O.K. I did it. I just bought a new head unit and monitors for my MINI.
Hoever, I was wondering about the emegency brake switch.
The video will not play unless the emergency brake is engaged.
How can I bypass this?

Has anyone else run into this problem?

Please help me.

 

Generally you would find the wire coming from the HU itself which controls this function, remove it from where it's currently connected (to the ebrake warning light switch) and either leave it hanging, or ground it, depending on what sort of input it expects when the ebrake is on. Find this info in the manual that comes with the HU.

Be aware that you are opening yourself up to legal liabilities depending on your local laws regarding active video screens viewable by the driver while the car is in motion.

 

MINIs in europe can be sold with video monitors but they are built in to the back of the front seat headrests so that rear passengers can see the video and not distract the driver.

If you were on a plane or bus and the driver had an option for video DVD to watch would you feel safe with that? Nope.

The in dash video screen is meant for watch if you are parked but not really for the driver's benefit when the car is going. Maybe a front passenger could make use of it but the distraction factor is bad.

Too bad we do not yet have glasses mounted video displays built into headsets or helmets but that still would be too distracting for the driver- just cleaner for the dash.

From a safety standpoint if there ever were an accident and the video was on while driving then the other party could have an advantage over you. Or if you get stopped by the police for something else and they check your video then that might be trouble as well.

Just some things to think about besides theives that like in dash video.