CarPlay success in a 2012 ISF
Purchased my 2012 ISF a few months ago, always with the intention of installing CarPlay
Success or not with the GROM units, to some extent, seems to be the luck of the draw.
Was almost going to buy a unit from a mob in Melbourne, posted ^^^ further up. But after numerous attempts to contact them they responded and said they are, basically, not available. I feel I dodged a bullet there. Especially considering that the non Grom units often use the Aux input and you loose functionality like track skip via the wheel controls etc
So I picked up a Grom Vlite. Read the warning that with the “LEX6” Grom version you may need to engage the car UI before selecting reverse to get the camera to work. True in my case.
Instal took most of the day. Gritted my teeth and pulled the centre vent out (use pliers, not a coat hanger!) Headunit out, passenger knee bag and glovebox out.
Mic wired into the overhead light console, into the spare mic port adjacent to the factory unit
USB run to the centre console (pain in the arse that was). headunit wired up, interface in the glovebox. Lucky I’m not a smoker, barely room for ciggies in this car now …
Boom. Works. Like magic. It’s been 2 weeks and to say I’m impressed is an understatement. It’s responsive and quick to load. The old original touchscreen works better than expected, keeping in mind it’s resistive, not capacitive.
The interface switches between CarPlay and standard UI no issue (for climate, to control the fan speed, for example). Music is crisp and clear. Maps work great. Call quality is good (slightly muffled voice out due to my preferred mic location)
Siri, notifications, warnings, steering wheel volume and track change buttons work. CD, original GPS maps (hahaha) all work. Wireless CarPlay even. Took some patience to set that up via Bluetooth initially. Fires up wirelessly every time
So, the reverse camera. I have to select the car UI with the Climate button first Wait a second, then select reverse.
I figured that support would be paramount, expecting the “inevitable” issues. So I was pleased to see I could buy locally.
I bought the unit from Cushie Audio on the Gold Coast. Skot there answered my initial questions and follow up afterwards.
I feel that the unit is an investment, makes the car more enjoyable to drive and it’s satisfying to buy from a business that supports what they sell.
