Rear Seat Entertainment Display Overview

The seatback Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system available in the 2010 Equinox, Terrain, SRX and LaCrosse features OEM DVD screens that display video from the DVD player located in the vehicle's radio. The screens may also display video provided to the auxiliary video input jacks located at the rear of the center console. (Fig. 1)

The RSE displays may be prematurely replaced due to misdiagnosis of the system. Keep in mind the following operating characteristics before replacing a display.

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

CHANGES FROM PRIOR OVERHEAD SYSTEMS

IR Transmitters are only on the Left (Driver-side) RSE Display

Eight infrared LED transmitters are used to send audio signals to the wireless headphones that are included with the system. These LEDs are located on the driver-side screen, and are aimed to provide a signal to any rear seating position. (Fig. 2)

During operation, the LEDs may be visible through the lens on the driver'-side display, but not visible from the passenger-side seating position. This is NORMAL OPERATION -- the illuminated LEDs are located on the driver-side only.

Cannot Receive AM/FM/XM Audio on Wireless Headphones

The seatback RSE system is different from prior overhead RSE systems in that the RSA (Rear Seat Audio) system is no longer required with RSE. If the RSA system is not included with the vehicle, the audio that can be heard on wireless headphone channel 2 will ONLY be from a device (IPod, MP3 player, game system, etc.) that is connected to the rear seat auxiliary audio jacks.

Wireless headphone channel 1 will provide audio from any disc in the DVD player, including DVD audio, CD audio and MP3 or WMA audio discs.

Cannot Receive Audio from Device Connected Directly to the Display Video Input

The yellow RCA jack on each screen is dedicated to video only. Any composite video signal (from a video game, camera, stand-alone DVD player, etc.) attached to this input will override video from the vehicle DVD or rear auxiliary jack. Any user of this input will have to access audio from the external device directly from the device.

EARLY PRODUCTION ISSUES

Channel 2 Audio Drops Out on Wireless Headphones

The wireless headphones used on the first three months of production have been found to have weak reception for channel 2 audio. The symptom is that channel 2 audio will drop out if there is anything blocking the path between the transmitters and the headphones. Channel 1 audio is unaffected.

If service is requested for this condition on vehicles built before 09/11/2009, replace both headphones with service headphones (part number 20830572). These improved service or production headphones can be distinguished as having earpieces that fold flat. (Fig. 3)

Screen Squeak/Rattle

Video screens used on the first two months of Equinox and SRX production may have an internal hinge attachment that may become loose enough for a squeak or rattle to be heard while driving when the screen is in the upright viewing position. All service parts in stock now have an improved attachment. Video screens in the Lacrosse are not affected.

DIAGNOSING OTHER ISSUES

RSE Display Blank or Inoperative

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

When diagnosing a blank or inoperative RSE display, refer to the RSE display Service Information as well as any applicable RSE display bulletins and PIs (Preliminary Information).

Service Information includes:

·       Document ID 1984958 -- Video entertainment system inoperative

·       Document ID 1984957 -- Video display is poor or blank

Diagnosis of blank or inoperative displays should begin with checking the radio for video display-related DTCs. Setting of these DTCs would typically identify a vehicle wiring (open or short) issue.

DVD Player Does Not Work

The DVD player is integrated into the radio and separate from the DVD screen. It should be diagnosed separately. Diagnosis of this condition should begin at the radio. The RSE display simply shows what is sent by the radio.

Other Issues

·       If there is a mark or scratch in the LCD screen, or physical damage to the plastic housing, be sure the cause is not customer abuse.

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

Improper Use of Labor Codes for the GM SPO Headrest DVD System

There are separate labor codes for dealer-installed GM accessories. The Service Information has updated labor codes for dealer-installed GM accessories. Refer to bulletin #02-00-89-014F.

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 seatback RSE display is R5554.

Be sure the correct labor operation code is used for the system being repaired.

- Thanks to Mark Friedrich, Charleen Goike and Katul Patel