Hello All.

One of the screens (passenger side) isn't working on my "new to me" 2009 VDP. My kids usually have their tablets for long trips, but I think it's worth looking into what it would take to fix it. When I push the power button on the back of the headrest, I can see the screen flash briefly, but no picture appears, as it does on the other side. Any thoughts? Bad screen? Loose connector? How to I troubleshoot?

Also, especially if I'll have to replace a screen, is there a way to upgrade the screen as I replace it?

Many thanks in advance!
-YB

 

Unfortunately no real easy fix for this one. I would start by making sure the inoperative screen has power. Removal of the seat back and wire chasing will most likely be in order.
At a certain point you should be able to swap headrests/screen from one side to another to verify the problem is with the monitor itself and not a control module.

 

Thanks. I think it's getting power, as I can just barely discern the screen going from black to dark gray when I turn it on, but no picture. Any pointers on removing the seat back?

 

You'll have to pry around the outside edge of the plastic back to release it. I'm pretty sure there's a couple of tethers you'll have to release at the bottom to remove the panel completely.
Removing it easy, refitting it can be difficult. It's easy to damage to fir tree pins if they're not aligned perfectly. Even then once they've been removed their ability to hold isn't quite the same. I'd anticipate having to replace some

I would still work towards swapping the screens to diagnose the problem.

 

Its easy to break the clips when removing the seat back, not just when putting it back, ask me how I know!! and they're not cheap.
To get the seat back off without breaking the clips push in the seat back and then slide the top of the seat back panel to the left to disengage top two clips and then slide up to disengage bottom two clips.

 

I encountered this same issue on a friends 04 VDP. With SDD I reflashed the rear module and it began working once again.

If you have access to SDD, I recommend this first before disassembling.

 

So since we're all stuck at home mostly I decided to spend some time figuring this out. At least try the suggestion of disconnecting the battery for a few minutes, right?

So I decide to start with my working side playing a DVD and then attack the other side. I actually but a bit effort into understanding how the controls work, and I manage to get it all working!

If anyone is having problems with theirs I'd be glad to look at a photo of your controls and see if the issue is simple operator error like mine!