I want to get a lariot with the DVD installed. I can find the exact truck I want on the website except for this option. So far the only place with info is here. Does anyone know if the dealers are going to see any or is this something you have to special order. Why havn't they arrived yet. Their must be a demand for them. The dealer's have no clue. BTW, this place is full of usefull info---thanks.

 

I think, maybe it has to be special order, at least that's what my dealer said. at least for now---just got mine this weekend with factory DVD, and it is awesome---will have some pics this week

 

JDpete, when you use your DVD do you tune the radio to a certain frequency to hear the DVD sound or do you push the AUX button on the radio. And which radio do you have, Audiophile, or standard?
Thanks,
Adam

 

I have not got to look at it real good,, they are sending me the wireless headphones for it this week along with the instruction book---when you turn it on, it automatically goes to the aux and you hear it through the speakers---when you turn it off, and go to FM or CD it turns the tv off as well---I will know more when I get the book---movie sounds real good with audiophile though

 

Since this was a late add to be able to get the option I'd imagine they'd MAYBE just be getting them in stock now. You can also have your dealer do a search to try and find your exact truck if you don't feel like looking at stock one dealership at a time.

 

FXtriton, as jdpete noted, the DVD uses the CAN buss to control the radio and uses the aux input. you do not need to tune to a particular radio frequency because the output of the DVD is line level in to the radio.

CRfoot. The DVD is an option when ordering a vehicle
the intent of the rail system was to enable accessories like the DVD to be added by consumers when they needed the products. Unfortunately, regarding the DVD. Ford has not issued our change which adds a wire harness to allow the DVD to be installed after a vehicle is built. The change is due in start of model year 05 ( summer 2004)

I work for the company that designed and manufactures the Rail system and DVD for Ford (Johnson Controls) We are pushing them to make the change (intent was when DVD came out last December) but we have not had luck convincing them to do it before model year change over. I have not given up though.

I will be at the detroit autoshow this week and talking with the ford execs when they come to our private showroom (we sponsor part of the detroit autoshow) There we will have more than 20 potential new modules for the rail to guage OEM interest.

so, hopefully you are considering ordering a truck. right now this is the only way to get the DVD. the DVD also has its own aux inputs. so this will allow you to use sat radio, etc into the line level aux on the radio through the DVD control. this is higher sound quality than using the Sat radio's FM modulator for example. I am evaluating the difference right now in my personal truck (04 FX4) using our DVD

regarding finding one on a lot with DVD. I am not sure how many dealers will take the chance on the $1400 option for inventory. This is why the "prewire kit" will be so helpful for dealers. they order the kit ($50 option) and the wire harness comes in the headliner. you choose to add a DVD to one of these inventory trucks and in 2.5 minutes it is installed......what an easy sell. no labor $$ or time. or if you want the DVD later. this is the truck to have..... seems a no brainer.


hope this helps

Rambunctious

 

When is someone going to come out with a DIN sized overhead bin? I could care less about fords dvd system, I just want a din-bin to put my own player in. Is it possible to order the bin that fords currently using for there dvd? I already have an aftermaket system and all the aftermarket wiing run under the headliner right now. Im currently using a metro bin that I removed the swingdown lid tohold my dvd player. It would look so much nicer if I could get ahold of fords bin there using.

 

Thanks Rambunctious, let me get this straight. So far no 04 Fords are coming with the DVD unless special ordered! But you can get a prewire kit for 50 bucks. Question is who insalls the kit? Is it an option from ford? Do I ask the dealer to install it at their lot? Also if the wire kit is installed will any name brand auto-dvd player work if it fits in the bin? Thanks for your time.
Keith

 

Can I order the wiring harness after the fact. I already have my truck and don't want fm modulation.

 

I'd like to get the DVD system installed, as well, and would like to avoid going with an FM modulator. That prewire kit sure would come in handy. Still, the dealer would need to install it under the headliner.

 

Does anyone know if you can use the rail DVD system without the wiring harness? Does that just mean that you can't play the DVD audio through the speaker system but would have to use headphones? I'm reluctant to have the dealer pull apart my dashboard and headliner as the last time they did (for an alarm installation) the dashboard popped loose every time I turned the fog lights on by pulling the headlight **** out. I have until July to get something installed as that is when I will be going on a 12 hour drive to Michigan with 2 small children.

 

I apologize if i didn't explain it well.

here is the deal

the only way currently to get the factory DVD is to order it as a line item when ordering the vehicle , like leather seats or audiophile ( not sure if that is different than "special order")

the prewire kit is another option that a dealer can check when ordering a vehicle for you or for thier inventory. it is the bundle needed for the FORD dvd player. this allows a dealer to make a $50 investment on the possibilitiy that someone will want a FORD dvd. they can then cut a small hole in headliner, pull down the connector, connect to a DVD and click it on the rail (7 minute job)

it unfortunately does not work for any device. our software in the DVD uses Ford's CAN bus to commmunicate with the radio through this prewire kit.

it unfortunatley also wont be a line item to check until model year 05. I really think Ford is making a mistake by delaying this.

I am trying to push three things: the prewire kit as an order line item now!!!, the prewire kit as a service/accessories part so you or a dealer could at least put a factory DVD in after the fact, and the DVD as a service/accessories part now that it's wire harness is available.

but all three are not currently available


Toddh. the DVD is a little different than one of the large bins. it is longer and holds the drive and electronics fixed inside, and only the integrated screen folds down to view. so it would be a $1400 box for your DVD drive after you removed all the guts.

does your application fold shut or stay in the visible position.
nice retrofit

I do like your Din Bin idea. that really makes sence. I will mention that one to our team or forward these latest posts as I have with the previous ones.


hope this helps

thanks

Ramb

 

What does the dvd wiring harness prep package look like? I took off the bin in my truck and there was a very neatly cut hole( about 2 x 3 in. rectangle) with wires just inside. I didn't order the prep package so was wondering what these wires were for.

 

If you have the pre wiring harness it will be on you window sticker.

 

I'm pretty sure it isn't one of the options on the sticker. So any ideas what the wires are for?