GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Table 1: Tips and Troubleshooting Chart

Your vehicle may have the Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system. The RSE system includes a video display screen, two sets of wireless headphones, and a remote control.

See DVD Player for all information on inserting a DVD and using the navigation system screens for DVD play.

Parental Control

See "DVD Menu Options" under DVD Player for parental control information.

Before You Drive

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

Headphones


Object Number: 1674951  Size: B3

The RSE includes two 2-channel wireless headphones that are dedicated to this system. These headphones are used to listen to media such as CDs, DVDs, MP3s, DVDAs, radio, or any auxiliary source connected to the auxiliary input jack, if your vehicle has this feature or A/V jacks. The wireless headphones have a power On/Off button, channel selector switch (1 or 2), and a volume control.

If your vehicle has a third row video screen display, it will have two additional headphones.

Push the power button to turn on the headphones. An indicator light located on the headphones will come on. If the light does not come on, the batteries may need to be replaced. See "Battery Replacement" later in this section for more information. Switch the headphones to Off when not in use. Channel 1 is dedicated to the video screen, while Channel 2 is dedicated to RSA selections.

The infrared transmitters are located at the rear of the RSE center console. The headphones will shut off automatically to save the battery power if the RSE system and the RSA are shut off or if the headphones are out of range of the transmitters for more than 3 minutes. If you move too far forward or step out of the vehicle, the headphones will lose the audio signal.

The headphones will automatically turn off after four hours of continuous use.

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

For optimal audio performance, the headphones must be worn correctly. The symbol L (Left) will appear on the upper left side, above the ear pad and should be positioned on the left ear. The symbol R (Right) will appear on the upper right side, above the ear pad and should be positioned on the right ear.

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.

The foam ear pads attached to the headphones may become worn or damaged if they are not handled or stored properly. If the foam ear pads do become damaged or worn out, the pads can be replaced separately from the headphone set. It is not necessary to replace the complete headphone set. The headphone replacement foam ear pads can be ordered in pairs. See your dealer/retailer for more information.

Battery Replacement

To change the batteries, do the following:

  1. Turn the screw with a coin or screw driver to loosen, then 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. Replace the battery door and tighten the door screw.

If the headphones are to be stored for a long period of time, remove the batteries and keep them in a cool, dry place.

Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks


Object Number: 1676611  Size: B2

The A/V jacks are located on the rear of the floor console. The A/V 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 system. Adapter connectors or cables may be required to connect the auxiliary device to the A/V jacks. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage.

The A/V jacks are color coded to match typical home entertainment system equipment. The yellow jack (A) is for the video input. The white jack (B) is for the left audio input. The red jack (C) is for the right audio input.

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

To use the auxiliary inputs of the RSE system, connect an external auxiliary device to the color-coded A/V jacks and turn both the auxiliary device and the video screen power on. If the video screen is in the DVD player mode, pressing the AUX button on the remote control will switch the video screen from the DVD player mode to the auxiliary device. The radio will play the audio of the connected auxiliary device by sourcing to auxiliary.

How to Change the RSE Video Screen Settings

The screen display mode (normal, full, and zoom), screen brightness, and setup menu language can be changed from the on screen setup menu. To change any feature, perform the following:

  1. Press the display menu button on the remote control.
  2. Use the remote control menu navigation arrows and the enter button to use the setup menu.
  3. Press the display menu button again to remove the setup menu from the screen.

Audio Output

Audio from the DVD player or auxiliary inputs may be heard through the following possible sources:

    • Wireless Headphones
    • Vehicle Speakers
    • Vehicle wired headphone jacks, if your vehicle has this feature.

The RSE system will always transmit the audio signal by infrared to the wireless headphones, if there is audio available. See "Headphones" previously for more information.

The RSE system is capable of outputting audio to the vehicle speakers by using the navigation system. The RSE system may be selected as an audio source on the navigation system if the RSE system power is on. Once the RSE system is selected as an audio source on the navigation system, adjust the speaker volume, if necessary. If the RSE system power is not on, the RSE system will not be an available source on the radio.

The RSE system is capable of outputting audio to the wired headphone jacks (if equipped).

Video Screen

The video screen is located in the center console.

Notice: Avoid directly touching the video screen, as damage may occur. See "Cleaning the Video Screen" later in this section for more information.

To use the video screen, rotate the screen to the desired viewing position.

When the video screen is not in use, rotate it to its closed position.

If a DVD is playing and the screen is rotated to its closed position, the screen will remain on, this is normal, and the DVD will continue to play through the previous audio source. Use the remote control power button or eject the disc to turn off the screen.

The RSE console contains the IR transmitters for the wireless headphones and the IR receivers for the remote control. They are located above the display. If the screen is in the closed position, the signals will not be available for the operation of the headphones or the remote control.

Remote Control

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.

To use the remote control, aim it at the transmitter window above the video screen and press the desired button. Direct sunlight or very bright light may 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 may need to be replaced. See "Battery Replacement" later in this section. Objects blocking the line of sight may also affect the function of the remote control.

If a CD or DVD is in the DVD slot, the remote control power button can be used to turn on the video screen display and start the disc.

Remote Control Buttons


Object Number: 1523717  Size: B3
(Power):  Press this button to turn the video screen on and off.

(Illumination): Press this button to turn the remote control backlight on. The backlight will automatically time out after 7 to 10 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. This function may vary for each disc.

(Main 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 choice that is highlighted in any menu.

(Display Menu): Press this button to adjust the brightness, screen display mode (normal, full, or zoom), and display the language menu.

(Return): Press this button to exit the current active menu and return to the previous menu. This button will operate only when the display menu or a DVD menu is active.

(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 playing a DVD. Press this button while a DVD is playing to pause it. Press it again to continue playing the DVD. When the DVD is playing, depending on the radio, you may be able to do slow play by pressing the pause button then pressing the fast forward button. The DVD will continue playing in a slow play mode. You may also, depending on the radio, perform reverse slow play by pressing the pause button and then pressing the fast reverse button. 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 may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews.

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

(Fast Reverse): Press this button to fast reverse the DVD or CD. To stop fast reversing a DVD video, press the play button. To stop fast reversing a DVD audio or CD, release the fast reverse button. This button may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews.

(Fast Forward): Press this button to fast forward the DVD or CD. To stop fast forwarding a DVD video, press the play button. To stop fast forwarding a DVD audio or CD, release the fast forward button. This button may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews.

(Audio): Press this button to change audio tracks on DVDs that have this feature when the DVD is playing. The format and content of this function will vary for each disc.

(Subtitles): Press this button to turn ON/OFF subtitles and to move through subtitle options when a DVD is playing. The format and content of this function will vary for each disc.

AUX (Auxiliary): Press this button to switch the system between the DVD player and an auxiliary source.

If your vehicle has a third row video screen, the AUX button will control the source display on the second row video screen, and the third row video screen as described in the table below:

Aux Button Press

Second Row Screen

Third Row Screen

Default State (No Press)

DVD Media

DVD Media

First Press

Aux Video Source

Aux Video Source

Second Press

DVD Media

Aux Video Source

Third Press

Aux Video Source

DVD Media

Fourth Press

Return to Default State

Return to Default State

(Camera): 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 will vary for each disc.

1 through 0 (Numeric Keypad): The numeric keypad provides the capability of direct chapter or 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 this button to select chapter or track numbers greater than 9. Press this button before entering 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.

Tips and Troubleshooting Chart

Problem

Recommended Action

No power.

The ignition might not be in on or accessory.

The parental control button might have been turned on. The power indicator light will flash.

Disc will not play.

The system might be off.

The parental control button might have been turned on. The power indicator light will flash.

The system might be in auxiliary mode.

The disc is upside down or is not compatible.

The picture does not fill the screen. There are black borders on the top and bottom or on both sides or it looks stretched out.

Check the display mode settings in the display menu.

The disc was ejected, but it was pulled back into the DVD player.

The disc is being stored in the DVD player. Press the eject button again to eject the disc.

In auxiliary mode, the picture moves or scrolls.

Check the auxiliary input connections at both devices.

Change the Video Format to PAL or NTSC. See "Stereo RCA Jacks" previously for how to change the video format.

The language in the audio or on the screen is wrong.

Check the audio or language selection in the main DVD menu.

The remote control does not work.

Check to make sure there is no obstruction between the remote control and the transmitter window.

Check the batteries to make sure they are not dead or installed incorrectly.

The parental control button might have been turned on. The power indicator light will flash.

After stopping the player, I push Play but sometimes the DVD starts where I left off and sometimes at the beginning.

If the stop button was pressed one time, the DVD player will resume playing where the DVD was stopped. If the stop button was pressed two times the DVD player will begin to play from the beginning of the DVD.

The auxiliary source is running but there is no picture or sound.

Check that the DVD player is in the auxiliary source mode.

Check the auxiliary input connections at both devices.

My disc is stuck in the player. The Load/Eject button does not work.

Turn the DVD power off, then on, then press the load/eject button on the DVD player.

Do not attempt to forcibly remove the disc from the DVD player. This could permanently damage the disc and DVD player.

Sometimes the wireless headphone audio cuts out or buzzes.

Check for obstructions, low batteries, reception range, and interference from cellular telephone towers or by using your cellular telephone in the vehicle.

Check that the headphones are facing the front of the vehicle.

I lost the remote and/or the headphones.

See your dealer/retailer for assistance.

The DVD is playing, but there is no picture or sound.

Check that the DVD player is in DVD mode.

The audio/video skips or jumps.

The DVD or CD could be dirty, scratched, or damaged.

The audio from the radio for the Radio with Six-Disc CD and XM™ has taken over the audio from the DVD or CD when using the wired headphones.

The RSE is working correctly.

Use the wireless headphones or have the front seat passengers listen to another audio source.

DVD Display Error Messages

The DVD display error message depends on which radio you have. The video screen may display one of the following:

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

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

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

No Disc Inserted: This message will display, if no disc is present when the EJECT button is pressed on the navigation system.

DVD Distortion

There may be an experience with audio distortion in the wireless headphones and video distortion in the video display when operating cellular phones, scanners, CB radios, Global Positioning Systems (GPS)*, two-way radios, mobile fax, or walkie talkies.

It may 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 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 may result.