CarPlay and Android Auto installation into Toyota Land Cruiser 2004-2007 GROM VLine

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oosnapdoo said:
Do you mean replacing the backup camera with a better one in the oem location with oem functionality, or adding a better quality camera with the VL2 video input?

I’d be interested in an oem replacement, but haven’t seen anything.
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I’ve seen OEM replacement cams out there but having parking assistance lines is booshie, nice feature. I didn’t purchase anything for the rear camera and decided to stay with OEM. But was curious if guys have had better success w/one particular can or another…

I am looking forward to Groms audio/nav upgrade platform they are developing. Apparently, they working on OEM replacement upgrades for the entire audio system with plug and play capability. It would be nice to not be capped by an under performing amp that JBL built for the TLC. The bonus is not having to gut and rewire your nav/audio to gain a great clear sounding audio sound.

Maybe it’s too good to be true. And hopefully it isn’t going to be overpriced… We shall see
 
ProvLC said:
I’m hoping for the best… I haven’t got a chance to install the unit yet due to it being so cold out… I don’t want to risk snapping anything when pulling apart the dash. Gonna wait for a weather to get to at least a balmy 28-30 before I install it.

Have you reached out to Grom to give you assistance? They seem pretty responsive to anything I have questioned.

My 07’ was built Aug. of 06’. Not sure if there were any bugs taken out of comp.,nav, etc.. Crossing my fingers.
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Good call on waiting for warmer weather. Drive the car around for a while with the heater blasting before you start the install. That will help warm up the plastic too.

I spent months back and forth with Grom support. They constantly promised the next software update would fix the bugs. Sometimes it did, but created new ones. The killer for me was that the unit consistently locked up after 20 minutes of use. The only fix? Restart the car. :bang: They sent me another unit, and it had the same problem. This entire process of "support" back and forth took longer than the warranty period. When I said I had enough, I'd like a refund, they flat refused and stopped answering my emails and calls.
 
Andrew S said:
Good call on waiting for warmer weather. Drive the car around for a while with the heater blasting before you start the install. That will help warm up the plastic too.

I spent months back and forth with Grom support. They constantly promised the next software update would fix the bugs. Sometimes it did, but created new ones. The killer for me was that the unit consistently locked up after 20 minutes of use. The only fix? Restart the car. :bang: They sent me another unit, and it had the same problem. This entire process of "support" back and forth took longer than the warranty period. When I said I had enough, I'd like a refund, they flat refused and stopped answering my emails and calls.
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Well that’s very disheartening… Based on the price of these things why didn’t Grom keep exchanging the units until it was right?

I’ve been advocating Grom for a little while now (Locally in CT) with audio install shop. I hope that BS doesn’t happen to me or anyone else for that matter… So what did you end up doing? Entire gut and upgrade, or the Naviks thing?
 
ProvLC said:
Well that’s very disheartening… Based on the price of these things why didn’t Grom keep exchanging the units until it was right?

I’ve been advocating Grom for a little while now (Locally in CT) with audio install shop. I hope that BS doesn’t happen to me or anyone else for that matter… So what did you end up doing? Entire gut and upgrade, or the Naviks thing?
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We are here on this forum, and our technical team can also help. The LEX4VL2 installation is straightforward, and the main advice will be to install the module in an accessible location, such as glove compartment, and then, after the installation, adjust the display brightness/contrast for the VLine stereo mode, adjust the microphone gain to around 45 (better to test the mic when adjusting), and adjust the sound settings for VLine stereo mode, if needed.
Not sure what happened to Andrew S particular setup, since the replacement behaved the same. It is possible that the aftermarket device was connected to the stereo somehow and was not disconnected.
Here is the video that explains the aftermarket device being connected to the LEX4 stereo:
 
My experience is similar to what @Andrew S shared, i.e. endless glitches and bugs; ranging from the green wavy line screen to fully bricked. And yeah, GROM's tech support is very responsive. But the responses consist of just more firmware and software updates that either don't fix the bugs, partially fix them, or replace them with new bugs.

It seems GROM is aware there aren't many (any?) better options (yet?) for these trucks, so they do the minimum required to keep selling.
 
Manhattan said:
My experience is similar to what @Andrew S shared, i.e. endless glitches and bugs; ranging from the green wavy line screen to fully bricked. And yeah, GROM's tech support is very responsive. But the responses consist of just more firmware and software updates that either don't fix the bugs, partially fix them, or replace them with new bugs.

It seems GROM is aware there aren't many (any?) better options (yet?) for these trucks, so they do the minimum required to keep selling.
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We understand your concern. If you could please send us, via private message, the email address you used to communicate with our team or the ticket number, we will review your communication history with our technical team.
We continually improve our products and release hardware updates and software. In addition, we drive our products and install them in local customers' vehicles regularly.
 
I purchased a Vline for my 2004 100 series in the most recent group buy. Very excited to get it working. Here's what I'm working through now:
  • I connected everything, and couldn't get it it to render on the screen. There was no mention of Vline anywhere when I started the car or hit the Disc button.
  • As mentioned in the docs, I do have a CD changer (well, actually the DVD changer in the cernter console). I pulled the console and unplugged and removed the DVD changer.
  • I pulled the screen and unplugged the plugs that go into the stereo (the bottom row of plugs). I saw the Vline set up prompt. I was able to connect via bluetooth. Then, I turned the car off and on, and I'm still connected to bluetooth and can cycle to my music input by toggling the Disc button. However, I can't get to the Vline screen.
  • Not sure if this is a software update issue. If so, i'm not sure how I would update the firmware without seeing the screen.
  • I did disconnect the battery, let the ECU drain for about 25 minutes, and plug it back in. Still no visible indication of Grom, however, I'm still connected to bluetooth and can play music.
What should I try next?
 
shamdouglas said:
I purchased a Vline for my 2004 100 series in the most recent group buy. Very excited to get it working. Here's what I'm working through now:
  • I connected everything, and couldn't get it it to render on the screen. There was no mention of Vline anywhere when I started the car or hit the Disc button.
  • As mentioned in the docs, I do have a CD changer (well, actually the DVD changer in the cernter console). I pulled the console and unplugged and removed the DVD changer.
  • I pulled the screen and unplugged the plugs that go into the stereo (the bottom row of plugs). I saw the Vline set up prompt. I was able to connect via bluetooth. Then, I turned the car off and on, and I'm still connected to bluetooth and can cycle to my music input by toggling the Disc button. However, I can't get to the Vline screen.
  • Not sure if this is a software update issue. If so, i'm not sure how I would update the firmware without seeing the screen.
  • I did disconnect the battery, let the ECU drain for about 25 minutes, and plug it back in. Still no visible indication of Grom, however, I'm still connected to bluetooth and can play music.
What should I try next?
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You’re ahead of me at this point. I’m waiting for the weather in NE to warm up before I try and pop plastic pieces off and what not..

I would contact Grom directly they usually respond quickly. I’m not sure if there is actual phone number to have a tech walk you through it.

Hopefully others in our group have more success.
 
shamdouglas said:
I purchased a Vline for my 2004 100 series in the most recent group buy. Very excited to get it working. Here's what I'm working through now:
  • I connected everything, and couldn't get it it to render on the screen. There was no mention of Vline anywhere when I started the car or hit the Disc button.
  • As mentioned in the docs, I do have a CD changer (well, actually the DVD changer in the cernter console). I pulled the console and unplugged and removed the DVD changer.
  • I pulled the screen and unplugged the plugs that go into the stereo (the bottom row of plugs). I saw the Vline set up prompt. I was able to connect via bluetooth. Then, I turned the car off and on, and I'm still connected to bluetooth and can cycle to my music input by toggling the Disc button. However, I can't get to the Vline screen.
  • Not sure if this is a software update issue. If so, i'm not sure how I would update the firmware without seeing the screen.
  • I did disconnect the battery, let the ECU drain for about 25 minutes, and plug it back in. Still no visible indication of Grom, however, I'm still connected to bluetooth and can play music.
What should I try next?
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The DVD in the center console needs to stay disconnected. Check whether any other external devices are connected to the stereo (such as an aftermarket Bluetooth receiver). You need to disconnect them as well.

Check whether the video cable can plug into the upper portion of the stereo, behind the display. Sometimes there are two identical plugs that the VLine video cable can fit into. If this is your case, connect the VTOYA video cable to the back of the display, not to the back of the stereo.

If you can play the Bluetooth via VLine and hear the music, most likely it is the video cable that is incorrectly connected.

Also, contact our technical team at Support and Questions - https://gromaudio.com/support.html We will help.
 
What firmware version are you guys using that is relatively stable?

I’ve been having an ongoing email thread with customer support (who has been very responsive) trying to find the most stable firmware version to use. Currently, the version recommended to me is v57 which has worked well for the past few weeks, but recently I have to manually switch to GROM (double press the disc button) after turning on the car or shifting out of reverse.

This started towards the end of a two hour drive when the screen went black. The factory overlay banners would come up, but I wasn’t able to switch out to the full factory UI. My phone appeared to still be connected, but there was no audio or visual through GROM. Since then, I have to manually switch to GROM when it used to come up automatically.
 
oosnapdoo said:
What firmware version are you guys using that is relatively stable?
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Has our technical team helped you? If not - please PM us your ticket number, we will follow up with them.
 
GROM VLine VL2 CarPlay - Group Order New
We are having an upcoming group order starting on March 26th. More info is here:
gromaudio

Post in thread 'CarPlay Installed into Lexus LX470 2004-2007'

Hello all,

We will have the next group buy order for the GROM VLine VL2 / VLite VT2 system starting on March 26th! Both systems will add wireless CarPlay and Android Auto to the factory stereo in your Lexus or Toyota. The group ordering period will run until April 3rd. The group order participants will receive a special discount code for $100 off the VLine VL2 or $70 off the VLite VT2. Both VLine VL2 and VLite VT2 will be available under the group order.

The product will ship from March 29th to April 7th. If you want to participate in the upcoming group...
PM us your name and email address if you want to join the group, or contact us via web form at Support and Questions - https://gromaudio.com/support.html. We will add you to the group.
 
Not sure where to ask this but:

What microphone do you guys use? I’ve never been able to use CarPlay because my audio sounds so rough. Mic gain is at 50. It sounds like I’m on an old cell phone from the 2000s. Is it the microphone or just the tech? I’m on an iPhone 13 and the grom vline
 
Red Beard said:
Not sure where to ask this but:

What microphone do you guys use? I’ve never been able to use CarPlay because my audio sounds so rough. Mic gain is at 50. It sounds like I’m on an old cell phone from the 2000s. Is it the microphone or just the tech? I’m on an iPhone 13 and the grom vline
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If you are using the GROM VLine microphone that came with the package, set the gain to 65. It should help. Depending on your Toyota year, we might have updated cables available that allow you to retain your factory microphone.
 
Red Beard said:
Ah, I used an amazon mic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015KY5J7Y?tag=ihco-20

I assume this is the default grom mic? GROM Car Bluetooth Microphone Replacement, 20FT - https://gromaudio.com/store/accessories/grom-in-car-bluetooth-microphone-replacement_-20ft.html?srsltid=AfmBOorR8YbGobZv_h2Jvfu0tQ4W2p7qd8SXwIjCfqT5YelypC-Ev6vU
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Yes, this is the microphone that comes with GROM VLine:

GROM Car Bluetooth Microphone Replacement, 20FT

GROM Car Bluetooth Microphone Replacement, 20FT
gromaudio.com gromaudio.com

The other option is to get a new cable with the mic jack, but that also depends on your vehicle.
 
@gromaudio a few questions. If this is better for support lmk I can send an email.

1. Are there any hardware updates with the devices that will be shipped in this group buy?

2. I’m thinking about installing a kill switch/reset switch for my Vlite2 for the times it is unresponsive during a drive. The thought being that I can reset the device while driving without having to wait until I can turn the car off/on. Are you able to provide any guidance on which wires to tap into?
 
oosnapdoo said:
@gromaudio a few questions. If this is better for support lmk I can send an email.

1. Are there any hardware updates with the devices that will be shipped in this group buy?

2. I’m thinking about installing a kill switch/reset switch for my Vlite2 for the times it is unresponsive during a drive. The thought being that I can reset the device while driving without having to wait until I can turn the car off/on. Are you able to provide any guidance on which wires to tap into?
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I’ve thought about a kill switch, too! Sometimes I can’t turn the cruiser off and on like when I’m on a highway.
 
oosnapdoo said:
@gromaudio a few questions. If this is better for support lmk I can send an email.

1. Are there any hardware updates with the devices that will be shipped in this group buy?

2. I’m thinking about installing a kill switch/reset switch for my Vlite2 for the times it is unresponsive during a drive. The thought being that I can reset the device while driving without having to wait until I can turn the car off/on. Are you able to provide any guidance on which wires to tap into?
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1. Yes, there will be the latest available hardware shipped.
2. You can check with our technical team at Support and Questions - https://gromaudio.com/support.html They will be able to help.
 
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