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

[hayden2203]

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.

I think I uninstalled the app. Just couldn’t remember the nam of app to reinstall

 

[greynolds]

I think I uninstalled the app. Just couldn’t remember the nam of app to reinstall

Like I said, it isn’t an app you can install from the Google Play store. The app that’s used is Zlink, but if you actually uninstalled it, you’ll need to contact EC Offroad for assistance.

 

[hayden2203]

Like I said, it isn’t an app you can install from the Google Play store. The app that’s used is Zlink, but if you actually uninstalled it, you’ll need to contact EC Offroad for assistance.

Thank you

 

[McC13LC]

In those of you who have been in contact with EC Offroad, did they indicate if they will continue to support upgrades of new Android firmware on this unit? Reason I'm asking is, me and my family are iPhone users (been using too long - to hooked to make the jump to Android). I'm curious if there will be a pathway to a cleaner audio integration using factory microphone. I'm assuming since the EC unit (same with Grom, Navi, etc) is just a separate hardware/processing unit interfacing with our existing head-unit and controls EC/others are limited on hand-offs for factory mic integration? I get it, the external microphone is easy solution versus developing the software shim to hand off (if even possible)? This is just a guess on my part. Just wondering if anyone has a better explanation of why we can't integrate with existing microphone, specifically 2018-2021 200 series..

 

[greynolds]

In those of you who have been in contact with EC Offroad, did they indicate if they will continue to support upgrades of new Android firmware on this unit? Reason I'm asking is, me and my family are iPhone users (been using too long - to hooked to make the jump to Android). I'm curious if there will be a pathway to a cleaner audio integration using factory microphone. I'm assuming since the EC unit (same with Grom, Navi, etc) is just a separate hardware/processing unit interfacing with our existing head-unit and controls EC/others are limited on hand-offs for factory mic integration? I get it, the external microphone is easy solution versus developing the software shim to hand off (if even possible)? This is just a guess on my part. Just wondering if anyone has a better explanation of why we can't integrate with existing microphone, specifically 2018-2021 200 series..

There is pretty much no commitment to support upgrades to newer versions of the Android OS or firmware updates related to the hardware integration. Up to this point, I don't believe any of us have received any sort of software / firmware updates for these newer EC Offroad units. It sounds like there have been 1 or more hardware revisions and based on comments in this thread, there have been a few software / firmware tweaks (for example, the startup splash screen now shows an EC Offroad graphic instead of a random Toyota or Lexus logo). I have been meaning to send them a message asking if there are updates that can be installed on mine; if nothing else I would prefer a generic EC Offroad graphic rather than randomly seeing the Toyota or Lexus logo while booting (the Toyota logo is fine, but the Lexus logo makes it feel like an unfinished product). So if you purchase one, go in with the assumption that what is delivered to you is the final product.

Several of us posting here started with EC Offroad's prior hardware version and ran into some issues, some of which were apparently specific to USA spec Land Cruisers. There was some support to resolve issues with firmware updates, but support for USA specific issues was pretty much a no-go. The pandemic situation made it even more difficult to deal with as the manufacturer would have needed to travel to resolve the USA specific issues.

 

[McC13LC]

There is pretty much no commitment to support upgrades to newer versions of the Android OS or firmware updates related to the hardware integration. Up to this point, I don't believe any of us have received any sort of software / firmware updates for these newer EC Offroad units. It sounds like there have been 1 or more hardware revisions and based on comments in this thread, there have been a few software / firmware tweaks (for example, the startup splash screen now shows an EC Offroad graphic instead of a random Toyota or Lexus logo). I have been meaning to send them a message asking if there are updates that can be installed on mine; if nothing else I would prefer a generic EC Offroad graphic rather than randomly seeing the Toyota or Lexus logo while booting (the Toyota logo is fine, but the Lexus logo makes it feel like an unfinished product). So if you purchase one, go in with the assumption that what is delivered to you is the final product.

Several of us posting here started with EC Offroad's prior hardware version and ran into some issues, some of which were apparently specific to USA spec Land Cruisers. There was some support to resolve issues with firmware updates, but support for USA specific issues was pretty much a no-go. The pandemic situation made it even more difficult to deal with as the manufacturer would have needed to travel to resolve the USA specific issues.

Thanks for the details and confirming what I was assuming regarding updates, etc.. I'm leaning towards Grom Vline VL2.. Spoke with Grom and they confirmed they will continue to update and validate newer versions of Android. Current version is 8.1 (API version 27), which is fairely new (Oct 27, 2021 release). Typically with units like this as long as they have the continual software support model that's a good start.

 

[hayden2203]

Does anyone have same problem? Now it’s not working with EC Off-road car play interface

 

[greynolds]

Does anyone have same problem? Now it’s not working with EC Off-road car play interface

My controls work fine and we haven't had reports similar to yours in this thread. It looks like you have an older LC than mine (mine is a 2020) as your steering wheel controls are different from mine (my phone buttons are on the other side). About all I can suggest is to double check that all of the connectors that you had to disconnect / reconnect to install the EC unit are seated properly and to contact EC Offroad for further assistance if that isn't it. It's possible you have a defective cable - while checking to see if things are seated properly, also inspect for any bent pins.

 

[MRego]

(my phone buttons are on the other side)

Mine is a 2018 and the phone buttons are exactly like the picture. Is it true that the 2020 models those are inverted with cruise control/lane dept to the right side?

 

[greynolds]

Mine is a 2018 and the phone buttons are exactly like the picture. Is it true that the 2020 models those are inverted with cruise control/lane dept to the right side?

Correct - the buttons are on the other side on my 2020. IIRC, 2019+ are all the same.

 

[hayden2203]

My controls work fine and we haven't had reports similar to yours in this thread. It looks like you have an older LC than mine (mine is a 2020) as your steering wheel controls are different from mine (my phone buttons are on the other side). About all I can suggest is to double check that all of the connectors that you had to disconnect / reconnect to install the EC unit are seated properly and to contact EC Offroad for further assistance if that isn't it. It's possible you have a defective cable - while checking to see if things are seated properly, also inspect for any bent pins.

Mine is 2021 US version

 

[andyp]

Correct - the buttons are on the other side on my 2020. IIRC, 2019+ are all the same.

I have a 2019 and mine are exactly like that picture.

 

[greynolds]

Hmm, maybe I need to take another look at mine then as I rarely use the phone buttons and I am pretty sure that 2019 and up should all be the same. In any event, I don‘t think the button layout would be the issue.

 

[ZRTactical]

So...I switched to apple. I keep having an issue where Spotify or Audible will not play. It starts, then stops in about 1 second. You cannot get it to play music or books. No fiddling can me it work either. Wireless Carplay. Newest firmware.

 

[sadovnik]

So...I switched to apple. I keep having an issue where Spotify or Audible will not play. It starts, then stops in about 1 second. You cannot get it to play music or books. No fiddling can me it work either. Wireless Carplay. Newest firmware.

Reboot your iPhone.

 

[McC13LC]

Thanks for the details and confirming what I was assuming regarding updates, etc.. I'm leaning towards Grom Vline VL2.. Spoke with Grom and they confirmed they will continue to update and validate newer versions of Android. Current version is 8.1 (API version 27), which is fairely new (Oct 27, 2021 release). Typically with units like this as long as they have the continual software support model that's a good start.

FWIW, probably not the correct thread but I ended up going with GROM VL2 and if you have 2020-21’ they now have an audio jack that ties into your factory microphone so there is no need to install a separate mic. This makes the installation very tidy.

 

[ZRTactical]

Reboot your iPhone.

Every time? Reboot works but why should I have to?

 

[sadovnik]

If the reboot fixes the problem, then the issue is most likely with your phone. Try a different phone in order to isolate the issue.

 

[greynolds]

Every time? Reboot works but why should I have to?

Because some apps, unfortunately, have bad CarPlay implementations. I've found that Apple Music, Google Maps, and Apple Maps work perfectly just about every time. SiriusXM OTOH frequently needs to have the app killed and restarted in order to get it to work. We've seen reports that the situation is the same with cars that have native CarPlay, so it isn't an issue with the EC unit.

 

[ZRTactical]

Makes sense. It’s a new 13 pro. It has the latest update too. Thanks for the help. Makes me feel better that it is a phone issue.