Lexus GX470 Grom VLine Install DIY - How to Get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on Your 03-09 Lexus! 

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Thanks for watching!! Glad I could help!

Hello. Do you have a 2006 GX? May I know which Grove model you have chosen and how it works?

Haha nice!

Gotcha, thanks for the tip. I think this is a new generation of Grom system but I could be wrong. I’ll be sure to report any issues I encounter in the future

@@lexus_offroad_adventures any issues since you've installed it? I'm trying to decide which unit to go with.

I second that. Any issues? I bought one of those car play units that send audio via FM and I like it but it leaves something to be desired. Also I got it after watching your video. Good stuff

Yes it really is an awesome option to have. Nice, love 460s as well. She sure is pumped! 🙌🤙🏼🤙🏼

Have a good wknd brother

Thanks for watching!

Only issues are connectivity related between my wife and my phone. I have to manually select hers or mine when we’re both in the car because it doesn’t know which one to connect to. Easy enough. Solved with a wired connection. The stock screen sucks but you’d know that going in. Overall, most convenient option for people with Nav GX. Nice that it doesn’t mess with the AC controls. Super simple if you’re looking for plug-and-play I’ll have a Non-nav replacement headunit coming in soon that I think I’ll compare the Grom to.

Thanks! I am not sure if it has that capability. It does hook into the CD/DVD part of the harness but I am not sure if that means it kills the function of those rear screens or enables screen mirroring. Unfortunately I don't have those rear screens in this GX so I can't test it out for you. I'd join the GXOR forum on Facebook and pose that question. I'm sure someone has thought about it.

@@withmatt6327 I replaced my cabin air filter right before this video so haven’t had to do it since then but yeah I’d just drop the glove box tray again. Takes 10 mins.

@@lexus_offroad_adventures Ah okay, I will give it a shot. Thanks for the quick response

Nope! You don’t need to use that unless you plan on getting a sim for the unit to run independently. Everything will be done through the wireless CarPlay if not. It will basically mirror your phone, so as long as your phone has reception, you can run whatever apps that are supported by CarPlay

This is a decent option if you have navigation like my wife’s GX (in this video). I did a touch screen on my GX, which is non-nav, because it’s super simple. With the Nav screen GX you either need to get a touch screen unit that has A/C controls, or use a unit like this, which retains the factory A/C controls.

@@lexus_offroad_adventures great to know. I have the navigation system in my OEM so I will choose the VLine option. Am I right? Thank you, sir!

@@marcossosaperez293 Yes the VLine works, but the factory screen is the limiting factor unfortunately. What year is your GX?

Mine is a 2004 @@lexus_offroad_adventures

@@marcossosaperez293 yeah we have the same. Pre 2007 screens aren’t the easiest to navigate but it’s definitely possible

Yes! That’s one of the main benefits of this system. You retain the factory climate controls

I would love to do a dash replacement video. I feel like it would be popular. Have not done one as of yet

Excellent video. Looking forward to your dash replacement video.

Ah man. Yeah in your case, I’d definitely choose the Phoenix unit.

I’ve heard Phoenix has had its share of software issues but it looks clean and can be updated. This is especially scary to me since you are putting your AC controls in an (potentially) unreliable system. Grom isn’t without performance issues either but the important thing for me is that it doesn’t mess with the factory AC controls. The screen with Grom isn’t great though and that can be a problem for people who want to watch videos, care a lot about aesthetic, etc. Cost is similar although there are sometimes group buys via GXOR on Grom for $470. For me, the less invasive option was the best. But if your priorities are different than mine, I can definitely understand wanting screen clarity, touch performance, and resolution that you get with the Phoenix. As long as you’re ok with the AC controls being integrated into it and possibly having issues there. Doesn’t mean you will have issues, but I’ve just heard there can be issues with that.

Yeah it definitely doesn’t perform the best vs my other car’s head unit but it’s probably the easiest for nav integration. It’s fine for basic Apple CarPlay function. For the price, I’d definitely explore the Teyes or other full nav replacement (Tesla screen style) unit or try to source a set of non nav ac controls, do the conversion, and get the Joying.

Yes, it replaces the CD changer both physically and in function.

@lexus_offroad_adventures I don't use cds, but I do use my DVD changer for movies. I wish I could find just a screen upgrade then.

From what I read on the instructions, you may be able to just keep your CD player installed and use it but it may not work. Hit or miss. You adjust the EQ via the factory system from what I’ve seen so far. I’ll try to find another way in settings but I think it’s still thru the factory system

@@lexus_offroad_adventures if the Grom unit had a better EQ adjustment, I rather use that since the Factory only controls 3 bands which is lacking in fine turning.

Sounds like an awesome rig! Took maybe 2 hours. But filming makes everything take longer so maybe an hour/ hour and a half is a better estimate.

Should be pressing once without the brake but not sure for your platform. Check your owners manual for how to put in accessory “ACC” mode. I would also just try to turn the engine on since it says “ACC or On” 1. Put Ignition Switch to “ACC” or “ON” position 2. Wait up to 5 Seconds 3. Put Ignition Switch to “OFF” position 4. Wait 1 minute 5. Turn Ignition Switch back to “ACC” or “ON” Position 6. Press the DISC button until you are able to select the VLINE interface. (may take more than 2 presses of the DISC for accessing as first press is for built-in CD/DVD changer in most cases)

Correct, that’s just an extra cable for installing an aftermarket camera. If you have a GX equipped with a backup cam, it’s plug-and-play.

Do the instructions discuss the backup camera or am I off course?

Mine doesn’t have the rear entertainment system so I can’t be sure but the system only replaces the front CD changer. It shouldn’t affect anything else

I’ll can let you know exactly how it works when I do it but I believe I can just connect to my home WiFi or phone’s hotspot to do that.

@@lexus_offroad_adventures thanks. I’m in the fence about doing it.

@@lexus_offroad_adventures your review was helpful

Behind on videos for sure. But I can film something on real world usability. Inside scoop/bottom line: It’s having Apple CarPlay with an old school screen interface just like you would expect. It’s a nice next level beyond simply having a Bluetooth module. I’m a fan. That said, I don’t have any experience with these other full replacement touch screens but they seemed like more trouble than they’re worth.

The VLine 2 computer is separate from the factory computer. So to access the VLine 2, you press the Disc button (since it’s wired in where the factory CD changer used to be). If you want to change AC, just hit the climate button like you normally would, and it will be the same as normal. This is why I like this unit over other complete replacements. It doesn’t mess with the factory controls at all. It’s the ‘least invasive option’

Yes. Coming soon

Yea with Nav. Nope, you keep all your factory vehicle controls and this system is only in play when you hit the “Disc” button. This is because the Grom replaces the factory CD changer with a head unit computer.

@@lexus_offroad_adventures perfect thanks

Yes, you only access the VLine side of the software by pressing the DISC button. The factory system remains.

@@lexus_offroad_adventures What about if I want to use my CD player?

Hmmm. Might have to make one of those! I have a non-nav GX470 as well just haven’t gotten around to upgrading the head unit yet since I can live without it. But I am getting to the point where I’d like Bluetooth and Apple car play lol I’ll look into getting something and when I do I’ll be sure to film it.

Correct, this system replaces the CD changer

Yes, but if I were to do it again, I’d just route it into the bezel surrounding the instrument cluster like I did in my other head unit install video

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-j0aO6KaSVNs.html

@@lexus_offroad_adventures Just checked it out. Yeah it came out nice! I’ll try this out instead. Thank you! Btw, I’m in the middle of installing my GROM, and this video has been so helpful. Thank you for sharing 🙏

I would just use the mic included in the kit. I don’t think the factory one will work with the Grom unit.

Yes, in fact, this is an 04 GX470 in the video

Sorry for the delay on that one. Things have been crazy but I’m hoping to get it done soon.

No worries, just trying to choose the best option for my gx

Yes I know, it’s a lot. This was from a group buy on the GXOR Facebook group. Maybe they’ll do another one soon so you may want to try joining that group.

@@lexus_offroad_adventures What year is your GX?

lol it’s just the factory climate controls screen. This system is only active when you press ‘disc’ no need to eye roll 🤣 Backup cam, climate controls, even the factory nav system all still work like before