

To resume playback, press the play/pause button on the DVD player faceplate or the remote control. The movie should resume play from where it was last stopped, if the disc has not been ejected and the stop button has not been pressed twice. If the disc has been ejected or if the stop button has been pressed twice, the disc will resume play at the beginning.

Ejecting a Disc

Press the eject button on the DVD player faceplate to eject the disc. There is not an eject button on the remote control.

If a disc is ejected from the player, but is not removed, the DVD player will reload the disc after a short period of time. The disc will be stored in the DVD player. The DVD player will not resume play of the disc automatically.

Remote Control

To use the remote control, aim it at the transmitter window below the video screen and press the desired button. Direct sunlight or very bright light may affect the ability of the RSE system to receive signals from the remote control. If the remote control does not seem to be working, the batteries may need to be replaced. See "Battery Replacement" later in this section.

Objects blocking the line of sight may also affect the function of the remote control.

Notice: Storing the remote control in a hot area or in direct sunlight can damage it, and the repairs will not be covered by the warranty. Storage in extreme cold can weaken the batteries. Keep the remote control stored in a cool, dry place.

To extend the life of the batteries, the remote control does not have a press and hold feature.

Remote Control Buttons


Object Number: 870565  Size: B3
(Power): Press this button to turn the DVD player on and off.

(Title): Press this button to return the DVD to the main menu of the DVD.

, , , (Menu Navigation Arrows): Use the arrow buttons to navigate through a menu.

(Set-up Menu): Press this button to adjust the color, tint, brightness, contrast, display mode, and dynamic range compression. The dynamic range compression feature can be used to reduce loud audio and increase low audio produced by some DVDs.

(Audio): Press this button to display a menu that will only appear when a DVD is playing. The format and content of this function will vary for each disc.

(Fast Reverse): Press this button to fast reverse the DVD or CD. To stop fast reversing, press this button again. This button may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews.

SRCE (Source): Press this button to switch between the DVD player and an auxiliary source.

(Stop): Press this button to stop playing, rewinding, or fast forwarding a DVD or CD. Press this button twice to return to the beginning of the DVD.

(Previous Track/Chapter): Press this button to return to the start of the current track or chapter. Press this button again to return to the previous track or chapter. This button may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews.

1 through 0 (Numeric Keypad): The numeric keypad provides the capability of direct chapter, title, and track number selection.

⊕10 (Double Digit Entries): Press the button, to select chapter, title, and track numbers greater than 9. Press this button before inputting the number.

(Clear): Press this button, within three seconds after inputting a number to clear the number(s).

(Illumination):  Press this button to turn the remote control backlight on. The backlight will time out after about 7 to 10 seconds if no other button is pressed while the backlight is on.

(Main DVD Menu): Press this button to access the DVD menu. The DVD menu is different on every DVD. Use the up, down, left, and right arrow buttons to move the cursor around the DVD menu. After making a selection press the enter button. This button only operates when playing a DVD.

(Enter): Press this button to select the choices that are highlighted in any menu.

(Return): Press this button to exit the current active menu and return to the previous menu. This button will operate only when a DVD is playing and a menu is active.

(Camera Angle): Press this button to change camera angles on DVDs that have this feature when a DVD is playing. The format and content of this function will vary for each disc.

(Subtitle): Press this button to turn on subtitles and to move through subtitle options when a DVD is playing. The format and content of this function will vary for each disc.

(Fast Forward): Press this button to fast forward the DVD or CD. To stop fast forwarding, press this button again. This button may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews.

(Play/Pause): Press this button to start play of a DVD or CD. Press this button while a DVD or CD is playing to pause it. Press this button again to continue the play of the DVD or CD. When the DVD is playing, press the pause button then press the fast forward button. The DVD will continue playing in a slow play mode. To cancel slow play mode, press the play/pause button.

(Next Track/Chapter): Press this button to advance to the beginning of the next track or chapter. This button may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews.

Battery Replacement

To change the batteries, do the following:

  1. Remove the battery compartment door located on the bottom of the remote control.
  2. Replace the two AA batteries in the compartment. Make sure that they are installed correctly, using the diagram on the inside of the battery compartment.
  3. Close the battery door securely.

If the remote control is to be stored for a long period of time, remove the batteries and keep them in a cool, dry place.

Tips and Troubleshooting Chart

Problem

Recommended Action

No power.

The ignition might not be in on or accessory.

The parental control button might have been turned on. The power indicator light will flash.

Disc will not play.

The system might be off.

The parental control button might have been turned on. The power indicator light will flash.

The system might be in auxiliary mode.

The disc is upside down or is not compatible.

The picture does not fill the screen. There are black borders on the top and bottom or on both sides or it looks stretched out.

Check the display mode settings in the display menu.

The disc was ejected, but it was pulled back into the DVD player.

The disc is being stored in the DVD player. Press the eject button again to eject the disc.

In auxiliary mode, the picture moves or scrolls.

Check the auxiliary input connections at both devices.

Change the Video Format to PAL or NTSC. See "Stereo RCA Jacks" previously for how to change the video format.

The language in the audio or on the screen is wrong.

Check the audio or language selection in the main DVD menu.

The remote control does not work.

Check to make sure there is no obstruction between the remote control and the transmitter window.

Check the batteries to make sure they are not dead or installed incorrectly.

The parental control button might have been turned on. The power indicator light will flash.

After stopping the player, I push Play but sometimes the DVD starts where I left off and sometimes at the beginning.

If the stop button was pressed one time, the DVD player will resume playing where the DVD was stopped. If the stop button was pressed two times the DVD player will begin to play from the beginning of the DVD.

The auxiliary source is running but there is no picture or sound.

Check that the DVD player is in the auxiliary source mode.

Check the auxiliary input connections at both devices.

My disc is stuck in the player. The Load/Eject button does not work.

Turn the DVD power off, then on, then press the load/eject button on the DVD player.

Do not attempt to forcibly remove the disc from the DVD player. This could permanently damage the disc and DVD player.

Sometimes the wireless headphone audio cuts out or buzzes.

Check for obstructions, low batteries, reception range and interference from cellular telephone towers or by using your cellular telephone in the vehicle.

Check that the headphones are facing the front of the vehicle.

I lost the remote and/or the headphones.

See your dealer for assistance.

The DVD is playing, but there is no picture or sound.

Check that the DVD player is in DVD mode.

The audio/video skips or jumps.

The DVD or CD could be dirty, scratched, or damaged.

The audio from XM™ has taken over the audio from the DVD or CD when using the wired headphones.

The RSE is working correctly.

Use the wireless headphones or have the front seat passengers listen to another audio source.

DVD Messages

The following errors may be displayed on the video screen:

Disc Format Error: This message will be displayed if a disc is inserted upside down, if the disc is not readable, or if the format is not compatible with the DVD player.

Load/Eject Error: This message will be displayed if the disc is not properly loaded or ejected.

Disc Play Error: This message will be displayed if the DVD player cannot play the disc. Scratched or damaged discs will cause this error.

Region Code Error: This message will be displayed if the region code of the DVD is not compatible with the region code of the DVD player.

No Disc: This message will be displayed if any of the buttons on the DVD faceplate or remote control are pressed and no disc is present in the DVD player.

DVD Distortion

There may be an experience with audio distortion in the wireless headphones when operating cellular phones, scanners, CB radios, Global Positioning Systems (GPS)*, two-way radios, mobile fax, or walkie talkies.

It may be necessary to turn off the DVD player when operating one of these devices in or near the vehicle.

* Excludes the OnStar® System.

Cleaning the Video Screen

Pour some isopropyl or rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and gently wipe the video screen. Do not spray directly onto the screen and do not press too hard or too long on the video screen.