I have an '04 with a 5-speed manual transmission. I'm looking at buying an in-dash DVD player(Pioneer in brand, model not known) for my wife to watch on our 11 hour road trip next month. I'm wondering what wiring(if any) needs to be modified in order for her to be able to watch a DVD while I am paying attention to only the road...

 

As an example, check out this DVD in dash player from Pioneer:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...s/AVH-X5600BHS

Which has this manual:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/St...nual080814.pdf

And on page 50, you see the wiring diagram. You'll see several important wires. One is the reverse sensing wire, connected simply to a back up lamp wire, so that the reverse camera can be used (if desired, the camera, and this connection, are totally optional.)

The second, but one in question, is the parking brake detection wire. You'll see why you need that on page 56, "There is no image displayed." The parking brake condition must be in "set/park" for the DVD to play, because if the thing is in park, then you're not moving, so it's safe. NOT connecting it means the thing will never play a DVD.

I will let you draw your own conclusion.

Please note, I do not recommend going against state/federal law, nor common sense. DVD is a distraction from driving, much like cell phones, thinking about work, and that hot chick who's topless as I drove by... goodness she is good lookHOLY CRAP I HIT A COW...

 

You will find that both wires can be fooled into believing that they are being hooked up right. It is a real simple to do but better to show you than try and explain. Youtube has a video on doing this very modification and it is on a Pioneer head. I think that the video is shown on an F150 but it works the very same on the Mustangs.

Here is one of many on bypassing.