Parking Brake/In Motion Bypass for A/V System on 31FK
I have a 2011 Greyhawk 31FK. Jayco disables the both the coach television and the in-dash video display while the vehicle is in motion and while stationary if the parking brake is not engaged, respectively, for obvious reasons. However, I dislike this setup for two reasons:
First, the kids and passengers are unable to watch the television in the coach while driving. The TV in the 31FK has apparently been disabled by Jayco because, while impractical and nearly impossible to see, it is technically possible for the driver to either turn around or adjust the rearview mirror such that the he/she can see the television.
Second, the parking brake must be engaged in order to view the display on the in-dash video display. I find it annoying to have to climb up into the drivers seat and engage the parking brake while stationary just to view the video on the in-dash display.
There are two fairly easy solutions to these problems!
The solution to the first item listed above is very simple. The electrical outlet receptacle behind the coach tv has a red wire in it that can be disconnected. All I did to do this is I went to the receptacle that the tv connects to, removed the faceplate, undid the screws on the receptacle and pulled it out to expose the wiring, and snipped the red wire.
The solution to the second item was a bit more involved. The Clarion VX400 stereo that comes with unit needs a signal from the parking brake after the stereo is powered up. This sometimes requires pressing, releasing, and then again pressing the parking brake. There are two ways to accomplish the override. The first is to disconnect the green wire that runs to the parking brake and connect it to a toggle switch with the other end of the toggle switch connected to a ground. That would require manually switching the toggle switch back and forth once or twice to mimmick the parking brake. The other method that I chose was to use a relay. In order to do this, I had to connect the green parking brake wire to the relay as well as a powered feed from the stereo unit. The powered feed needs to be switched with the radio (i.e. come on after the radio is switched on; not constant accessory power). I used the wire lead that is intended for the automatic antenna. This setup works flawlessly. Now when I turn on the radio, it sends a signal to the relay and completes the circuit to the parking brake wire mimicking setting the parking brake.
These two mods were a perfect solution for my situation. I would not advise making these mods if the intent is such that the driver can view a video signal while driving. This is not only illegal, but could also be very dangerous. However, in my case the rear television is nearly impossible to see from the driver's seat and I like to be able to see the in-dash tv while stationary without having to engage the parking brake.
Cheers!
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