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IN DASH Car2AUX

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by whoda_thunk_it, Jul 10, 2008.

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  1. whoda_thunk_it

    whoda_thunk_it New Member

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    I bought the IN DASH Car2AUX-TOY but have not installed it yet.
    Has anyone installed this or similar unit?
    The unit plugs in where the CD changer would. Is it possible to do this without taking out the entire dash and display or can you do it by taking out the glove boxes? :pray:
    Based on the video I found here, taking out the glove boxes doesn't scare me much. Taking out the entire dash and display to get at the stereo is something I don't think I want to do to my new-born...at least not quite yet.
    thanks
    Jeff
     
    #1 whoda_thunk_it, Jul 10, 2008
  2. Joekc

    Joekc Member

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    Yeah, it took me eight months to get up the nerve to do this (XM install):

    [​IMG]

    I have read of people who have accessed the back of the radio by yanking the vent next to it (by the glove box) and maybe removing the glove box, but I'm not sure on that last part. It seems the issue is getting one's hand behind the radio in such a fashion as to get enough leverage to insert the plug firmly. Just out of curiosity, where will the stereo wire go after it leaves your dash?
     
    #2 Joekc, Jul 13, 2008
  3. whoda_thunk_it

    whoda_thunk_it New Member

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    On Saturday, I removed the lower glove box, and the passenger side vent panel and was able to insert the plug fairly easily. Unfortunately when I hit the "disc" button to be able to hear my input I heard nothing, and the displat showed "no disc".

    I messed around, uninstalled, reinstalled and still no luck.

    Eventually I unplugged the existing plug and left in the CAR2AUX plug. The radio worked, the new input worked, (the sound was much better than with FM transmitter I used to use) but the MFD showed "audio off" so there was no way to know which station was tuned in, it was just next programmed station. I emailed this info to Grom audio. Late last night I got an email saying thay they figured out the problem and were sending me a new chip set.

    Once it arrives I'll install and report on the outcome.

    Since there are no other mentions of this device on the forum I guess I'm the lab rat.
     
    #3 whoda_thunk_it, Jul 16, 2008
  4. jbors

    jbors New Member

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    Just make sure you contact our support form on gromaudio.com
    We fixed that glitch and now everything works fine.
    BTW: There is better way to install adapter as shown in here:
    youtube.com/watch?v=ll4HIwQuHT4
     
    #4 jbors, Jul 22, 2008
  5. whoda_thunk_it

    whoda_thunk_it New Member

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    Well, it is finished.
    The new chip arrived today. It was simple to replace, and in a few minutes I hade the unit plugged in and working as it is supposed to work.
    I put everything back together and tried it again, and it didn't work. So I once again detached the big pain-in-the-butt wiring harness, unplugged and re-plugged the unit and it started working again. I then reattached the wiring harness and put the AC vent back in.

    This unit is actuall easy to install if you only have to do it once.
    This video link from jbors shows exactly what you need to take apart to install the unit.

    The most difficult part is removing the wiring harness and reattaching it. The video says you need a Phillips screw driver for this, but in doinig it more than once I found that a socket wrench worked better. I took my 11mm socket and the extension shaft and taped it on to the end of a straight blade screw driver that fit into the end of the extension.

    [​IMG]

    This made it much easier to hold on to the bolt, and hold it in place to get it started and tighten it. I guarantee this will make taking out and reinstalling the wiring harness so much easier. Getting it out of the way in the glove box area and back again is another story...just take your time.

    As for Gromaudio.com, my emails were always answered quickly, and they sent me the replacement chip quickly once they knew what was wrong. When I first searched this forum for info about this unit I didn't find anything, but a few nights ago cam across a thread where someone discribed the same problem over a year ago, so I'm not sure why it hadn't been solved before mine was shipped to me.

    I hope this helps make installation of this or other similar units easier. If anyone has questions I'll be happy to tell you what I can.
    Jeff
     
    #5 whoda_thunk_it, Jul 24, 2008
  6. cramam

    cramam New Member

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    Whoda Thunk It, I saw in your sig that you installed the Coastal 2" receiver. How hard was it? Does it seem sturdy and are you happy with it? Would like something to carry my bike.
     
    #6 cramam, Jul 26, 2008
  7. whoda_thunk_it

    whoda_thunk_it New Member

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    Installing the hitch was pretty easy. It took me about 45 minutes on a wet, muddy driveway. If you can, find a way to park (off a curb or slanting driveway, or use ramps) so the back end is higher off the ground it will go much faster. My biggest problem was getting leverage to remove the factory-installed bolts where you attach the hitch. I only had about 2" of clearance over my chest when I was on my back under the car. The directions they supply are good, at least I don't remember having any issues with what they said.
    I only use the hitch for my bike rack and two bikes. It seems sturdy, but I have only used it for a total of about 8hrs driving on pretty smooth roads so far. I didn't like how far out from the car the bikes sat, so I plan to cut off the end of my bike rack to allow me to insert it farther into the receiver. It is 1/2" too long to allow me to use the pin in the hole I want to use. This is a problem with my rack not the hitch.
    I think this is a much better option than using the 1 1/4" and then adding a 2" adapter which I had on the Matrix I used to drive.
     
    #7 whoda_thunk_it, Jul 28, 2008
  8. eyesmell

    eyesmell New Member

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    I just ordered this thing too. It's a little concerning that someone had this issue back in 07 and u still recieved a faulty unit a year later. I really hope mine gets shipped with the correct "chip". I'll repost when I get it installed and let everyone know how it went.
     
    #8 eyesmell, Jul 30, 2008
  9. eyesmell

    eyesmell New Member

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    Well I got mine in today, and got it installed in about 20 minutes. First time I tried it I turned my car on and it didn't work, so I unplugged and plugged it back in (this time I heard a little snap, probably from the tab locking into place), turned on my car and all was well. Unlike Whoda, I just used a phillips screw driver to unscrew that huge block of wires. Moving it over into the glove box area was a HUGE pain in the nice person, but I eventually pulled it off.

    One of the times I turned my car on, the MFD displayed No Audio, and when I pressed Disc it showed No Disc, but I turned my car off and on again and it worked.
    I just hope it keeps on working.

    All in all, you can't beat the price. I would recommend this product. It does what it's supposed to. :)
     
    #9 eyesmell, Jul 31, 2008
  10. CCC712

    CCC712 New Member

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    Does the Car2AUX work with the iPhone (Edge not 3G) and does it lock out control of the ipod? Can you change playlists on the head unit or just songs?
     
    #10 CCC712, Aug 1, 2008
  11. eyesmell

    eyesmell New Member

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    I'm using it with my 3G Iphone and it's working perfectly, not even any interference noise when i received a call while it was plugged in.

    When I placed my order, I asked for an iPod cable, but instead they gave me a regular audio cable, so I'm not sure (but i'm guessing yes) if it works with the steering wheel controls. I think the way it works is that, the device tricks the radio into thinking a CD changer is installed, and routes your first 6 playlists through discs 1-6, you push up and down on the controls to skip through songs within a playlist, and press and hold to jump to the next playlist.

    Maybe someone else can correct me if i'm wrong, but I think this is the way it works. I'm looking to aquire a iPod cable for my GROM unit soon so I can test this out for myself.
     
    #11 eyesmell, Aug 1, 2008
  12. eyesmell

    eyesmell New Member

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    Whoops, double post, sorry!
     
    #12 eyesmell, Aug 1, 2008
  13. kadyaz

    kadyaz New Member

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    A few other tricks and notes:
    When removing the glove box, note that on the right side there is also a device to detach/unhook which makes the glove box open slowly. If you don't notice this, you might break it off.
    To get that AC cover off, there are two tabs on the bottom. On mine they are even a yellow color which makes them easy to see. Press on them from the rear while trying to pull from the front.
    On the first try, NO CD appeared. I'm not sure if it was resetting the GROM connector or recycling the car on/off but then it worked.
    A suggestion: buy from radio shack a 1/8 audio connector (274-0249) and mount that on the AC panel near the bottom. I prefer to have my MP3 player in the front cup holder so a short cable from the connector to the MP3 works great. Also, it's less threatening to drill a hole in that AC cover while you have it out of the car.
     
    #13 kadyaz, Aug 10, 2008
  14. paulccullen

    paulccullen New Member

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    I installed a Car2AUX in my '05 back a couple of years ago. Yes, I had to take the whole dash apart to get to the back of the MFD to install it. But with the help of Chris Dragon's step-by-step guide to dismantling/reassembling the dash, it was a piece of cake.
     
    #14 paulccullen, Aug 10, 2008
  15. jpdiddy

    jpdiddy New Member

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    I just got the base model 09 prius so no aux jack. Will this work without a cd changer ?
     
    #15 jpdiddy, Feb 17, 2009
  16. romad

    romad 2004 Prīus Base Former Owner (Sold 13 May 22)

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    I just tried to watch that video and got a message that it was removed due to copyright claim by Warner Music Group.

    Anyone know if the video is available elsewhere or does someone here have it?
     
    #16 romad, Feb 26, 2009
  17. gromaudio

    gromaudio New Member

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    Yes, try this link.
    GROMified: Toyota Prius 2008
    I think the music was the problem. They say you can get permission to use it but we wrote to so many places to have it. No reply :(
     
    #17 gromaudio, Mar 5, 2009
  18. romad

    romad 2004 Prīus Base Former Owner (Sold 13 May 22)

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    Thanks!

    I noticed that in the video the vent is removed starting at the bottom instead of at the top as told to do so in other instructions. Is it easier to remove this way?
     
    #18 romad, Mar 5, 2009
  19. gromaudio

    gromaudio New Member

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    I do not think there is any difference, just personal preference
     
    #19 gromaudio, Mar 5, 2009
  20. romad

    romad 2004 Prīus Base Former Owner (Sold 13 May 22)

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    Ok.

    Another question: Do you see any problem using this

    Dual

    with the Car2Aux adapter?
     
    #20 romad, Mar 6, 2009
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