EC Offroad CarPlay Solutions For 2016+ 200 Series LC (NEW SEPT 2020 MODEL)

[danny noonan]

Does anyone have a manual that explains the settings?

Wondering how to get Netflix, Apple TV, etc set up. Which mike to select. How to get the Toyota logo at startup instead of the EC Offroad logo. Etc.

Thanks!

 

[greynolds]

Does anyone have a manual that explains the settings?

Wondering how to get Netflix, Apple TV, etc set up. Which mike to select. How to get the Toyota logo at startup instead of the EC Offroad logo. Etc.

Thanks!

Nope, there's no manual for that stuff.

But the basic device is essentially an Android tablet. If you exit out of the Zlink CarPlay app, you should have a launcher app running that provides access to the Google Play store. You'll need to login to that, which will give you access to most apps you might want to use. Install the appropriate app(s), then login to your account for Netflix, Apple TV, etc., just as you would on a tablet. The caveat is that the EC unit runs an older version of Android, so you may need to install some apps from APK files - if you read through this thread, you'll find some tips on how to do that. The first post has a bunch of tips in it, so make sure you read that.

If there's an EC Offroad logo at startup, that's a new feature - mine randomly shows a Toyota or Lexus logo. I'm not aware of a way to change this. I did ask EC Offroad about this a while back - even though there's no harm, it looks sloppy having a Lexus logo come up on a Toyota - but there was never a resolution. I should ask again as it has been quite a while since I last asked.

If you have some specific questions, ask away. Several of us have been using these units for a while now and can likely help you out.

 

[Cincodemustache]

Does anyone have a manual that explains the settings?

Wondering how to get Netflix, Apple TV, etc set up. Which mike to select. How to get the Toyota logo at startup instead of the EC Offroad logo. Etc.

Thanks!

I emailed EC support about the startup logo and they advised no dice on changing as it is a “legal issue”.

 

[DomSmith]

As a follow-up to my intermittent OEM screen blacking out:

I sent an email to Cale and they replied right away that the blue ended LVDS cable is an optical cable and it would be responsible for the OEM screen issue. They offered to send a new cable to start. But I decided to take a look before having one sent.

So I opened up the dash and confirmed no obvious damage to the cable. There were a few tight bends so I repositioned the box and made sure the LVDS cable was routed better and no more issues so far. Going on a week.

 

[ZRTactical]

Does anyone's screen go black when you actuate the handbrake? When I pull the brake, the screen flashes black.

Another question: I cannot get wireless android auto to work. It is enabled on device and module but they won't see each other. It's a brand new unit, just arrived yesterday

 

[FerrisBueller]

Does anyone's screen go black when you actuate the handbrake? When I pull the brake, the screen flashes black.

Another question: I cannot get wireless android auto to work. It is enabled on device and module but they won't see each other. It's a brand new unit, just arrived yesterday

For the later years (2016+), the EC module product page specifically says that wireless only works for Apple, not Android. I assume it's the same for the 2013-15 module, so I'm a little surprised it looks like they've left out that tidbit of info in that year range's product page.

 

[ZRTactical]

For the later years (2016+), the EC module product page specifically says that wireless only works for Apple, not Android. I assume it's the same for the 2013-15 module, so I'm a little surprised it looks like they've left out that tidbit of info in that year range's product page.

I think it even says on their website "now supports wireless AndroidAuto and Carplay"

 

[greynolds]

I think it even says on their website "now supports wireless AndroidAuto and Carplay"

If that’s the case, that’s a new feature most of us didn’t get, so unless it can be added with a firmware or software update, those of us who bought early units will never have wireless Android Auto. I think most of us posting in this thread are also using iPhones, so it isn’t something most of us would use.

I would suggest sending an email to the guys at EC and see what they say.

Regarding the handbrake question, I don’t think I’ve used mine in ages, so not sure about that one.

Edit: I just checked and the site still pretty clearly states that Android Auto is wired only for both the < 2018 and 2018+ versions of the module in parentheses at the end of the sentence. The all caps WIRELESS at the start of the paragraph that mentions the feature is a bit misleading. IMHO, they would benefit from hiring someone to proof read and word smith their site to make some of the details less ambiguous.

 

[ZRTactical]

Ok, next question: Did anyone solve the no volume on incoming calls issue? Outbound works great, audio stays on phone for incoming. I have bluetooth paired to car's native system. Plugged in for android auto functions.

 

[FerrisBueller]

Ok, next question: Did anyone solve the no volume on incoming calls issue? Outbound works great, audio stays on phone for incoming. I have bluetooth paired to car's native system. Plugged in for android auto functions.

I use wired Android Auto, but have not experienced that problem. I do keep Bluetooth paired like you mentioned.

 

[Cincodemustache]

Little blip on wireless CarPlay I thought I’d share for any feedback.

No changes to any phone or EC unit settings and now my wireless CP will not full connect. It will launch Zlink and simply spin on the “Connecting” message prior to where it will recognize and display your iPhone name.

Bluetooth is connected, It’s almost like the unit is not making the handoff to Wi-Fi.

I’ve cleared and reconnected Bluetooth on my phone. Any other suggestions? Plugged CP does work.

Thanks all

 

[greynolds]

Little blip on wireless CarPlay I thought I’d share for any feedback.

No changes to any phone or EC unit settings and now my wireless CP will not full connect. It will launch Zlink and simply spin on the “Connecting” message prior to where it will recognize and display your iPhone name.

Bluetooth is connected, It’s almost like the unit is not making the handoff to Wi-Fi.

I’ve cleared and reconnected Bluetooth on my phone. Any other suggestions? Plugged CP does work.

Thanks all

If you haven't already, try turning WiFi off/on and/or rebooting your iPhone. I run into this sort of thing every once in a while and some combination of shutting Bluetooth off then back on, turning WiFi off and back on, and restarting the iPhone seems to fix it.

 

[Cincodemustache]

If you haven't already, try turning WiFi off/on and/or rebooting your iPhone. I run into this sort of thing every once in a while and some combination of shutting Bluetooth off then back on, turning WiFi off and back on, and restarting the iPhone seems to fix it.

How did I know @greynolds would be so quick to respond? Lol, EC should be hiring you for their lack of USA customer support.

Thank you for the suggestions. I will try combinations to see what works!

 

[greynolds]

How did I know @greynolds would be so quick to respond? Lol, EC should be hiring you for their lack of USA customer support.

Thank you for the suggestions. I will try combinations to see what works!

I'm here all week...

 

[ZRTactical]

Hey, so since wireless android doesn't work... the wired android auto USB does not have enough power to charge my phone. My older version unit didn't have this issue. How are you guys dealing with this? 1 hour trip only charges my phone 1%

 

[greynolds]

Hey, so since wireless android doesn't work... the wired android auto USB does not have enough power to charge my phone. My older version unit didn't have this issue. How are you guys dealing with this? 1 hour trip only charges my phone 1%

I’ve been using my iPhone wirelessly and charging it from a high power USB port on longer trips, but you may consider trying this device when they’re in stock again:

USB C Splitter for Android Auto / Apple Carplay by Rohan Koripalli on Tindie

USB C Splitter that allows the user to use USB A for data while simultaneously fast charging with USB C PD. Please read full description

www.tindie.com

 

[hayden2203]

Does anyone have problems with make phone call, media and volume on steering wheel? Mine is not working

 

[greynolds]

Does anyone have problems with make phone call, media and volume on steering wheel? Mine is not working

I can confirm that my steering wheel volume and next/prev buttons work just fine. I rarely use the phone while in the car, so I'll let others chime in on that.

 

[hayden2203]

I did something wrong then lost carplay icon. Does any know what is the name of the app that can install?

 

[greynolds]

I did something wrong then lost carplay icon. Does any know what is the name of the app that can install?

Is the icon just missing or does CarPlay no longer launch automatically when you start the car up? If it's the former, you probably just deleted the icon from the app launcher and should be able to get it back by swiping to the next page and tapping the App+ button. If you managed to completely uninstall the app, you should probably contact EC Offroad for advice as it isn't an app you can install from the Google Play Store. It's possible you just moved the icon to the second page of apps by mistake.