Can you switch off rear boot lights on 2011 Mutlivan? Roof mounted DVD player?

[tennysonian]

Recently taken delivery of 2011 Multivan Comfortline.

1. rear boot lights

I cannot see a switch to turn off the internal boot lights when the rear tailgate is up. Tailgate is manual.

The front internal lights switch seems to be able to turn off all other internal lights but not these.

Have I missed a switch somewhere? PS tried to check for previous thread but could not find one.

2. Roof mounted DVD player

we are also about to get an aftermarket roof mounted DVD player installed to keep the kids occupied (driving from Sydney to Tassie after christmas). Any do's or dont's in this regards in a multivan welcome.


Thanks

[rob64981]

I was told the only way to do this is take the bulbs out of the lights...

But then you can not use these lights at night.

Might be wrong and someone will be along to correct me.

Rob

[Sunny43.5]

If like our T5,s if any door is left open for a prolonged period of time they automaticly go out after a delay not sure if the upmarket versions do the same , you see our vans are the Transporters only not the bells and whistle versions. As for a roof mounted DVD player I have personally fitted many different styles to several different model vans including VW,s The main thing is to mount the player across the join in the roof sections as it is the strongest part of the roof if you mount it in the middle section of the roof trim depending on size you may find it will tend to sag if its heavy as the centre of the trim is unsupported whilst at the join there is a substantial cross brace. Most players come with a mounting plate that it attaches to this should be secured strongly to prevent vibrations etc . My sons T4 has a massive 15inch DVD roof mounted in the rear . Howard

[tennysonian]

Thanks both for the responses - will leave the back open and see what happens...

Mitch

[The_Hawk]

If you want to leave the back open and have the light out... for example while at the drive in, just flick the latch with your finger so it thinks the back is shut. Just remember to "open" the lock mechanism again before trying to close it

This is what I do for both the Golf and the Multi when we are out and have the back open for long periods.

As for roof mounted Video, while I haven't done it myself, consider an/multiple iPads instead. While converting video might now be as easy as sticking in a DVD, it opens up a world of other options too. There is also purpose made brackets for them too.

*One word of caution, my kids are no longer allowed to play with iPod/iPad in the car (mostly the 6yr old) since looking down at something while on the move doesn't help with car sickness. Not sure if a roof mounted device would be better or worse.

[rob64981]

If you want to leave the back open and have the light out... for example while at the drive in, just flick the latch with your finger so it thinks the back is shut. Just remember to "open" the lock mechanism again before trying to close it

Going to try this in the morning...

Hope it works for next camping trip.

Cheers Rob

[tennysonian]

Thanks Aaron - will try this out with rear switch.

Re DVD/Ipods and car sickness - agree, we have 3 under 11yr olds and they have been mostly fine in the old Volvo XC70 for last 5 years looking up at a DVD (just had old portable one previously between the front seats) but if they looked down then car sickness was often not far away. We also had a rule even for the DVD: only only the freeway, not on winding roads or in the city traffic as also found could get car sick (but the Volvo had terrible body roll compared to the multivan). I think we will keep the same rule however just to preserve parental sanity...

Mitch

[The_Hawk]

Multivan + iPod + 5yr old (well he was five at last years GAF) = car sick, even on the freeway to Canberra. I think your right, alot of it is about that looking down.

He's pretty good though so tells me to pull over and I'm quick (smart) enough to do it very quickly and open the door so he can puke OUTSIDE the vehicle

[Sunny43.5]

In our first T4 2000 we had a roof mount DVD with no problems when the kids were younger , when we upgraded to our first T5 I went with headrest type DVD screen/players as we had a fully integrated front and rear system so the kids could all watch something different with infared headphones . I cannot remeber anytime that there was a problem . I suppose its like you say head down sick, head up no problem. Bit like motion sickness on boats as long as you keep looking at the horizon your fine or doing something to keep your mind off the sea . Howard

[Skoda VW]

Hi Hawk,

Recently fitted JVC roof DVD to my Multivan. Cut hole in roof lining and made wooden frame. Used sikaflex 252 to stick it to the roof to spread load over large surface area. Mounted DVD to the frame. Worked a treat.

JVC DVD is nothing fantastic. Only 9 inch and 480 x 234 resolution and not too heavy. Kids don't care about the resolution. Didn't want to buy a cheap ebay unit or $1000 plus unit.

Have noticed alternator whine using RNS510 aux input for DVD audio out. Haven't had a chance to look into it too much yet. Need to get Oscilloscope out and find where its coming from.