Notices
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

DIY-Grom USB Adapter + Bluetooth Dongle Installation

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 01:35 PM
  #1  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Default DIY-Grom USB Adapter + Bluetooth Dongle Installation

Hey everyone, today I installed the GROM USB adapter in to my RX300. I bought the Bluetooth dongle as well, as that’s the main thing I was looking for. The installation is very straightforward and only takes around 15-20 minutes. Everything is plug and play.

Included is the Included is the GROM Adapter (TOYA3), “TOYF” Harness Cable, 3.5mm input cable w/ USB female, (optional – Bluetooth Dongle ($50), iPod Cable with Charge & Control ($24.99), and I believe they sell a flush mount for the AUX ($10).

I only purchased the additional Bluetooth dongle.

Name:  everything.jpg
Views: 6096
Size:  94.1 KB
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 01:36 PM
  #2  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Default

Start by removing the (2) 10mm bolts at the bottom of the glovebox.

Name:  removetwo10mmscrewsonbottom.jpg
Views: 5357
Size:  56.8 KB

Now, remove the two Philip head screws at the top of the glovebox.

Name:  removephilip.jpg
Views: 5317
Size:  84.0 KB

Name:  removephilip1.jpg
Views: 5296
Size:  66.0 KB

The glovebox should now be able to pull out. Give it a slight tug at all the edges and the clips should let the glovebox free.

I did not disconnect the cables on the glovebox. I believe I read somewhere that the cable was something for the airbag (don’t quote me on this). I didn’t mess with it, and there’s no need to.

Name:  pulldownglovebox.jpg
Views: 5325
Size:  74.3 KB
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 01:36 PM
  #3  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Default

At this point, I reached behind the CD changer and pulled the harness cable out. I was able to do this, and I have small hands but large fingers.

You may have more difficulty doing so, and may prefer to remove the CD changer to disconnect the harness. If that’s the case, remove these (4) 10 mm screws. Two on each side.

Name:  cdchangerscrew1.jpg
Views: 5274
Size:  35.4 KB


Name:  cdchangerscrew2.jpg
Views: 5244
Size:  61.9 KB
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 01:37 PM
  #4  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Default

Here’s what the CD changer harness looks like:

Name:  cdchangercable.jpg
Views: 5402
Size:  62.0 KB

Now take the female end of the GROM cable and plug it into the CD changer harness.

Name:  gromharness.jpg
Views: 5358
Size:  65.4 KB
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 01:38 PM
  #5  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Default

Feed the GROM cable thru the slit in the glovebox. Only do this if you plan on installing the GROM unit in the glovebox itself.

If you don’t want the GROM unit in your glovebox, you can find a place to mount it behind there somewhere.

Name:  pullharnessthruslot.jpg
Views: 5295
Size:  62.6 KB

You can now plug in the GROM unit:

Name:  plugintoGROMunit.jpg
Views: 5301
Size:  45.1 KB
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 01:39 PM
  #6  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Default

Now plug in the 3.5mm/ USB female charger cable into “EXT2”.

Name:  install35mm.jpg
Views: 5296
Size:  47.6 KB

Name:  install35mmpart1.jpg
Views: 5344
Size:  59.8 KB

You can now test the GROM unit, and make sure it works before moving on futher.

This is what the screen should look like:
Name:  final.jpg
Views: 5318
Size:  78.1 KB
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 01:40 PM
  #7  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Default

If you bought the GROM Bluetooth dongle then continue with the DIY. If you did not, then bolt up the glovebox and you are done.

Plug the Bluetooth dongle into the “EXT1” port.

Name:  intallbluetooth.jpg
Views: 5369
Size:  74.3 KB

Name:  bluetooth2.jpg
Views: 5337
Size:  72.2 KB
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 01:41 PM
  #8  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Default

Take the microphone and install it onto the mount. (sorry for the blurry picture)

Name:  putmicrophoneintoholder.jpg
Views: 5342
Size:  54.5 KB

Now, peel back one side of the adhesive tape provided and stick it onto the microphone mount.

Name:  peel3mstickyontomicrophone.jpg
Views: 5300
Size:  58.0 KB
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 01:42 PM
  #9  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Default

Now choose where you want to mount the microphone. I choose to mount it behind the rear view mirror, as it’s easiest to run the wire from there.

Name:  placemicrophonebehindrearviewmirror.jpg
Views: 5282
Size:  63.0 KB

Now run the wire underneath the headliner.

Name:  runwireunderheadliner.jpg
Views: 5296
Size:  60.7 KB

And, peel back the weather-stripping and run the microphone cable into it.

Name:  contine.jpg
Views: 5287
Size:  66.8 KB

Name:  continuedownweatherstrippng.jpg
Views: 5253
Size:  60.0 KB

Now insert the wire into the gap of the glovebox and where it meets the dashboard.

Name:  bringitintoglovebox.jpg
Views: 5312
Size:  65.5 KB

Then pull it through the same hole that we pulled the GROM harness cable through.

Name:  thrutheslotJPG.jpg
Views: 5275
Size:  45.8 KB
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 01:44 PM
  #10  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Default

Connect the microphone into the Bluetooth dongle.

Be aware that you have to press the cable very hard to get to make a perfect connection and leave no gap between the two connections.

Name:  plugmicrphoneintightly.jpg
Views: 5267
Size:  59.3 KB

The final product: Name:  finalglove.jpg
Views: 5229
Size:  77.6 KB
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 01:45 PM
  #11  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Default

I plan on eventually moving the GROM unit somewhere behind the glovebox. But, first I want to use it for a few days and see how I like it before I mount it somewhere permanently.

As of now, I love it! The audio quality is amazing! It’s unbelievable how great it sounds! It’s definitely better than playing a CD. I’ll keep everyone updated as to where I move the GROM unit to, and how I like the GROM.

If you have any questions, or comments feel free to leave them below.
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 01:52 PM
  #12  
JoshTittle's Avatar
JoshTittle
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Default

I have a 2005 ES330. Do you know if make a kit for that? Also where did you purchase yours. i have used the iSimple products in my previous GM vehicles, but i cant seem to find anything for mine. Thanks in advance!
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 02:04 PM
  #13  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Default

Originally Posted by JoshTittle
I have a 2005 ES330. Do you know if make a kit for that? Also where did you purchase yours. i have used the iSimple products in my previous GM vehicles, but i cant seem to find anything for mine. Thanks in advance!
Yes, they make a kit for that car as well. My ES300 has the same radio as your ES330, and I actually made a DIY on that install as well so that should help you out if you plan to install it yourself. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...intensive.html

Link to purchase: http://www.gromaudio.com/store/aux_a...e_adapter.html

I have an iSimple IS77 installed in my RX300 as well, which I used prior to this GROM unit. And, the GROM is way better in terms of audio quality.

You're welcome!
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 02:43 PM
  #14  
JAB's Avatar
JAB
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 22
From: Virginia
Default

Hypervish: What year is your RX?
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2012 | 03:06 PM
  #15  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Default

Originally Posted by JAB
Hypervish: What year is your RX?
2000

Ignore : (Filler for 10 character)
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:59 PM.