Install: GROM Audio AUX Adapter '05 Toy

Hello everyone. I finally got my new toy installed today, and was in the mood to do a write-up on it. This item is rather easy to install, so I kinda feel spamy'ish for making a write-up, but I RARELY get to do them (even on my bike's forum) and I enjoy helping. So, here goes

First off, some specifics. This is an installation guide for installing a GROM Audio MP3/AUX Adapter kit into the stock stereo system of a 2005 Toy. You can purchase the adapter here:

http://www.gromaudio.com/store/aux_..._lexus_scion_auxiliary_interface_adapter.html

With this adapter, you can plug any audio device that uses a standard headphone jack. In my case, an MP3 player. This adapter does not allow you change the songs/control the device via the stock dash. The unit itself does not charge the player/device, it is only an audio interface for your stereo system. There are MP3 adapters out there with more functionality, so if this isn't your cup of tea just do a DIY search on this awesome forum for MP3 setups. The adapter was ordered and arrived with no hassle. Reasonable shipping price and even got it earlier than anticipated. It was packed nicely, and included everything needed for this install (save tools/extras, of course).

Well, let's get started. First off, lemme advise on some tools/stuffs to have handy:

• 10mm Socket w/6+in. Extension and whatever preferred ratchet
  
• Plastic/Rubber Putty Blade
• 2-sided tape and/or electrical tape
• Scissors
• Twisty Ties
• Truck Key

Also, of course, make sure you have all the GROM adapter equipment:



The instructions suggest you disconnect your battery before you begin this. Your call. Also, they warn that is your system has a security code, be sure to have it handy. Mine doesn't so, I can't offer locked out/secured system help. Now, onto the install!

1. Remove the A/C Controls panel
Get your plastic/rubber blade ready. Any plastic/rubber prying item will do really. Just be easy and try not to scrape the plastics. Taking this panel off is a snap. Just:



pry under/into one of the corners of the panel,



and push down on the blade. You'll feel and hear a dull pop as the bottom of the panel pops loose. Once you have the bottom loose:



Get your fingers underneath the bottom. Gently lift up/out aaaand:



Presto. You'll feel and hear another pair of dull pops as the unit comes right out. That's all there is to that panel. Option: Have a rag/cloth/tape handy and prop the panel out of the way, anywhere. Be mindful, corners can scrape dash plastics.

2. Remove stock stereo unit
Get your 10mm. setup ready. You're gonna unscrew 4 bolts located here:



and here:



Just unscrew them, remove them from the holes (the bottom two might take a bit of working to get loose, but they will come out), and stow them nearby.



Get a hand under the bottom-center of the unit itself and





just like the A/C panel, pull gently up and out. The entire unit till pop out (pops around the top), easy as that. Option: Again, and more importantly here, have some rags/cloths/tape handy and secure this unit out of the way. There ARE metal corners that can and will scratch the dash plastics bad if not cushioned preemptively.

3. For precaution, if you haven't disconnected the battery, disconnect the power cable



4. Refer to your instructions and install your adapter/cables accordingly
This adapter is fairly plug-and-play. Not much to get wrong. Simply connect this male end of the y-cord:



into the back of the stereo unit:



If you have something else pluged into this port, utilize the female-end of the y-cable accordingly. Next, plug in the male adapter-end of the y-cable into the adapter itself:



plug the PS2-end of the audio adapter cable into either of the ports:



And *ding* it' installed. Now would be a good time to plug the power cable back in, grab your playing device, hook it up, and make sure everything works. You have to double-tap your stereo's CD button to switch to the AUX CD input. You may have to do a system restart on the system by Key ON > Key OFF > Key ON for the stereo to "pick up" the adapter & player.

Once you've verified everything works, the next part is personal preference: where to route your cords/mount the adapter. There is a fair amount of space on top, on the sides, and behind the stereo unit to mount the adapter itself. Use some 2-sided tape and secure it where you would like. Same idea goes for the cable protrusion: it's where you'd like it. Some have the cord extending out into the glove box, some leave it out from under the A/C panel (if so, put a band of tape to prevent rubbing/chafing); it's wherever you'd like to place it. Use some ties to keep excess cord bound up and neat.

Once you have everything placed where you like, simply reinstall the stereo unit, screw the 4 screws back in (carefully, or you'll lose a screw into the abyss like I did ), pop the A/C controls panel back into place, and you're all set!

Like I said, this is a simple install. The only tricky part is managing your adapter/cords, and that's merely a preference thing. I've tried 3 separate players and all have worked without a problem. Just remember, you must control the device (save volume) with the device itself, and turning the truck off doesn't turn the device off. Essentially, this adapter makes your truck a giant plugged-in speaker set, lol. Take care guys and gals, hope someone gets some help frm this

 

Thanks for this post. I've been looking for an aux input to play Pandora off my Droid Incredible. Bought the Grom you linked to and followed your install. The world is right again! Works great....

 

Hey no problem. And trust me, I know the feeling. I know there are MANY different ways to have MP3 (or thousands of songs, period) played in my truck, but I'm a simple man, easy to please. This little setup, with my lil 16Gb MP3 player, has me now set for music in my truck til the end of time. I love it, am 100% satisfied, and a very happy toy driver!

 

I got my Grom in the mail today. Installing tomorrow in my 2006. I can't wait!

 

I love mine. It's exactly all I need. Enjoy!

 

Well, finally got my GROM installed yesterday. The first one I got had to be returned. It just didn't work. The audio system couldn't recognize it. I emailed GROM and they had me send it back. They took care of it very quickly, and sent my new unit right out. Great customer service. Anyways, I'm finally listening to MP3's in my 06.
Very simple device to install, and works great!

 

I just installed my grom adapter the other day according to your writeup. I'm happy with the product and thanks for your great writeup. Instead of letting the end of the 3.5mm jack hang out, I bought a 3.5mm female/female coupler from radio shack and attached it to the end of it. Then I drilled a small hole between the 12v power source and the cigarette lighter under the a/c controls. Now I can just plug a short 3.5 cable in my phone and then into the female end that I installed. And also put the cable away when I'm not using it.

 

Anybody have experience with the bluetooth version of the Grom audio unit?

 

Yes, I installed my GROM audio with the bluetooth accessory (which cost extra) last January. I have loved every second of it. The sound quality is excellent and I would highly recommend it.

Once the first connection is established, your phone automatically connects with the unit each time you start your truck. I can listen to my music, Pandora, Soundcloud, etc. and it's amazing.

I bought the AUX model with the bluetooth accessory for my 08 Tacoma, but I'm pretty sure GROM audio now makes a unit with bluetooth included.

 

Just to verify, you can make calls and talk over the bluetooth, not just play music, right?

 

Sorry I never responded to your question. Yes, you can make and receive calls through the bluetooth device. It comes with a microphone that you can place anywhere in your truck.