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GROM-IPOD V3 Adapter (GROM-IPD3)
Installation and operation instructions
Chapter 1 – Getting Started
1.1 Subject
The GROM iPod V3 adapter—an integration between an iPod (and iPhone) and a car stereo. The GROM
iPod V3 adapter features are:
- iPod/iPhone© play, charge and control via iPod port.
- Bluetooth capability via additional EXT port and GROM Bluetooth Dongle for hands free and wireless
audio streaming from your mobile phone.
- AUX-IN 3.5mm connector for many other audio devices such as XM radio, MP3 or DVD player and etc.
via EXT port.
- Firmware upgradeable via micro SD card, universal adapter that fits into many car makes.
1.2 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the GROM iPD3 adapter. It has been designed to provide endless hours of
listening pleasure through most vehicles’ factory radios. You will be able to control your iPod/iPhone with
the car stereo buttons or steering wheel controls, and your iPod/iPhone will stay charged when
connected to the car stereo. Additional EXT port will allow you to connect GROM Bluetooth Dongle or
any other audio device that has 3.5mm plug. To ensure that your iPod/iPhone performs correctly in your
car or truck, we recommend that you read this entire manual before attempting install the GROM
interface.
1.3 Precautions
Proper mounting location
Securely install the interface in a location that is free from heat, humidity, moving parts, or direct sunlight.
Beware of the hot airflow from your vehicle’s climate control system. We recommend securing the
interface to a suitable location that is free of sharp metal edges using double-sided tape, Velcro, or wire
ties.
The iPod/iPhone has not been designed to withstand extreme automotive temperatures. You may
damage your iPod/iPhone if you leave it inside your vehicle on a very hot or very cold day. For further
information, please refer to your iPod/iPhone manual.
1.4 Disclaimer
• This product is not affiliated with any OEM manufacturers.
• Modifying the radio may void any outstanding warranty.
• The purchase of this product carries with it no warranties, either expressed or implied.
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• While every care has been taken to provide a quality product, we cannot guarantee that the
GROM iPod adapter will function correctly if installation is not done according to the instructions
provided in this guide. We also cannot guarantee that the GROM adapter will function correctly
with an iPod if the iPod is broken or damaged or not supported.
• Keep your eyes on the road while driving!
• We are not liable for the misuse of this product. Misuse includes improper installation, damage to
the board or radio while trying to install it, and the illegal use of the radio.
1.5 Completeness and connection of set
a) The GROM audio adapter set consists of the GROM-IPD2 (iPod V2) interface, one iPod dock cable,
and one vehicle-specific cable with optional accessories.
GROM iPD V3 interface (1) Docking cable (2) Vehicle specific cable (specific to your car) (3)
Figure 1. Package contents
b) The basic package does not include the optional accessories that you can purchase
separately:
RCA and 3.5mm phone jack cable GROM Bluetooth Dongle (GROM-BTD)
Figure 2. Optional Accessories (sold separately)
c) The basic wiring diagram of the GROM Audio iPod V2 (GROM-IPD2) adapter is
detailed in Figure 3:
Figure 3. Basic wiring diagram.
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Vehicle harness (1)
Black wire (2)
Bolt (3)
.
1.6 Important Compatibility Notes
If your vehicle is equipped with an external factory CD changer, you must disconnect it in order to be able
to install the interface. You will lose the use of the external CD changer to gain the use of your iPod,
Bluetooth or MP3 player. Any built-in CD changers will remain working.
For a full version of the GROM application guide, please visit
http://gromaudio.com/docs/grom_application_guide.pdf
or contact Grom Audio at http://gromaudio.com/support.html
Chapter 2 – General Installation
2.1 Installation location:
Most installations will require you to remove the factory radio in order to plug in the vehicle-specific
harness. For some vehicles, you will also have the option of connecting the interface to the factory pre-
run CD changer cable located in the trunk or glove box.
2.2 Tools needed:
In many cases, no special tools are required to remove the stereo. For some stereos, it is better to use
car stereo removal tools. Please consult your local car audio shop or your vehicle’s dealership for
instructions or assistance as necessary.
2.3 Preparation and adapter installation
1. Turn off car engine and remove key from ignition
2. If your radio uses a Security Code, make sure that you have the code before unplugging the
radio.
3. Un-mount your radio from the dash in order to gain access to the back side of the radio. Some
vehicles require special tools to remove the radio. Please consult your vehicle’s dealership or a
local car audio professional as necessary.
4. Attach the car harness connector to the back of the stereo via the CD changer port. Connect it
firmly without forcing it. Connect the other end to the interface
5. VW / AUDI / Seat / Skoda : there is a single black cable on the vehicle specific harness (3)
you will need to attach it to the metal part of the car stereo chassis The failure to attach the black
cable to the chassis of the stereo will mean that the GROM adapter will not work!
Remove the PVC from the end of the black wire (2)
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(a) Connect the end of the black wire (2) to the metal part of the car stereo chassis. You can
connect it under the bolt (3) if present
(b) Make sure solid contact is maintained between the striped black wire and the metal part of
the car stereo body.
6. For AUDI vehicles only: For some AUDI headunits an additional part or harness modification is
required in order to gain the access to the CD changer port. The 8-pin CD changer port on such
stereos is occupied by a solid 20-pin connector. Please refer to the instructions at:
http://gromaudio.com/pie-audi-how-to.html or obtain GROM part # AUDS.
7. For BMW vehicles only: Please refer to the installation insert for the special guidelines for BMW
installation.
8. For Toyota/Honda vehicles only:
In some Toyota/Lexus/Scion and Honda/Acura vehicles the CD changer port is occupied with a
factory harness (such as NAV or audio harness). The GROM package for Toyota/Lexus or
Honda/Acura includes a Y shaped vehicle cable. In order to connect the interfaces properly
please follow to the scheme below.
If the car has no NAV or XM leave the female end of the Toyota or Honda (HON1) harness open.
9. Once the interface is connected to the radio, you will need to test the operation of the interface
before re-assembling the dash.
10. Turn your car stereo on and switch it to CD Changer mode using the Disc / Mode / CD / AUX
buttons (depending on the stereo type) on your car stereo until it shows Disc 1, Track 01 on the
display.
11. Connect the iPod cable to the iPod. Turn on the iPod. You should now hear the sound coming
from the car stereo speakers.
Once the operation of the interface is confirmed, you may continue with the installation. If you
experience difficulties with the installation, please see our troubleshooting section.
12. Find a place where you can place the GROM. In many cars there is enough room inside the
dashboard to place GROM.
Note: Make sure you mount the GROM in a place with enough room so that, when you re-mount
the car stereo, you do not break the adapter.
13. You may use the glove box or other spaces on the dash to direct the audio cables out.
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14. Re-mount your car stereo, making sure its clips or screws are secure.
Adapter mounting in the trunk
(for VW and BMW only)
1. Locate the trunk mounting cable in your car (usually located along the left side of the car in the
back).
2. Disconnect the existing CD changer, if present.
3. Attach the matching cables
Note for BMW trunk installation:
Some BMW’s are factory wired for a cellular phone. Except for wire location, the factory cellular phone
connector looks identical to the factory 3-pin connector used for the CD changer. The CORRECT 3-pin
connector for the CD changer has a BROWN wire (ground) in the #1 pin position. Please make
certain you use this connector.
The INCORRECT factory cellular phone connector has a BROWN wire in the center position—DO NOT
USE THIS CONNECTOR.
Congratulations! You have installed the GROM iPod adapter. You may now use it with your
iPod/iPhone.
Chapter 3- Usage manual
3.1 Supported iPods
4th Gen iPod and newer / Nano 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th Gen and Nano-chromatic / iPod Video / iPod Photo /
iPod Classic 1st and 2nd Gen / iPod Touch 1st and 2nd Gen / iPhone / iPhone 3G / iPhone 3GS
3.2 Basic features
The GROM-iPod adapter has two modes of operation:
3.2.1 Simple mode:
iPod stays unlocked. Your iPod can be controlled via its clickwheel or via car stereo controls. The
information displayed on your car stereo does not represent the actual song position on the iPod (the
song’s number). There is no need to prepare your iPod to play in this mode. The simple mode is always
selectable by choosing CD1 (DISC1) from the car stereo. To switch to advanced mode, just select any
disk other than 1. Please refer to the section 3.3 of this manual for the description of the supported
operations in the Simple Mode.
3.2.2 Advanced mode:
Your iPod is locked for control and only operated via car stereo buttons. In this mode all data is synched
between the stereo and iPod which allows you to see current information such as track time, number and
playlist (disc) number. Text is also available for certain stereos. In order to use this mode you have to
prepare your iPod as explained below.
The advanced mode is always on for disks 2-9. To switch to simple mode just select DISC 1
“Ok to disconnect” is shown on the iPod display while it is connected to this unit. The clickwheel of the
iPod is disabled when in this mode.
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Volume control is available from the steering wheel and from the car stereo controls in both modes.
3.3 Supported operations in Simple Mode
In simple mode, your iPod behaves in its usual fashion, with the clickwheel and display being functional.
The following controls are possible from the car stereo:
- Next track
When pressed on the car stereo, the iPod will jump to the next song and the car stereo track
number will increase by 1.
- Previous track
When pressed on the car stereo, the iPod will jump to the previous song and the car stereo track
number will decrease by 1
- Fast Forward
When pressed, the iPod will start moving quickly through the current track.
- Fast Reverse
When pressed, the iPod will start rewinding the current track.
- Play/Pause
When the stereo is turned to the CD changer mode, the iPod will automatically start playing.
Turning the stereo off or switching to another source (FM, AM, etc.) will cause the iPod to pause
the current track.
- Disk Change
When changing the disk other than 1 the iPod will switch to the Advanced Mode
None of the information displayed during the simple mode is related to the song currently playing. The
display will show: DISC 1 TRACK xx TIME 00:00. Track information can change from 00-99.
3.4 Supported operations in Advanced Mode
In advanced mode iPod controls will be locked and the following operations will be supported:
- Next track
When pressed on car stereo, iPod will jump to the next song and car stereo track number will
represent song number in a current playlist
- Previous track
When pressed on car stereo, iPod will jump to the previous song and car stereo track number will
represent song number in a current playlist
- Fast Forward
When pressed iPod will start rewinding current track forward. Time on car stereo will represent
actual position within the audio track
- Fast Reverse
When pressed iPod will start rewinding current track backward. Time on car stereo will represent
actual position within the audio track
- Play/Pause
When stereo is turned into CD changer mode the iPod will automatically start playing in simple
mode at the last position it was left.
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- Scan
Allow to skip tracks by 10 when set. Next track will jump to current track+10. Previous track will
jump to current track-10. It is helpful to skip the whole album (usually ~10 songs)
- Disk Change
When you select Disk 2-9, iPod will stay in Advanced Mode and will resume last playing track in a
playlist. Once DISK 1 is selected, iPod will switch over to Simple Mode
- Mix/Random
When turned on it will allow playing songs in a shuffle mode through the whole playlist. The track
enumeration will start from 1. When switched off, track enumeration will be restored to the real
order in the playlist.
- Repeat
When turned on, will play first track in the playlist after the last track is played.
The display will show disk number, track number and track time of the currently playing track.
3.5 Playlists set up for advanced mode
To use your iPod in Advanced Mode you have to define playlists. The number of playlists depends
on the stereo (usually 5-8). We recommend naming the playlists starting with the number according to the
desirable disc position.
1-Andy’s songs
2-Disco dance
3-Favorites
4-House rhythms
5-Smooth Jazz
“1-Andy’s songs” will be mapped to Disc 2; “2-Disco dance” will be mapped to DISC 3, and so on.
Therefore selecting DISC 2 on car stereo will play “1-Andy’s songs” playlist; DISC 3 will select “3-Disco
songs” and so on.
Note: For stereos with disc ^ and disc
V
you may set up to 10 playlists, on some stereos up to 99.
We strongly recommend that you organize your songs into playlists and enumerate them for proper
operation of this unit.
If your iPod does not have playlists/songs it may cause unpredictable outcomes and improper
operation of the unit.
EMPTY PLAYLISTS MAY ALSO CAUSE UNPREDICTABLE BEHAVIOURS, ESPECIALLY EMPTY
PLAYLISTS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL OTHER PLAYLISTS.
Note for iPhone users:
Once connected to the GROM adapter, your iPhone will register a message
stating “This accessory is not made to work with iPhone.” It will ask if you want to “Turn ON the Airplane
Mode.” Please answer “NO”. If the stereo still does not recognize the iPhone, please restart the iPhone
3.6 When the car ignition is OFF
When you turn your car stereo or car ignition off, the iPod will automatically will go into sleep mode. In the
sleep mode, the iPod will still consume power—although very little—from the car battery. There is no
need to disconnect the iPod every time you turn off your car.
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However, it is strongly advised that you disconnect the iPod if you do not plan to operate your car
for 1 week or more.
3.7 Using EXT for AUX-IN on your GROM-IPD3 adapter
You can connect any alternative audio sources such as MP3 player, DVD, GPS, XM and etc. to the
GROM IPD V3 adapter via GROM to RCA and 3.5mm phone jack cable (must be purchased separately,
is not included in the basic package). Connect MiniDin end of the GROM RCA and 3.5mm cable to the
GROM adapter. Connect 3.5mm end to the audio source. Turn ON the audio source and the stereo. Put
stereo into CD changer mode. The music will start playing. We recommend that you unplug the
iPod/iPhone from the dock connector if you are using the AUX-IN RCA 3.5mm cable on GROM-iPD3
adapter. If you don’t unplug the iPod/iPhone and connect the 3.5mm audio source at the same time some
sound interference may occur.
3.8 Using EXT for Bluetooth connection on your GROM-IPD3 adapter
You may connect the GROM Bluetooth Dongle to the EXT port on the GROM-IPD3 adapter for the hands
free use of your mobile phone and wireless music play. Please refer to the GROM Bluetooth Dongle
manual that is supplied with your Bluetooth Dongle. You can also access the manual online at GROM
Audio website
http://gromaudio.com/docs/bluetooth_manual.pdf The Bluetooth and iPod cables can
be connected at the same time and work simultaneously.
3.9 Troubleshooting
Symptom Cause Remedy
No power Bad connection Check the cable connections.
Radio is not recognizing
GROM iPod interface
Some Honda, Toyota, and Lexus car stereos
have to be restarted before the radio catches
the signal
After connecting the adapter turn the ignition
off and back on
Radio is not recognizing
GROM iPod interface
External CD changer is present Make sure to disconnect the external CD
changer
Radio is not recognizing
GROM iPod interface
Bad cables or cables are not connected
properly between the interface box and car
radio.
Check connection and cables, push in firmly.
You can hear the music
from the iPod but you
can’t control it from the
stereo
The Firmware on the iPod may not be
updated
or
iPod needs to be reset
Update the firmware on the iPod
Reset the iPod (resetting will not erase your
music, it will only restart the iPod)
You can’t hear the music
from the iPod
An empty album or playlist is selected on the
iPod
or
No CD changer is selected
Make sure that the non-empty album or
playlist is selected on the iPod
Make sure CD changer, SAT mode or AUX is
selected ( correct key depends on your
stereo)
The music is distorted EQ or BASS boost options are turned ON on
the iPod
Make sure all EQ and BASS boost options
are turned OFF on your iPod
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For VAG only:
Radio is not recognizing
GROM iPod interface
Single black wire on the vehicle specific
harness (3) is not attached to the stereo
chassis ( stereo body)
Attach the black cable to the car stereo body
Make sure it is properly grounded
For BMW only:
Radio is not recognizing
GROM iPod interface
Audio is coming only
from 1 speaker
Audio is not coming from
the speakers
iBus wire have come loose
Sometimes when using T-Tap clips, the IBus
wire may not receive proper connection due
to its wire size.
The 10-pin sound connector is not aligned
correctly
The audio cable is not inserted properly.
Make sure the IBus wire is securely attached
by using multimeter or slightly tighten the T-
Tap connector so its slot is smaller.
Make sure that 10-pin sound connector on
vehicle cable is aligned correctly
Make sure that the audio cable inserted
properly.
3.10 Support
For questions or technical support please visit http://gromaudio.com/support.html Your question will
be answered within next business day.
3.11 Firmware updates
We don’t recommend the firmware updates unless you have been instructed by GROM Audio technical
people to do so. If the firmware update is necessary please go to
http://gromaudio.com/software.html and
follow to the directions. You will need Micro SD card for that.
Chapter 4. Warranty
ONE (1) YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
This warranty covers any supplied or manufactured parts of the product that, upon inspection by GROM
Audio authorized personnel, is found to have filed in normal use due to defects in the material or
workmanship. This warranty does not apply to the installation expenses. Attempting to service or modify
this unit, operating this unit under conditions other than the recommended will render this warranty void.
GROM Audio shall not be liable for any personal injury, property damage and or any incidental or
consequential damages of any kind resulting from malfunctions, defects, misuse, improper installation or
alteration of this product.
All parts of this product are guarantied for a period of 1 year as follows:
Within the first 12 months form the date of purchase, subject to the conditions above, Grom Audio will
repair or replace the product at their discretion, if it is defective in the material or workmanship.
All customers should contact GROM Audio support team at http://gromaudio.com/support.html and
obtain an RMA number. All defective adapters returned to Grom Audio within warranty period must be
accompanied by the original invoice (or copy).
All shipping handling charges are non-refundable. Warranty does not cover normal tear and wear,
damages due to negligence, improper installation and operation.
SHIP TO:
GROM AUDIO
P.O. Box 619
Belmont CA 94002
rev. 4.1 Copyright©GROM Audio, 2011
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