Word Of Warning - Grom Ipod Adapter

[jockster]

Good evening

I thought I'd better inform everyone of the issues I've had with the Grom iPod adapter for the IS range.

2 weeks ago I ordered a Grom iPod control unit for my IS200 se Navigator (model year 2000). I ordered it from the Carputer-shop and fitted the unit as soon as it arrived.

As stated in the instructions, I check its operation before re-installing the OEM head unit etc, only to find that it didn't work. I tried all the different things mentioned in the instructions to try and get it to work but with no luck.

I then got in touch with the Carputer-shop (a guy called Richard) who asked a couple of questions relative to the fitting of the Grom unit and he agreed that it could not be a wiring issue on my behalf as the harness that comes with the kit is fool proof.

He then kindly offered to send a second Grom unit to me (before I had to send the original back)so I could try that one.

Once again, as soon as it arrived I went ahead and fitted it but to my disbelief it also did not work and in the process rendered my 6th Gen iPod classic useless and not recognisable to my PC.

Obviously, I got in touch with Richard again who could not believe what had happened and then went on to say that the best thing to do, was to get in touch with Grom themselves in California and explain the problem(As the Carputer-shop is just a distributor).

Due to the time difference, I had to contact them via email and after 5 or 6 messages they said I'd have to send the units back to the States for them to test (incurring postage costs and losing time).

Now I could understand if the units had been fitted for a period of time and then became faulty, but to expect someone in the UK to have to send 2 'brand new' units back to the USA for testing, I feel, is unacceptable.

There is obviously an issue somewhere with fitting these units to the IS200. I can't believe that 2 separate, brand new units could be faulty let alone cause a total failure of my iPod.

Now I have asked for a refund from the Carputer-shop, which I don't think will be a problem, as they have been very helpful about the whole issue. As for my iPod I think that I will be stumping up for a new one unless the Carputer-shop can sort something out when they receive the units back.

I just thought that this problem should be known by as many people as possible. Perhaps I've just been very unlucky, I don't know.

[sprinter2012]

That does sound very odd...I fitted my GROM for iPod a couple of weeks ago and it worked straight off with no problems. Only thing I had to do was turn the radio off and on again to get it to recognise that I had attached it. Only thing I can think is that maybe the fact you have the NAV spec could be the issue?

[jockster]

That does sound very odd...I fitted my GROM for iPod a couple of weeks ago and it worked straight off with no problems. Only thing I had to do was turn the radio off and on again to get it to recognise that I had attached it. Only thing I can think is that maybe the fact you have the NAV spec could be the issue?

According to Grom there shouldn't be any issues with having Sat Nav. Going from what the Carputer-Shop said I think there may be an issue with certain radios as it appears they've had the issue of the Grom not working before but not very often. As for wrecking the iPod, I believe that is a first, just my luck.

Going by all the posotive feed back about the Grom units maybe I've just been very unlucky.

If I do here any news from either Grom or the Carputer-Shop I'll post it.

Just out of interest, does any one think it's fair to expect me to have to send the units back to Grom in California, having to pay costs and having to wait for what will probably be more than 2 weeks?

[Parthiban]

Do you have a 13902 headunit? If so people with these have had issues in the past, it works on some cars and not on others.

I doubt though that the grom unit killed your ipod, that seems a little bizarre and could just be a coincidence.

[Swindon Andy]

Ipods have some hidden reboot /restart controls. Worth googling for details and try to resurrect yours.

[jockster]

Ipods have some hidden reboot /restart controls. Worth googling for details and try to resurrect yours.

I'll try to see if a re-boot works. I didn't relise it was possible. Will look into it, thanks

[autobahn]

Some instructions here on how to reset an iPod (instructions differ slightly depending on the model of iPod you have so select the correct instructions!):

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1320?viewlocale=en_us&locale=en_us

[Jimxms]

Not sure if its the same for the iPod Grom, but for my USB one I had to flash it with a new firmware before it worked nicely with my headunit.

[jockster]

Quick update

I've tried re-booting my iPod but it's dead. Richard from the Carputer-shop has emailed me to say that he'd received the 2 units I've sent back and he'll contact me as soon as he gets some test results.

I can't see Grom forking out for an iPod repair or replace though.

Parthiban, how do I tell if I have a 13902 head unit? It is a top loading unit as on the picture attached.

If it is a 13902, is there a fix so an iPod adapter can be fitted?

[jockster]

Sorry hopefully photo attached now!!!?