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I have a 2005 Toyota Prius Option 6 (NAV and JBL). I wanted something to add CarPlay. So I bought the indicated Grom vLite kit for the car.
Installation was a snap. Following their install video, I got everything opened, and installed the Grom cable to the MFD and Stereo. And we had CarPlay!
The problem is the video quality on the 04-05 MFD is horrible.... in researching it, its only 320x240 pixels! A post on the PriusChat site referred it as "ColecoVision".
The newer Gen2 Prius (2006-2009) have a Higher Resolution MFD st 840x480 pixels.
The project became (1) could I retrofit a newer year MFD to my Prius, and (2) would Grom help me get it working with my vLite?
It took a couple weeks, but we figured it all out and the results are great.
New MFD and Rewiring the M13 Connector
The first thing you will need is to source a newer MFD. I got mine from eBay. For Nav/JBL, the part number is 86110-47220 . I found one that was tested, had a good screen, and didn't have worn push buttons for a little over $200.
You'll also need these this from Grom. (if you don't already have your vLite, you can tell them these part numbers and they will build your kit correctly)
C-GVMF (GVMF Display Harness for LEX5 VLine Infotainment Systems) - 1 pcs x 29.99
B-GVIF (GVIF Video Board for VLine Replacement) - 1 pcs x 89.99
** AND YOUR vLITE MUST be running version 83 Firmware. Grom can pre-load it, or if you already have your vLite, you can access firmware from the Grom support screens on your unit... follow the steps to connect it to wifi, go to software versions, and select Firmware version 83**
Ignore the upgrade, and your MFD touchscreen will not respond to your touch. Yes, it's a bug, and Grom knows about it.
Safety Net: Plugging a Mouse into the USB1 port will temporarily give you a cursor to move around on the screen with.
Assuming you have all the parts, and your MFD and radio are out of the car. Let's moveon
What's What on the new MFD....
There are three connectors that are of interest to us, named M12, M13, and GVMF
The GVMF is the new HIGH Resolution Video port on the 06-09 Prius. The port has a blue connector. It is a digital connection, and typically goes to the Navigation DVD player.
The M12 connector goes to the stereo unit, factory Video Backup Camera (04-05 didn't have an option for a backup camera)
The M13 is where all the power goes, and the biggest job.
The M13 connector between the 04-05 and 06-09 are wired differently. You must re-pin that connector in the wiring harness.
There are many articles on PriusChat about how to rewire the M13. The bottom line is means moving 5 pins. And there are many complaints on how difficult this is using a very small screwdriver.
But, for about $10 you can buy a "repining tool kit" on Amazon. Using this it takes about 15 minutes to move the pins.
Let's Do it
Here's the guide for rewiring the M13 connector
The photo shows the back of the M13 connector when everything is done
It found these pin removers from the kit worked best
Going back to the GUIDE picture, Example 1 shows how to UNLOCK the connector so pins can be removed. It's a simple push up, and the top will rise only a millmeter or so.
To release a pin, insert the tool into hole right ABOVE the pin you want to release. INSERT at a downward angle. As you move in, you'll feel a bump.. thats the LOCKING LUG shows in Example 2. You want the tool to grab the Lug, and then you rotate point of the tool AWAY from the pin, releasing the LUG (example 2).
Pin slides out easily.
M13 Rewired, what's next.
Once you're done, you can test your new MFD by removing your old one, and plugging the modified M13 connector into it. Turn on accessory mode on your Prius and it will come right up.
And attach the Grom.
So the only cable from the Grom is the C-GVMF cable. Goes into the blue port. Done.
And per the Grom install instructions, attach the appropriate cables to the stereo unit. Done.
That's it folks - you now have
C-V2BCU (USB Cable for VLite VT2 Aftermarket Camera Integration) - 1 pcs x 19.99
.....which is SUPER SLICK. In the Grom implementation, you do NOT need a 12V trigger wire! Your Grom is smart enough to see when video is playing, and will switch the screen over.
Here's some action shots:
Just for the record, EVERYTHING works , with the exception of the OLD original navigation. Those maps are at best 15 years old. Good Riddance.
Final thought on this project.
I did order from Grom:
C-USBRA (Automotive grade USB male to female cable 3Ft with latch style connector) - 1 pcs x 19.99
C-FMUSB (Flush Mount Dash Mount USB Female Cable) - 1 pcs x 12.99
And its a nice clean install. While you have the radio and stuff out, disconnect the CIGARETTE LIGHTER and replace it with a USB port. Grom has an install video on in the Support section or YouTube. The USB plug fits a little loose on the former opening, wrapping it with about 3 rounds of quality electrical tape gives a solid permanent fix..
You can also see a hole I cut in the bottom of the glove box to route the cables in to the Grom.
ENJOY!
Installation was a snap. Following their install video, I got everything opened, and installed the Grom cable to the MFD and Stereo. And we had CarPlay!
The problem is the video quality on the 04-05 MFD is horrible.... in researching it, its only 320x240 pixels! A post on the PriusChat site referred it as "ColecoVision".
The newer Gen2 Prius (2006-2009) have a Higher Resolution MFD st 840x480 pixels.
The project became (1) could I retrofit a newer year MFD to my Prius, and (2) would Grom help me get it working with my vLite?
It took a couple weeks, but we figured it all out and the results are great.
New MFD and Rewiring the M13 Connector
The first thing you will need is to source a newer MFD. I got mine from eBay. For Nav/JBL, the part number is 86110-47220 . I found one that was tested, had a good screen, and didn't have worn push buttons for a little over $200.
You'll also need these this from Grom. (if you don't already have your vLite, you can tell them these part numbers and they will build your kit correctly)
C-GVMF (GVMF Display Harness for LEX5 VLine Infotainment Systems) - 1 pcs x 29.99
B-GVIF (GVIF Video Board for VLine Replacement) - 1 pcs x 89.99
** AND YOUR vLITE MUST be running version 83 Firmware. Grom can pre-load it, or if you already have your vLite, you can access firmware from the Grom support screens on your unit... follow the steps to connect it to wifi, go to software versions, and select Firmware version 83**
Ignore the upgrade, and your MFD touchscreen will not respond to your touch. Yes, it's a bug, and Grom knows about it.
Safety Net: Plugging a Mouse into the USB1 port will temporarily give you a cursor to move around on the screen with.
Assuming you have all the parts, and your MFD and radio are out of the car. Let's moveon
What's What on the new MFD....
There are three connectors that are of interest to us, named M12, M13, and GVMF
The GVMF is the new HIGH Resolution Video port on the 06-09 Prius. The port has a blue connector. It is a digital connection, and typically goes to the Navigation DVD player.
The M12 connector goes to the stereo unit, factory Video Backup Camera (04-05 didn't have an option for a backup camera)
The M13 is where all the power goes, and the biggest job.
The M13 connector between the 04-05 and 06-09 are wired differently. You must re-pin that connector in the wiring harness.
There are many articles on PriusChat about how to rewire the M13. The bottom line is means moving 5 pins. And there are many complaints on how difficult this is using a very small screwdriver.
But, for about $10 you can buy a "repining tool kit" on Amazon. Using this it takes about 15 minutes to move the pins.
Let's Do it
Here's the guide for rewiring the M13 connector
The photo shows the back of the M13 connector when everything is done
It found these pin removers from the kit worked best
Going back to the GUIDE picture, Example 1 shows how to UNLOCK the connector so pins can be removed. It's a simple push up, and the top will rise only a millmeter or so.
To release a pin, insert the tool into hole right ABOVE the pin you want to release. INSERT at a downward angle. As you move in, you'll feel a bump.. thats the LOCKING LUG shows in Example 2. You want the tool to grab the Lug, and then you rotate point of the tool AWAY from the pin, releasing the LUG (example 2).
Pin slides out easily.
M13 Rewired, what's next.
Once you're done, you can test your new MFD by removing your old one, and plugging the modified M13 connector into it. Turn on accessory mode on your Prius and it will come right up.
And attach the Grom.
So the only cable from the Grom is the C-GVMF cable. Goes into the blue port. Done.
And per the Grom install instructions, attach the appropriate cables to the stereo unit. Done.
That's it folks - you now have
- A 04-05 Prius With the Higher Resolution Screen
- A Grom unit providing you CarPlay and Android Auto in 840x480 pixels
- Add and aftermarket backup camera using the
C-V2BCU (USB Cable for VLite VT2 Aftermarket Camera Integration) - 1 pcs x 19.99
.....which is SUPER SLICK. In the Grom implementation, you do NOT need a 12V trigger wire! Your Grom is smart enough to see when video is playing, and will switch the screen over.
Here's some action shots:
Just for the record, EVERYTHING works , with the exception of the OLD original navigation. Those maps are at best 15 years old. Good Riddance.
Final thought on this project.
I did order from Grom:
C-USBRA (Automotive grade USB male to female cable 3Ft with latch style connector) - 1 pcs x 19.99
C-FMUSB (Flush Mount Dash Mount USB Female Cable) - 1 pcs x 12.99
And its a nice clean install. While you have the radio and stuff out, disconnect the CIGARETTE LIGHTER and replace it with a USB port. Grom has an install video on in the Support section or YouTube. The USB plug fits a little loose on the former opening, wrapping it with about 3 rounds of quality electrical tape gives a solid permanent fix..
You can also see a hole I cut in the bottom of the glove box to route the cables in to the Grom.
ENJOY!
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