Grom VLine (1 Viewer)

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I sent them video and screenshot. The response after I returned it is it works fine on their bench and they don't know why it wouldn't work. Not very confidence inspiring.
Still waiting for the video cable that will work for 2018+
 
Been working with Grom for more than a week on this - They have been pleasant but really havent certified the unit for Land Cruiser 200 2016+. They compared 2016-2019 and similar year Gx460 as same. It's not. Toyota Changed the Land Cruiser touch screen for 2018 for one which may directly account for the VLINE2 working perfectly right up to the point you touch the screen. This is likely a hardware mod needed. I have requested a refund. I will continue to pursue a solution with Grom or other but for now... DEAD.
 
Been working with Grom for more than a week on this - They have been pleasant but really havent certified the unit for Land Cruiser 200 2016+. They compared 2016-2019 and similar year Gx460 as same. It's not. Toyota Changed the Land Cruiser touch screen for 2018 for one which may directly account for the VLINE2 working perfectly right up to the point you touch the screen. This is likely a hardware mod needed. I have requested a refund. I will continue to pursue a solution with Grom or other but for now... DEAD.

It's unfortunate they didn't take the time to verify it would work before they advertised as such. Took a lot of time to install a product that doesn't work. Oh well...
 
I had a unit I was trying to make work on previous 16LC from another vendor. Had similar problems. I think it works on their bench but they are testing on non-JBL units.
 
In case anybody is still interested in group buy pricing - it appears they have a group buy going over on the 120-series forum that would include the V-Line that works for some of the 200 series - the more participants, the better the price ->


oops - wrong link - this is the current group buy:
 
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A bit off topic perhaps but I installed my Vline2 today, turned it on, done the updates and all seemed to be working ok. This is on an '08 model. However you get a split toyota harness to power the Vline. It goes in the back of the radio, while checking the voltage on the yellow wire I accidentally touched the harness of the radio. A tiny spark followed and since then I do not have any power anymore on the yellow wire. My oem JBL navigation doesn't start up anymore either. I suppose a fuse has been blown but can't figure out which fuse that is. The yellow wire is supposedley to deliver a contant power. I checked the fuses on AMP and AUDIO etc but they all seem fine. Any ideas?

audio plug.JPG
 
As a 2013 owner, hoping there isn't an issue for us. I'd like to join in on that group buy.

@TheGrrrrr any updates on the install and daily use?

I just ordered my Grom Vline2 for my 2013. It should be here by end of the week. I will do my best to document the install, setup and tips &tricks in a separate thread. A few things I will be focusing on are:
  • Carista Android OS App functionality/communication with Carista ODB2 Interface
  • Icom RS-MS1I Android OS App functionality for controlling the Icom ID-5100a HAM Radio
  • Apple CarPlay functionality and responsiveness
    • Waze responsiveness
    • Spotify sound quality
  • GaiaGPS CarPlay functionality vs GaiaGPS Android OS App funtionality
  • SwitchPros Android OS App functionality
  • Webex/Zoom Android OS App Functionality
  • Streaming Android OS Apps
    • DirecTV
    • Netflix
    • MLB.tv
  • APRSDroid Android OS App Functionality
  • GoPro Android OS App functionality and connectivity range for cameras mounted on vehicle exterior/roof rack etc.
  • Escort Live Android OS App for Escort 360Max radar detector
If anyone has messed around with any of these on the Grom, let me know so I can eventually pick your brain.
 
As a 2013 owner, hoping there isn't an issue for us. I'd like to join in on that group buy.

@TheGrrrrr any updates on the install and daily use?

I installed the Grom VL2 on my 2014 LC and it works great! I've had it now for about a month and everything works to include all the original factory functions. I think the 2013-2015 are pretty much the same, so I would think it should work well for you. The installation was pretty straight forward, especially if you watch some of the videos mentioned on this thread, but it wasn't without a hitch. Here's what I could add to some of the things already mentioned on this forum.

1. The installation manual isn't specific for the Land Cruiser, but for a Lexus. However, it's pretty similar, so not that much of an issue. Unfortunately, after install, I had the same issue as jeep2cruiser with audio quality. As he stated (and I confirmed this with Grom) the 16 pin OEM connector that you disconnect from the headunit should not be "daisy chained" into the Grom wiring harness. Only the new 16 pin connector from the Grom harness should be connected. All the other connections should be made as per the installation manual. This might save you the trouble of having to do the installation twice like I had to do!

2. I also experienced a loss of the backup camera video for a bit. It worked fine after install testing, but after I tucked cables in and put trim pieces on, I lost the video signal for all the cameras. After disassembly and checking all the connections, it started working and has not been an issue since. I checked with Grom and they only said to check the connection and that the VL2 unit does not interfere with the backup camera operations. I couldn't identify which connection caused this, but I don't think is was on the Grom unit, but some wiring either to the right of the headunit or under the glovebox...good luck!

3. After the initial power up initialization of the unit, the screen came up as described in the manual, but then it would "blink" for lack of a better description, which was a bit concerning. This continued for a while and eventually stopped. This has not been an issue since.

4. The unit came with the latest firmware which included the ability to connect Apple CarPlay wirelessly. Great feature, but it might have some glitches. My phone automatically connects to the unit on start up, which is nice, but I've experienced an issue of no audio. I have to de-select the IPhone connection on the display and then tap to re-connect to get it to work with the audio. I'll think I'll let Grom know to see if this could be a future firmware fix.

5. For navigation audio to work, you have to have your phone paired via bluetooth. This was also a bit frustrating, but fortunately jeep2cruiser cleared that up for me (much appreciated!).

6. The audio volume is somewhat dependent on the OEM volume. In other words, if you have your volume turned way down on the car radio/SAT/disc/etc, when you go to AUX to get to the Grom/CarPlay screen, your volume will also be very low, even if you turn the volume up while you're in AUX. Once you have the volume up in any of the other factory modes, this is not an issue and the volume and sound quality are great.

7. Last thing...if you decide to install a micro SD card, the manual says that you can put in up to a 128G card. The problem is that it has to be formatted in FAT32 which typically isn't supported for SD card above 32G. Also, WAV audio file aren't supported so only MP3s worked for me. Just make sure you install the card straight in otherwise it might go below the card slot and into the body of the unit (seems to like to go in at an angle when you first try to put it in).

Nice thing about the Grom unit is that it's nearly OEM. I've looked at Chinese and Australian units, and this is as close to "plug and play" as I think you'll get. I think it's a great product and well worth the asking price, but cheeper is always better, so good luck with the group buy! Hope this helps!


IMG_2977.JPG
 
Anyone have any issues with their LX570? I have a 2008 and wondered if anyone can post a video or screenshot of it operating. One thing that turns me off is our OEM screen resolution and I wondered if it detracted from operating Apple Play features. Thanks!
 
I installed the Grom VL2 on my 2014 LC and it works great! I've had it now for about a month and everything works to include all the original factory functions. I think the 2013-2015 are pretty much the same, so I would think it should work well for you. The installation was pretty straight forward, especially if you watch some of the videos mentioned on this thread, but it wasn't without a hitch. Here's what I could add to some of the things already mentioned on this forum.

1. The installation manual isn't specific for the Land Cruiser, but for a Lexus. However, it's pretty similar, so not that much of an issue. Unfortunately, after install, I had the same issue as jeep2cruiser with audio quality. As he stated (and I confirmed this with Grom) the 16 pin OEM connector that you disconnect from the headunit should not be "daisy chained" into the Grom wiring harness. Only the new 16 pin connector from the Grom harness should be connected. All the other connections should be made as per the installation manual. This might save you the trouble of having to do the installation twice like I had to do!

2. I also experienced a loss of the backup camera video for a bit. It worked fine after install testing, but after I tucked cables in and put trim pieces on, I lost the video signal for all the cameras. After disassembly and checking all the connections, it started working and has not been an issue since. I checked with Grom and they only said to check the connection and that the VL2 unit does not interfere with the backup camera operations. I couldn't identify which connection caused this, but I don't think is was on the Grom unit, but some wiring either to the right of the headunit or under the glovebox...good luck!

3. After the initial power up initialization of the unit, the screen came up as described in the manual, but then it would "blink" for lack of a better description, which was a bit concerning. This continued for a while and eventually stopped. This has not been an issue since.

4. The unit came with the latest firmware which included the ability to connect Apple CarPlay wirelessly. Great feature, but it might have some glitches. My phone automatically connects to the unit on start up, which is nice, but I've experienced an issue of no audio. I have to de-select the IPhone connection on the display and then tap to re-connect to get it to work with the audio. I'll think I'll let Grom know to see if this could be a future firmware fix.

5. For navigation audio to work, you have to have your phone paired via bluetooth. This was also a bit frustrating, but fortunately jeep2cruiser cleared that up for me (much appreciated!).

6. The audio volume is somewhat dependent on the OEM volume. In other words, if you have your volume turned way down on the car radio/SAT/disc/etc, when you go to AUX to get to the Grom/CarPlay screen, your volume will also be very low, even if you turn the volume up while you're in AUX. Once you have the volume up in any of the other factory modes, this is not an issue and the volume and sound quality are great.

7. Last thing...if you decide to install a micro SD card, the manual says that you can put in up to a 128G card. The problem is that it has to be formatted in FAT32 which typically isn't supported for SD card above 32G. Also, WAV audio file aren't supported so only MP3s worked for me. Just make sure you install the card straight in otherwise it might go below the card slot and into the body of the unit (seems to like to go in at an angle when you first try to put it in).

Nice thing about the Grom unit is that it's nearly OEM. I've looked at Chinese and Australian units, and this is as close to "plug and play" as I think you'll get. I think it's a great product and well worth the asking price, but cheeper is always better, so good luck with the group buy! Hope this helps!


View attachment 2315801
I also have it installed in a 2014 LC. Its incredible. Very happy with it
 
In case anybody is still interested in group buy pricing - it appears they have a group buy going over on the 120-series forum that would include the V-Line that works for some of the 200 series - the more participants, the better the price ->


oops - wrong link - this is the current group buy:

Thanks for the heads up on the group buy. Looks like a great deal. I was on the fence, but this makes it worth it.
 
I assume since the system runs on AUX you are loosing the ability to listen to regular radio, etc. Pretty much your on mercy on what your phone can provide. My wife has apply car play on her 2020 4runner and she laughs at my 2020 LC that is behind.
 
I assume since the system runs on AUX you are loosing the ability to listen to regular radio, etc. Pretty much your on mercy on what your phone can provide. My wife has apply car play on her 2020 4runner and she laughs at my 2020 LC that is behind.
I can listen to the factory radio with mine.
 
Just a heads up, it is last call (one day remaining) for the GROM Vline VL2 Group buy over on this forum. The price is down to $450 through this group buy. As a reminder I think this works for 200 series up to 2015 and now has wireless apple CarPlay, android auto, etc. Usual price is $600. Shipping for this group buy is on or after July 15th.

 
Thanks for the heads up! Got one for my 08 usdm
 
I just had one installed last week in my 2011 LX570 and used it all weekend. Let me start with the issue... I lost my backup and surround cameras. I emailed Grom late last week since I noticed it right away. They sent me a message to just check the connection. My installer took everything apart today and check them all and it still doesn't work. I currently have the dash disassembled at their shop waiting from Grom for further instruction.

Biggest issue with Grom is they do not have a phone number so it is hard to figure out these issues on the fly. I am really hoping I don't have to send it back since I have already paid to take apart the dash twice now.

If I can get this worked out, I will give a more detailed review.
 
I just had one installed last week in my 2011 LX570 and used it all weekend. Let me start with the issue... I lost my backup and surround cameras. I emailed Grom late last week since I noticed it right away. They sent me a message to just check the connection. My installer took everything apart today and check them all and it still doesn't work. I currently have the dash disassembled at their shop waiting from Grom for further instruction.

Biggest issue with Grom is they do not have a phone number so it is hard to figure out these issues on the fly. I am really hoping I don't have to send it back since I have already paid to take apart the dash twice now.

If I can get this worked out, I will give a more detailed review.


My dad and I share this account, he had the same problem, I'll get him to post an answer soon, but I'm pretty sure he just took it apart again and when he put it back together, it started working.
 

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