Q's for LC Grom Vline2 owners?

[LCMemphis]

Before I pull trigger, just want some feedback on unit's performance. My LC is 2010 and factory screen is obviously weak in terms of resolution, contrast in bright light, etc. I'd be using the hardwire Android Car play version. My questions are--
is there a noticeable lag time when powering up or changing screens?
Are various apps like Waze, Google maps Pandora, Spotify easy to see on screen?
Any problems going from Climate to CarPlay screen?
I'm thinking of upgrading OEM rear view camera to something better that illuminates more at night and also shows grid lines....has anyone done this? Grom says they can add the adaptor for the camera cord.
Lastly, about how many hrs for an experienced technician to install?

Thanks in advance

 

[tbisaacs]

No lag on my 2008. The annoyances are due to Toyotas decision to automatically switch screens etc. for example when shifting to reverse and back to drive I have to manually switch display back to the Grom.

 

[mceagle555]

As long as you have a good existing screen (not yellowed), then you'll be happy with the VLine2. It is about a 2-hour install for a DIY if you REALLY take your time. Those who have done it before can probably do it in 45 mins or less.

Overall, one of the better upgrades I've done

 

[CactusHopper]

FYI, lots of experiences here, including mine from a few months ago. However, the thread represents a wide variety of vehicles (LC/LX and years). Lots of different firmware versions as well, so presumably it's gotten "better" over time...

 

[StephenChelly]

If you are looking to add Android Auto or Carplay and dont need any of the other tablet style apps, you may consider the VLite vs VLine. The box is smaller, simpler, and cost less. Link to my install post here: Has anyone used the Grom Vlite VT2 CarPlay/Android auto only unit? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/has-anyone-used-the-grom-vlite-vt2-carplay-android-auto-only-unit.1305771/post-15286083

I have since moved the VLite from the 09 to the 16. Grom was super helpful, sent me a link to purchase the correct harness for the 16 and the firmware to make the VLite work on the later gen.

On the 09 it emulates the CD changer source, so it adds a source, as factory is the DVD changer. On the 16 the box uses the AUX input, so you would no longer be able to use the 3.5mm aux jack. In either case, the unit has worked well and still receives updates and improvements, which I appreciate.

 

[Boston Mangler]

No lag on my 2008. The annoyances are due to Toyotas decision to automatically switch screens etc. for example when shifting to reverse and back to drive I have to manually switch display back to the Grom.

There is a setting for this somewhere in the main menu. This annoyed me also and when I posted about it, someone here pointed out it’s in the settings. All good now

 

[Boston Mangler]

I have this on my 2010 LC

WIRED it works great and almost zero issues.

Wirelessly, it sucked so bad, I just gave up and plug it at all times now. No issues when plugged in

 

[roadsalt]

2011 here

is there a noticeable lag time when powering up or changing screens?

It takes about 10-20 seconds on initial startup with a "VLINE" screen. Then later in the day it starts right up. No lag on sound like the Tesla type screens have.

Are various apps like Waze, Google maps Pandora, Spotify easy to see on screen?

Yes. Works great

Any problems going from Climate to CarPlay screen?

No, you can toggle back and for the easily by hitting "climate" and then going back to double tapping the bluetooth usb button

I'm thinking of upgrading OEM rear view camera to something better that illuminates more at night and also shows grid lines....has anyone done this? Grom says they can add the adaptor for the camera cord.

No experience here

Lastly, about how many hrs for an experienced technician to install?

Took me 20 minutes.

Thanks in advance

Youre welcome.

Only annoyance I have is when taking a phone call I need to switch from CarPlay bluetooth to LEXUS bluetooth. The screen stays CarPlay, but it takes like 5 seconds to switch over for my call to hear me.

 

[roadsalt]

I have this on my 2010 LC

WIRED it works great and almost zero issues.

Wirelessly, it sucked so bad, I just gave up and plug it at all times now. No issues when plugged in

My wireless is perfect on 2011 LX. Make sure you update the Vline software.

 

[Boston Mangler]

My wireless is perfect on 2011 LX. Make sure you update the Vline software.

After the FOURTH firmware update, I gave up

 

[roadsalt]

After the FOURTH firmware update, I gave up

Maybe the LEX6 unit is different than the one youre using.

 

[StephenChelly]

I find wireless carplay is great for the short trips running back and forth. For any extended drives, I'll plug in direct, as it keeps the phone charged and the signal doesn't drop like wireless. In my experience FWIW, having a few vehicles that support wireless carplay, it will consistently drop or delay in certain areas across all of our vehicles vs being isolated to the grom, factory integration, or aftermarket head units. Plug in wired in those areas and it has no issues. Some type of signal interference.