Hi GROM representatives.

I have an suggestion if possible for the GROM Vline VL2 boxes. Please add an power toggle switch to the main VL2 box so that owners can easily reset a frozen VL2 unit that will not start up normally. The issue is that the navigation screen is black when the VL2 has an glitch and does not start up. The only way I fixed the VL2 not booting issue recently was to disconnect the VL2 power cord from the control box; which is a pain since I have to remove it from it perch in the center console to pull the power connection. It would be easier to reset the VL2 with a toggle switch; even if i have to reach into the center console.

The other option is to pull the Lexus radio fuse from the fuse box, but the fuse box is located under the instrument panel near the floor. It would be easier to just pull the VL2 box power cable.

I would buy an improved VL2 control box with a power toggle switch; hopefully with a customer discount.

 

Thank you for the suggestion. We will forward it to our engineering team.

 

I updated my VL2 to the latest software in my 2015 Lexus RX350 with navigation and adjusting the climate control do not cause the menus to switch. I have to switch to the factory menus to see the climate controls. I even selected the option to switch the climate menu in the VL2 settings.

To be honest, not much of an issue for me as that I barely ever adjust my climate setting from 70F(summer) or 72F(winter) in Auto so I really do not need to see the climate as an pop-up on the VL2. However, it is not an working function that many people may want to have so it needs to be corrected for the RX350 models to work like the LS model in the video.

 

That is strange, as we had it tested in the customer's vehicle last week (hence the video). We will revisit it again.

 

so grom basically told me yesterday my vline has no issues. My car didn't do this with the 2 previous defective vline2 units. This unit works well except for this issue. I sent them a video like this and there's no answer. Still i have no climate controls even though it shows it in the hamburger menu that they call it?

I couldn't attach the video but screen shot of my phone connecting and disconnecting constantly.

 

If you already submitted the technical support request via our web form at https://gromaudio.com/support.html, please let us know your ticket number or email address by sending direct message on this forum. We will review the communication. Our technical team will be able to help and provide guidance.

 

Hi everyone!

We are planning the new group order for the GROM VLine VL2 and VLite VT2 systems, which add CarPlay and Android Auto to the factory stereos of compatible vehicles!

The new group order will start on March 13th and run until March 20th. The product will ship by the end of March.

The discount will be $120 off the VLine VL2 system and $70 off the VLite VT2 system. Both systems support wireless CarPlay and Android Auto integration into the factory Lexus stereo. With the GROM VLine VL2 or VLite VT2 system, you do not need to replace your factory stereo. The GROM systems use already existing car stereos, displays, and steering wheel controls to operate CarPlay and Android Auto in your vehicle. All important factory features, such as a backup camera and FM radio, will keep working.

If you want to join the group, send us a private message with your email address and we will add you to the group.

Or you can send the request to join the group via the web form at https://gromaudio.com/support.html

Some of the frequently asked questions are:

1. What is the difference between GROM VLine VL2 and VLite VT2?
The GROM VLine VL2 offers wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a stand-alone Android interface that you can use to download almost any app from the Google Play store to use in your car. The GROM VLite VT2 system is for wireless CarPlay and Android Auto only.

2. Can I install the system myself?
Yes, you can install the system if you have some technical ability. You will need to disassemble the portion of the dashboard to connect the system to the back of the stereo and display and install the microphone and GPS antenna. We have plenty of install videos on our website: Installs and video tutorials - https://gromaudio.com/installs/index.html
Otherwise, the local car stereo shop in your area should be able to help you with the installation.
The GROM VLine VL2 / VLite VT2 systems come with 30 days return for the refund period and 18-month warranty.

To join the group, send the request via the web form at https://gromaudio.com/support.html or PM us your email address, and we will add you to the group list.

CarPlay maps on Lexus RX 2017 no nav using GROM VLine VL2 system

Android Auto on Lexus RX 350 2011 OEM stereo using GROM VLine VL2 System

 

Hello all,

We will have the next group buy order for the GROM VLine VL2 / VLite VT2 system starting on June 11th. Both systems will add wireless CarPlay and Android Auto to the factory stereo of your Lexus vehicle. The group ordering period will run until June 19th. The group order participants will receive a special discount code for $100 off the VLine VL2 or $70 off the VLite VT2. Both VLine VL2 and VLite VT2 will be available under the group order.

The product will ship from the end of June to early July 2025. If you want to participate in the upcoming group order, please send us a private message with your name and email address, and we will add you to the group order list. There is no obligation to order within the group. You can also send us the request to join the group order via our website contact form at https://gromaudio.com/support.html

Both VLine VL2 and VLite VT2 systems offer wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Contact us with any questions, and we will be happy to help!

Some of the frequently asked questions are:

1. What is the difference between GROM VLine VL2 and VLite VT2?
The GROM VLine VL2 offers wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a stand-alone Android interface that you can use to download almost any app from the Google Play store to use in your car. The GROM VLite VT2 system is for wireless CarPlay and Android Auto only. Check compare table that explores the differences between the VLine VL2 and VLite VT2 systems here: https://gromaudio.com/vl_compare.html

2. Can I install the system myself?
Yes, you can install the system if you have some technical ability. You will need to disassemble the portion of the dashboard to connect the system to the back of the stereo and display and install the microphone and GPS antenna. We have plenty of install videos on our website: https://gromaudio.com/installs/index.html
Otherwise, the local car stereo shop in your area should be able to help you with the installation.

The GROM VLine VL2 / VLite VT2 systems come with 30 days return for the refund period and 18-month warranty.

To join the group, send us the request via the web form at https://gromaudio.com/support.html or PM us your email address, and we will add you to the group list.

 

Hey, I have a 2010 RX350 without nav. It looks like that's not supported on the website, but I just want to make sure. Thanks.

 

Thank you for your interest! Unfortunately, 2010 Lexus RX350 without nav is not supported.

 

Update:

My GROM VL2 unit generally needs an reboot every few days or so. However, it has been working flawlessly for about two weeks without needing an reboot after I disconnected the battery for some repair work on my RX350.

I never disconnected the battery when I first installed my GROM unit in my RX350. Maybe that is why the GROM used to glitch out every few days or so.

Therefore, it seem like it would be best to disconnect the battery first to completely power down the system before installing the GROM to the factory radio and then power up the system to avoid any glitches . Can-bus systems can be flaky like that when installing aftermarket components since they never really power down.

 

What other options exist, besides Grom, for upgrading an older Lexus for CarPlay support? My gf has a 2014-ish Lexus sedan with factory nav. I will confirm exact model when I see her this weekend.

I no longer drive my VT2-equipped 2011 RX450h on a daily basis, as I bought a new modern vehicle and handed the RX off to someone else. But my experience with the VT2 was only ★★★☆☆, as documented in this thread. It was certainly better towards the end, as the latest update that added the temperature overlay also seemed to improve the stability of the product, and the new interface cable that uses the factory mic would have solved one of my biggest gripes about the product, but that was all late-breaking news, and I lived with the frequent crashes and freezes for the year+ that I used the product. And the poor phone audio is still there, as it would cost me $hundreds in labor to have a $30 interface cable replaced on a car that I don't even drive very often any more.

So I'm curious as to what other products exist that compete with the VT2, and possibly offer a better experience. My gf would _not_ have enjoyed my experience with VT2, and she absolutely does not want to fiddle with stuff while driving, and wants something to "just work," like the factory unit. Therefore no 3rd-party screens or dongles etc. are in play. I just want to offer her something that works like the Grom unit, but better.

Mods, feel free to move if this doesn't belong in this thread, but I figured people here would be most familiar with the Grom product.

 

The Grom solutions are great, but if you wanted to upgrade the screen, I've installed this 12.3" unit in my 2012 RX 350. Posted about it earlier here too. It's essentially the straight-from-China version of the more refined (but physically identical) Hamilton Motors offering; Hamilton takes these and refines the fork of Android they use, and they generally smooth out the software's rough edges of the units from China. But if you live entirely in CarPlay as I do, this could be a solution for you. Factory backup cam works, HVAC controls displayed overlaid, etc.

 

Thanks! That actually looks quite nice, and Hamilton have a preferred installer who will sell me the unit for the same $869 and install for $350. $300.I strongly prefer a single vendor, so that if something gets messed up, I have a single person to deal with, and no finger-pointing.

But Hamilton is $420 more than the price of alibaba, and $320 more than the Grom. It's certainly worth more than the Grom unit, since it's a new, larger screen with touch.

Hmmm. Gotta think about this a bit. My gf is pretty attached to her car, and may be loath to swap out the screen, even if the new one is better. And it's a lot of money.

Anyone have opinions on the Beat Sonic unit?

edit: fixed install labor

 

It's a 2013 Lexus ES350, which I found out when she asked about head lamp replacement this morning 😂.

And maybe this is better discussed in a separate thread, so as not to pollute the Gromminess of this thread.