Any advice about troubleshooting an EC offroad CarPlay Interface Module? (1 Viewer)

[ade678]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum (just got my 2018 LC200 a few months ago) and one of the first mods I've tried to install is an EC Offroad CarPlay Interface Module V5.

Unfortunately I can't get it to work properly and would be grateful for any advice about troubleshooting. Many many thanks in advance for any help!!

The problem: I press the HOME button for a couple of seconds in order to activate the EC Offroad unit, but the Toyota display screen does *not* switch over to the EC screen (as designed). Instead, it just continues to display the Toyota Infotainment screen.

It does seem that *something* is happening when I try to connect to the EC screen by pressing the HOME button, because there is a faint click sound and the screen flickers a moment, as though the module is *trying* to connect, but then the Toyota screen appears again.

Another sign that the unit is somehow connected (but not working properly): After unsuccessfully trying to connect through the home button, none of the other buttons on the console respond (e.g. NAV, AUDIO, etc.), as though the EC Offroad system thinks it is indeed running the EC unit and ignoring the OEM system.

Pressing the HOME button again for a couple of seconds returns functionality to all buttons (as though the EC unit thinks it has disconnected)

Finally, sometimes when I plug my phone I am prompted to connect to the EC ZLINKS program, again as though the EC unit is functioning properly without display.

Once again, many thanks in advance for any help!

 

[jwmNC]

With mine, I had a similar issue that turned out to be the LVD cable, which was crimped as I pushed the factory unit back into place. You have to be really careful about routing that cable to avoid pressure or sharp bends. In my case, EC Offroad had to ship a replacement cable. Have you contacted their support yet?

 

[FerrisBueller]

Yes, it's probably the cable got bent and broke the internal LVDS wire(s) like mentioned. You could double-check that all connections are fully seated as a first easy step before assuming the cable is broken, though.

 

[jwmNC]

Did you test the unit with everything hooked up, prior to putting it back in the dash?

 

[FerrisBueller]

If you figure out which of the two daisy-chained LVDS cables is broken, I might have the same one I can send you. I just removed my older EC Offroad v4 unit today because the long single-cable had broken, but the other shorter 2-to-1 LVDS cable seemed to be fine. In fact, I think I even have an extra, unused one of that short 2-to-1 cable somewhere, since they had accidentally shipped two of those cables to me when I ordered the unit back in 2021 (see photo).

 

[Artie]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum (just got my 2018 LC200 a few months ago) and one of the first mods I've tried to install is an EC Offroad CarPlay Interface Module V5.

Unfortunately I can't get it to work properly and would be grateful for any advice about troubleshooting. Many many thanks in advance for any help!!

The problem: I press the HOME button for a couple of seconds in order to activate the EC Offroad unit, but the Toyota display screen does *not* switch over to the EC screen (as designed). Instead, it just continues to display the Toyota Infotainment screen.

It does seem that *something* is happening when I try to connect to the EC screen by pressing the HOME button, because there is a faint click sound and the screen flickers a moment, as though the module is *trying* to connect, but then the Toyota screen appears again.

Another sign that the unit is somehow connected (but not working properly): After unsuccessfully trying to connect through the home button, none of the other buttons on the console respond (e.g. NAV, AUDIO, etc.), as though the EC Offroad system thinks it is indeed running the EC unit and ignoring the OEM system.

Pressing the HOME button again for a couple of seconds returns functionality to all buttons (as though the EC unit thinks it has disconnected)

Finally, sometimes when I plug my phone I am prompted to connect to the EC ZLINKS program, again as though the EC unit is functioning properly without display.

Once again, many thanks in advance for any help!

I had some strange behavior out of mine and the customer support at EC off-road was excellent. I’d hit them up and see what they can do.

The blue cable that has been mentioned is definitely one of the more trouble prone items given its fragility, they sent me a new one for free but it didn’t fix my issue. Since mine was under warranty they sent me a new unit. Sounds like yours is new so I’d reach out to them.

 

[ade678]

Thanks so much everyone for your advice!

A quick question: which version of the module did you buy? (According to customer service at EC Offroad, this might be relevant)

A few follow up notes, comments, and questions:

With mine, I had a similar issue that turned out to be the LVD cable, which was crimped as I pushed the factory unit back into place. You have to be really careful about routing that cable to avoid pressure or sharp bends. In my case, EC Offroad had to ship a replacement cable. Have you contacted their support yet?

I asked my local mechanic to install the unit since he has some experience with Auto A/V installation, but I suppose anyone could make a mistake and crimp the cable when putting the unit back. I'll begin with your suggestion to make sure all of the connections are fully seated.

I did email customer service, who replied that this unit (v5) hasn't been fully tested on the US LC200s, so it's possible that I would need a new head unit for compatibility. (The EC Offroad office is officially on vacation right now and I'm definitely impressed that someone got back to me right away!)
I explained that US LC200 owners seem pretty happy with the functionality and reliability of the EC module and linked to several of threads on this forum, including https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ec-offroad-carplay-solutions-for-2016-200-series-lc-new-sept-2020-model.1232601/). Customer service pointed out that this thread references a module that is 3 or so generations older than v5, and that they wouldn't be surprised if the the newer unit that I bought has new compatibility issues (and might require a "matching" head unit).

Still, I double and triple-checked compatibility concerns when I spoke with sales on the phone before I placed my order, so It would be odd if there were indeed compatibility issues.

If you figure out which of the two daisy-chained LVDS cables is broken, I might have the same one I can send you. I just removed my older EC Offroad v4 unit today because the long single-cable had broken, but the other shorter 2-to-1 LVDS cable seemed to be fine. In fact, I think I even have an extra, unused one of that short 2-to-1 cable somewhere, since they had accidentally shipped two of those cables to me when I ordered the unit back in 2021 (see photo).

Wow! Thanks so much for the offer, I'll ask customer service is this is a possible fix and PM you my address & phone. This could be a great help!

I had some strange behavior out of mine and the customer support at EC off-road was excellent. I’d hit them up and see what they can do.

The blue cable that has been mentioned is definitely one of the more trouble prone items given its fragility, they sent me a new one for free but it didn’t fix my issue. Since mine was under warranty they sent me a new unit. Sounds like yours is new so I’d reach out to them.

Did the new unit work correctly? If so, which version was it?

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Thanks again everyone for your advice. Please write with any comments that come to mind. I'll be sure to post with updates (and probably more questions!)

 

[Artie]

Did the new unit work correctly? If so, which version was it?

--------------------

Thanks again everyone for your advice. Please write with any comments that come to mind. I'll be sure to post with updates (and probably more questions!)

I went back and looked at my install pics… looks like mine is version 4.

I haven’t had any issues with the replacement they sent to me, it’s been great. I connect wirelessly but I’m about to switch some mounting options up and may go to the hardwired option here in the near future.

The only time I’ve had weird behavior was just recently while driving through Texas… there is a Buc’ees just east of Dallas and both times as we drove through that area I had connectivity issues with CarPlay. The first time I was afraid my unit was beginning to go bad but after a few miles it was fine…. Until a week later at literally the same place. Other than that this has been one of our favorite modifications and would no doubt do it again.