My mechanic has fixed a bunch of these so I am spreading the word.

The ribbon cable cracks and breaks the signal. Here is the replacement:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-2009-2010-2011-2012-Routan-Caravan-Town-Country-VES-2nd-row-Monitor-Fix-DIY-/151057952865?pt=Car_Audio_Video&hash=item232bc17061&vxp=mtr

 

Also installation instructions

 

I replaced a 3rd row monitor cable on a 2008 Volkswagen Routan yesterday. Same sypmtoms as 2nd row when the ribbon cable cracks, blank screens. I verified that the cable was the same and failed in the same place as 2nd row monitor.

Good news is it is an easy fix on both now. Hope this helps.

 

I am experiencing the same issues. I have completed the first couple steps, and can't locate the clips the lower the monitor unit. On the YouTube presentation it is near the lights but with the rope lighting the plastic is all molded together.

 

On ALL overhead consoles, whether long or short, there are only four screws that hold the entire unit to the ceiling. Two in the front under the dome light cover. one phillips head and one 10mm, and two in the back under the plastic cover all the way at rear, one phillips head and one 10mm. Once these are taken out and the electrical plugs at the front are disconnected the whole overhead console unit can be pulled down, there are clips in the middle of console that just hold it in place while the screws are being put in at the factory. Hope this helps.