GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Your vehicle may have a DVD Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system. The RSE system works with the vehicle's audio system and includes a radio that accepts CD audio or DVD video, a video display screen, two sets of wireless headphones, and a remote control.

Before You Drive

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

In severe or extreme weather conditions the RSE system might not work until the temperature is within the operating range. The operating range for the RSE system is above -4°F (-20°C) or below 140°F (60°C). If the temperature of your vehicle is outside of this range, heat or cool the vehicle until the temperature is within the operating range of the RSE system.

Headphones

The RSE includes two sets of wireless headphones that are only dedicated to this system. These headphones are used to listen to the radio with CD and DVD or an auxiliary device connected to the RCA jacks. The wireless headphones have an ON/OFF switch and a volume control.

To use the headphones, turn the switch to ON. An indicator light on the headphones comes on. If the light does not come on, the batteries might need to be replaced. See "Battery Replacement" later in this section for more information. Switch the headphones to OFF when not in use.

The infrared transmitters are located in the display below the video screen. The headphones shut off automatically to save the battery power if the DVD system is shut off or if the headphones are out of range of the transmitters for more than three minutes. If you move too far forward or step out of the vehicle, the headphones lose the audio signal.

To adjust the volume on the headphones, use the volume control located on the right side.

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. Slide open the battery door located on the left side of the headphones.
  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. Slide the battery door shut.

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


Object Number: 1327137  Size: B3

The RCA jacks are located behind the video screen on the overhead console. The RCA jacks allow audio or video signals to be connected from an auxiliary device such as a camcorder or a video game unit to the RSE. Adapter connectors or cables might be required to connect the auxiliary device to the RCA jacks. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper usage.

The RCA jacks are color coded to match typical home entertainment system equipment. The yellow jack (right) is for the video input. The white jack (middle) is for the left audio input. The red jack (left) is for the right audio input. The red connector must always be used in order for the DVD system to recognize that an external source is plugged in. With the radio on, the screen automatically switches to the rear auxiliary input when the red connector cable is inserted.

Power for auxiliary devices is not supplied by the radio system.

To use the auxiliary function, connect a camcorder or a video game unit to the RCA jacks and turn on the auxiliary device. To view a DVD, insert the DVD into the CD/DVD loading slot on the radio. The system automatically switches to DVD and starts to play. To switch between the auxiliary device and the DVD, press the DVD/AUX button on the radio faceplate or the SRCE (source) button on the remote control. See "DVD Player" and "Remote Control" later in this section for more information.

Audio Output

Only one audio source can be heard through the speakers at one time.

Press the power button to turn the radio on. The radio can be heard through all of the vehicle speakers.

When a DVD is inserted, playback is heard through the vehicle speakers and headphones.

Front seat passengers can listen to the radio by pressing the BAND button to select AM, FM or XM™ (if equipped). The rear seat speakers are muted for radio listening, and the DVD plays through the headphones (RSE Mode).

When RCA jacks are connected, the rear speakers are muted. The rear seat passengers are able to hear audio from the auxiliary device through the wireless headphones. The front seat passengers are able to listen to the radio through the front speakers, by pressing the BAND button to select AM, FM, or XM (if equipped), or listen to a CD that is inserted into the radio.

If a playback device is plugged into the radio's auxiliary input jack, the device can be heard through all of the vehicle speakers. In RSE mode the playback device is only heard through the front speakers.

Video Screen

The video screen is located in the overhead console.

To use the video screen, do the following:

  1. Push forward on the release button located on the DVD display console.
  2. Pull the screen down, away from you, and adjust its position as desired.

When the video screen is not in use, push it up into its locked position.

If a DVD is playing and the screen is raised to its locked position, the screen shuts off, but the DVD continues to play through the previous audio or video source.

The video screen contains the transmitters for the wireless headphones and the receivers for the remote control. If the screen is in the closed position, the signals are not available for the operation of the headphones or the remote control.

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


Object Number: 1613431  Size: B3

The DVD player is part of the radio and is located in the center of the instrument panel.

The DVD player is controlled by the buttons on the radio faceplate, or by the buttons on the remote control. See "Remote Control" later in this section for more information.

The DVD player is only compatible with DVDs that are authorized for use in the United States and Canada (Region Code 1). The DVD region code is printed on the jacket of most DVDs. Most audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3s can also be played by the radio with CD and DVD.

If an error message displays on the video screen or the radio, see "DVD Player Error Messages" later in this section.

Auxiliary Input Jack

The radio system has an auxiliary input jack located on the lower right side of the faceplate. An external audio device such as an iPod, MP3 player, or cassette player can be connected to the auxiliary input jack for use as another source for audio listening.

DVD Player Buttons

To learn about the DVD functions for this type of radio system, read the following for more information on the DVD player.

DVD/AUX (Auxiliary): While a DVD is playing, press this button to switch between front auxiliary and RSE. To listen to a DVD through the headphones, press this button. While a CD is playing, press this button to switch between playing a CD or the front auxiliary, if not in RSE mode. If the system is in RSE mode, press the power button on the remote control first, to listen to the CD through the headphones, while the front passengers listen to the front auxiliary.

(Power): Press this knob to turn the radio/DVD player on. Turn this knob clockwise to or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the volume. A single press turns the radio off, a quick double press turns off the entire radio and rear seat entertainment system.

(Tune): Turn this knob to change tracks on a CD or DVD, to manually tune a radio station, or to change clock or date settings, while in the clock or date setting mode. See Setting the Clock for more information.

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

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

REV (Reverse): Press this button to fast reverse the DVD or CD, five times the normal speed. The radio displays the elapsed time while in fast reverse. To stop fast reversing, press this button again. This button might not work while the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews.

FWD (Fast Forward): Press this button to fast forward the DVD or CD. The radio displays the elapsed time and fast forwards five times the normal speed. To stop fast forwarding, press this button again. This button might not work while the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews. Some DVDs begins playing after the previews have finished, although there could be a delay of up to 30 seconds. If the DVD does not begin playing the movie automatically, press the pushbutton located under the play/pause symbol tag displayed on the radio. If the DVD still does not play, refer to the on-screen instructions, if available.

(Eject): Press this button to eject a DVD or CD. If a DVD or CD is ejected, but not removed, the player automatically pulls it back in after 15 seconds. If the DVD does not begin playing the movie automatically, press the pushbutton located under the play symbol tag displayed on the radio. If the DVD still does not play, refer to the on-screen instructions (if available).

DVD Display Buttons

Once a DVD is inserted, a screen display menu shows several tag options for DVD playing. Press the pushbuttons located under any desired tag option during DVD playback. See the tag options listed below for more information:

/ (Play/Pause): Press either the play or pause icon displayed on the radio system, to toggle between pausing or restarting playback of a DVD. If the forward arrow is showing on display, the system is in pause mode. If the pause icon is showing on display, the system is in playback mode.

(Stop): Press this button to stop playing, rewinding, or fast forwarding a DVD.

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

(Menu): Press this button to access the DVD menu. The DVD menu is different on every DVD. Use the pushbuttons located under the navigation arrows to navigate the cursor through the DVD menu. After making a selection press the enter button. This button only operates when using a DVD.

Nav (Navigate): Press this button to display directional arrows for navigating through the menus.

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

Playing a Disc

To play a disc, gently insert the disc, with the label side up, into the loading slot. The player starts loading the disc into the system and display "Loading Disc" on the video screen. At the same time, the radio displays a softkey menu of options. The first option tag located on the left-hand side of the menu options, displays alternately the play or pause symbols. This indicates the system is loading the disc or is not yet ready to accept a play button press. The displayed symbol arrow remains until the disc is completely loaded or Promos and Copyright information has ended. The time can vary depending on the discs media type and format. Once the DVD is loaded into the system, a pause icon displays instead of the forward arrow. This indicates the system is in play mode, and the disc automatically starts playback.

Loading a disc into the system usually takes approximately 30 seconds for playback to begin.

If a DVD is already in the radio, press the play/pause button on the remote control, or press the pushbutton located under the play symbol tag displayed on the radio to start playing the disc, when the DVD system is active.

The DVD player might not accept some paper labeled media.

The DVD player/video screen can only be turned on by pressing the power button on the remote control or by inserting a DVD.

Playing an MP3 CD

The CD player has the ability to recognize up to 255 folders, and up to 255 files per folder to a maximum of 512 total MP3 selections on a CD. Mixed media CD's are not supported.

Stopping and Resuming Playback

To turn the RSE system off, press the power button twice on the radio.

To turn the RSE system back on again, press the power button on the radio, then press the DVD/AUX button. This brings up the softkey menu displayed on the radio. Press the play/pause icon to begin playback from where it had previously stopped.

To stop playing a DVD without turning off the system, press the stop button on the remote control, or press the pushbutton located under the stop or the play/pause symbol tags displayed on the radio.

To resume DVD playback, press the play/pause button on the remote control, or press the pushbutton located under the play/pause symbol tag displayed on the radio. The DVD should resume play from where it last stopped if the disc has not been ejected and the stop button has not been pressed twice on the remote control. If the disc has been ejected or the stop button has been pressed twice on the remote control, the disc resumes playing at the beginning of the disc.

Ejecting a Disc

Press the eject button on the radio to eject the disc. If a disc is ejected from the radio, but not removed, the radio reloads the disc after a short period of time. The disc is stored in the radio. The radio does 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 could affect the ability of the RSE transmitter to receive signals from the remote control. If the remote control does not seem to be working, the batteries might need to be replaced. See "Battery Replacement" later in this section. Objects blocking the line of sight could also affect the function of the remote control.

The DVD player can only be turned on by pressing the DVD/AUX button on the radio.

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.

Remote Control Buttons


Object Number: 870565  Size: B3
(Power): Press this button to turn the RSE screen on and off (also powers up the DVD player if a disc is loaded).

(Illumination):  Press this button to turn the remote control backlight on. The backlight times out after seven to ten seconds if no other button is pressed while the backlight is on.

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

(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 using a DVD.

, , , (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.

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

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

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

(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 varies 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 might 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.

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

(Stop): Press this button to stop playing, rewinding, or fast forwarding a DVD. 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 playing the DVD. While the DVD is playing, press the pause button then press the fast forward button. The DVD continues playing in a slow play mode. To cancel slow play mode, press the play/pause button.

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

(Next Track/Chapter): Press this button to advance to the beginning of the next track or chapter. This button might 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.

(Clear): Press this button, within three seconds after entering a numeric selection to clear all numeric inputs.

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

Battery Replacement

To change the remote control 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.

DVD Player Error Messages

The video screen could display one of the following:

Disc Load/Eject Error: This message displays when there are disc load or eject problems.

Disc Format Error: This message displays, if the disc is inserted with the disc label wrong side up, or if the disc is damaged.

Disc Region Error: This message displays, if the disc is not from a correct region.

No Disc Inserted: This message displays, if no disc is present when the EJECT or DVD/AUX button is pressed on the radio.

DVD Distortion

Video distortion could occur when operating cellular phones, scanners, CB radios, Global Position Systems (GPS)*, two-way radios, mobile fax, or walkie talkies.

It might 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 DVD Player

When cleaning the outside DVD faceplate and buttons, use only a clean cloth dampened with clean water.

Cleaning the Video Screen

When cleaning the video screen, use only a clean cloth dampened with clean water. Use care when directly touching or cleaning the screen, as damage could result.