Originally Posted by KLF

Tossing this thread back up to the top, as I found it very useful today when installing my GROM. No iPod/iPhone for me, I ended up buying the USB2 Plus unit, plus I also added the Bluetooth module and the AUX-IN cable. Very easy install on the GROM, and it actually works better than I expected, it has more features and better integration that I thought.

http://www.gromaudio.com/store/usb_a...interface.html

My phone is a Droid RAZR MAXX, and I bought the specific Motorola Mobile Dock for it on Amazon:

http://www.motorola.com/us/consumers...,en_US,pd.html

Originally I had planned to get a bracket from either PanaVise or Pro-Fit:

http://www.panavise.com/pdf_indash/75136-202.pdf
http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/Adobe/LX-52-01.pdf (page 2)

but, when I looked at the brackets, popped the dash apart, scrounged around the garage, I decided "I can make one better than that". A few hours later, some 16ga steel, a welder, and I had a better design that was mounted essentially the same. I had to kinda dissect the dock to get it mounted on my bracket, but it was worth it.

A few notes on the install for the GROM:

* I started by unscrewing the shifter **** (so it can't get damaged), set it aside, then take a small screwdriver and pop out the little cover that lets you move the shifter without the key. Otherwise, once the shifter is out of P, the key is captive in the ignition, so you'd have to listen to that annoying "bong bong bong...". Stick the shifter down in D, then just pop off the entire surround on the console including the ashtray. Carefully unplug the ashtray connector and any other connectors (my car as the rear window shade, one other plug to disconnect). Then set the console cover out of the way in a safe place.

* Put a thick towel over the shifter stub. This will protect the HVAC module, which really does just pop out, no tools required. DO NOT DISCONNECT ANY OF THE CABLES ON THE BACK! (warning on both the Panavise and Pro.Fit document) I suspect that if you disconnect them that this will trigger something bad with the security system.

* As the photos from hypervish show, there are 4 bolts that need to be removed from under the stereo, my Nav/ML unit was the same. The upper 2 are pretty far recessed, you'll need a short extension and a flashlight. 10 mm socket. Once those are out, put another heavy towel over the HVAC unit, then gently pull out on the entire stereo section, it will come out with the head unit and all.

* My GROM interface cable plugged into where the CD Changer connects, but it's a "daisy chain" connection, meaning you plug the changer back into the other end of the GROM harness. I removed my CD Changer years ago (it broke, good riddance), so I have no way to test to see if it would still work now. Once you have the interface cable attached, you can gently put the head unit section back. Very easy!

* I put my Bluetooth mic in pretty much the same spot. I found these nifty plastic pry tools very helpful for tucking the wire under the headliner and down the A-pillar.

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performan...80691/10002/-1

* There is a LOT of room in the dash under the HVAC unit and behind the ashtray/console cover to hide stuff. I also put my GROM "brain" on the ductwork, same place, with some strong double-stick tape.

* I tried the proprietary AALinQ app on my phone, but honestly, I didn't like it. I had to use the charging cable that came with my phone to connect, not the cable that is integrated into the car dock. The interface is kinda crude, too clumsy to navigate through the ~15GB of music on my phone. Besides, I really intend to just use Pandora most of the time.

* So, I'm using the Bluetooth adapter to connect the phone for both the audio streaming and hands-free. So far I am really impressed with the connection and features. I pop the phone into the dock, set the stereo in CD Changer mode which automatically goes to "BT STREAM" on the display, the phone automatically goes into "Car Mode" with a special home screen, then hit the Pandora app, and tunes start in a few seconds, even on 3G. Navigation, phone calls, Poweramp, everything comes through the speakers. And, it charges the battery at the same time. Phone calls dim the music volume as it should, and I even found that the "forward/back" buttons on the steering wheel communicate with Pandora and Poweramp. I swear the thing looks factory!

Originally Posted by Sadiekins

Thanks!!!! This was so awesome. Helped me install this unit into my rx 330!!! I'm not a DIY person at all so this tutorial was a god send. It works so well!!! Makes me wonder why I was using the cassette adapter for so long!!!!

Originally Posted by My03Tundra

Sadly, my GROM USB2 Plus came with many issues. Wrong cable, as I had a "spare" pigtail that didn't really go to anything or matchup with any plugs. Once installed, I had to do a firmware update so my iPhone 5S could connect to it. I couldn't get it to switch to the 30 pin cord I bought so my Mom's iPhone 4S could connect and charge, too. Eventually, the device quit working!

The only good thing I had was the USB install in my center console went awesome, even if I did have to break out my Dremel to modify the 12V charging outlet,

I have reached out to Autotoys for support, but I'll probably get a replacement directly from GROM and go that route,

Originally Posted by My03Tundra

This was the last e-mail I got from Autotoys.com.

"You are using it wrong.
The password to the forums was sent to you in an email, it is also on your invoice
It is helpme - answer the questions in the forum."

I thought it was rather curt and I am not impressed by their "technical support," or their customer service. After that e-mail from them I sent a reply back asking for my money. I highly doubt I will buy from them or recommend them to anyone. I will be uninstalling the remaining elements (except the center console USB) and sending them back.

This has been a HORRIBLE experience for me, and a rough couple of days off. I took my car down to a Lexus dealership to fix the front guard on the underside of the car and now the signal beep for the doors is barely audible. Sigh.