Rear Seat Entertainment Display

The overhead Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) display is an OEM DVD screen (fig. 14) that displays images from the DVD player located in the vehicle's radio. The DVD player is integrated into the radio and sends visual images to the overhead RSE display. The RSE display may be prematurely replaced due to misdiagnosis of the system. Here are some reasons that have been identified for these misdiagnoses.

TIP: There is also an SPO headrest DVD system available as a dealer-installed accessory. This sytem is independent of the factory-installed overhead system. Refer to SI documents for diagnosis and repair of the headrest system.

Audio with no video present

This condition is referred to as half-play. Half-play and detailed diagnosis are explained in bulletin 07-08-44-018, document ID 2006238.

Half-play occurs when the customer is watching a DVD and exits the vehicle. At the next key cycle, the DVD player (in the radio) begins to play the DVD, but the screen remains off or does not automatically come on. The RSE remote control should be used to turn on the RSE display. If the RSE display does not turn on after using the remote control, proceed with the diagnosis of the RSE system.

Other relevant bulletins are listed in the accompanying table.

RSE display blank or Inop

A blank or Inop RSE display is the most common customer concern for the RSE display. If the RSE display does not have all the necessary signals from the radio, it may not turn ON.

When diagnosing a blank or inop RSE display, refer to the RSE display service information, documents, bulletins, and PIs (Preliminary Information).

Relevant bulletins are listed in the accompanying table.

DVD player does not work

The DVD player is integrated into the radio and separate from the DVD screen. It should be diagnosed separately. The previous RSE system consisted of a DVD player and display integrated into the overhead console. These two components are separate in the present RSE system. Diagnosis of this issue should begin at the radio, because the RSE screen just displays what the radio sends it.

Remember -- the RSE screen and DVD player are separate components and should be diagnosed as such.

Other issues and concerns

Cracks, lines across the display and distorted images are other customer concerns which have been identified through the warranty return process.

Cracks in the RSE display may be caused by an interference of the two forward screws and the LCD. Steps have been taken to eliminate the cause in the assembly plant.

If there is a mark or gouge in the LCD, be sure the cause is not customer abuse.

Do not attempt to repair a RSE display with a broken latch. Replace the display.

Excessive movement in the screen occurs when the screen is opened past the built-in stops. The metal bracket inside the housing where the screen pivots is bent as a result of being opened past the built-in stops.

If there is physical damage to the plastic housing around the LCD display, be sure the cause is not customer abuse.

Improper use of labor codes for the GM SPO Headrest DVD systems.

There are separate labor codes for dealer installed GM accessories. The service manual has updated labor codes for dealer installed GM accessories.

The bulletin number is: 02-00-89-014C (document ID 2039059).

The labor code for the SPO Headrest DVD system is R9392. GM does not release an OEM Headrest DVD system, so all headrest systems should use this labor operation code.

The labor code to use for the overhead RSE display is R5554. Part number restrictions have been put in place for warranty claims against R5554. If the part number is not on the list of acceptable part numbers, the claim will be rejected. Be sure the correct labor operation code is used for the system being repaired.

- Thanks to Greg Rouse, Dean Matoski, Tom Hanselman and Katul Patel