Today I started my install of the GROM VL2 in my 2015 RX350 with factory navigation. I am not going to do a lengthy tutorial because the install video provided by GROM on YouTube does a better job.

The only changes I will be making that the video does not cover would be the details on the USB I will use for Android Auto. I will not use the factory USB port and will be going with an aftermarket USB made for Toyota models for aftermarket radio upgrades. The Toyota/Lexus USB port uses an non-standard connector that requires an adapter or replacement to be used for data transfer with aftermarket radios or upgrade units like the GROM. GROM does sell an Toyota USB adapter with the correct connector, but it connects to the radio end of the factory USB connection which requires an lengthy USB cable run which could interfere with the data transfer rate as warned by GROM. Therefore, I removed the factory center console USB and will try the aftermarket Toyota USB which will be a short run to the GROM unit mounted in the center console.

I have tested the GROM unit and it works so far. Next I will install the USB and clean up the wires before button everything back together.

The install so far. The GROM working.






The stock Lexus center console USB removed. I will try to install the aftermarket Toyota USB in the bracket that the stock Lexus USB mounted in.



The install video I used. It is very good and detailed for the 2013-2015 RX350 models with the stock navigation. My install was the exact same as the video except for the USB removal.

 

Awesome.

Keep track of how many times you have to intervene to get to your desired mode of operation. For me it is almost every other day.

Hit menu [mouse area] to switch display, push media [radio] to cycle through the right device. Along with non instant camera on reverse and tad bit of wakeup delay.


Salim

 

Hence why I went with the faster VL2 unit over the Lite unit you purchased. The VL2 has more RAM and quicker processing speed than the Lite so hopefully I will not have those issues that you have. So far the system started up and switch modes pretty quick.

I will post feed back on the GROM VL2 with the good and the bad.

 

Tip:

I used a 1 1/2in hole saw drill bit to make a clean hole in the console to route the wires to the GROM unit. I also used black cloth tape to wrap the wire for an clean OEM look and to reduce noise.

 

The aftermarket Toyota USB fit and works perfectly for Android Auto. I only have to buy an 1.5 foot extension cable so that it can reach the GROM. I tested the USB hub with the supplied 6 foot USB cable that came with the unit, but it is too long for the short 1.5ft run.

 

let me know if you have any issues with it. I'm on my 3rd warranty replacement from them. Each vline i got had different issues. Their tech team has been great but i wish the product was better

 

What was the issues that you had specifically with your Vline units?

So far my VL2 unit operate as desired during the test. However, I am only planning on using using it for Android Auto.

 

Please do not think that Grom or Beatsonic have ONE product that supports all 3rd gen RX.

I am trying to say is that some issues can be traced back to the particular RX model and not the aftermarket solution. This compatibility forced my hand in making selection of the aftermarket offering.

Salim

 

first one i wouldn't have audio on the vline side and it wouldn't connect to my car automatically.
The second one it kept glitching and i was about to get the black screen to some point.
This one i have audio problems to where the audio cuts out for 2-5 seconds and on the lexus side my phone keeps connecting and disconnecting from the car.

 

I am well aware that there are different versions of the GROM for the Lexus RX350 models. The 3rd generation 2010-2012 versions are different than the 2013-2015 versions to my understanding due to different OEM software/hardware changes.

My VL2 unit is working well out the box without updates. The system boots up fast and switch modes(OEM to Vline) easily. I do not see any obvious problems with the GROM so far.

 

That sucks.

So far my VL2 unit is working perfectly out the box.

 

So happy for you.

Salim

 

Some how I do not believe that.

Your post seem to be very negative about the GROM Vline in general in this thread. I understand that the GROM units have had it issues over the years and that many updates have corrected many of the issues, but not all of them. I purchased an late 2024 VL2 model with updated software; so my unit is probably more "stable" than many that was made years prior.

My purpose for this thread is to give some tips and honest feedback about how the GROM VL2 works in a 2015 RX350 with the factory navigation. Not to read bitter posts from members about how bad the other older Vline units are.

 

Must be something wrong with my posts or how they are being viewed.

I have maintained that I am happy with my solution and clear that it is not a perfect solution for me. I am happy for you as you are not encountering any issues [really nuisance/annoyance] that I encounter. Happy but not ecstatic.

In defense of the aftermarket suppliers, I have even explained that they face difficulty in interfacing with differences in year to year RX changes.

One thing I have always stated that "read the fine print" as the limitations are clearly published.

Salim

 

Maybe I misunderstood the context of post#2.

Well anyway no aftermarket Android solution will be perfect. Heck even the factory installed stock Android Auto feature of my 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Q4 Ti Sport gets buggy sometimes when first connecting or after an Android OS update on my phone.

I am not new to adding aftermarket audio products to my cars and is well aware that these systems can be far from perfect integrations to stock audio systems. So far I am impressed that my VL2 works right out the box without needing any tweaking or firmware updates.