Carplay on E7008

[Danhex0]

Hello,

I have recently installed an e7008 into my 2003 4runner non NAV JBL and I am currently trying to find any way to get a carplay interface onto the oem headunit. Yes I know its much easier and more cost effective to invest in an aftermarket HU with carplay however I am very set on keeping the OEM headunit.

Grom makes a carplay interface for for "select Lexus Toyota 2003-2005" with specifically Toyota Camry e7003 in the compatibility specs, along with couple Lexus vehicles all from 2001-2006. Problem is I haven’t found anything online anywhere about having this system in e70xx nav units, only the lexus models which has a separate display cable and different plugs to the e7003 or e7008 and I do not want to drop 600 dollars on a interface that I don’t know will work in my car.

To my knowledge there is no way to get video input in the e7008 except the R27 plug for the RSE DVD player (which im still unsure if i can get my own video source through the R27 besides the DVD player as well as what video format it excepts.) I have found a universal carplay interface box that you install yourself but I need a way to get video and audio into the HU. There is also the problem of if the RSE DVD input locks out screen when you start driving so you are not distracted by any dvd while driving. I currently have no speed sensor or Ebrake signal attached to the HU but I do have a GPS antenna attached which locks out the NAVI controls while driving

This i also why I am wondering if the Grom unit works with the similar Camry E7003, how does that get it to display onto the headunit with no issues.

any help in appreciated because I do not want to waste money buying things to maybe get it to work.

Links:
Grom VLite VT2
Universal Carplay Kit

Pictures/Screenshots:

 

[CookieRoe]

Hello! I installed the E7009 back in 2010 (or 2011, I can't remember). I was also looking into have a screen sharing device to attach to it, but after many years, I gave up. This unit just isn't compatible with those GROM kits. I still rock it, but am looking at 1) replacing the whole HU with an Android one, 2) keep the OEM NAV and put a screen either by the cupholders or top of the dash.

 

[Danhex0]

Yes I know lmao, I have read so many posts from 2000s and 2010s (that are as old or older then me) tying to find any info and I have seen you everywhere from when you first installed everything, super useful info!

I've been skeptical of the GROM kits actually being compatible but they sell so many that I wouldn't think they would list E7003, 17001, and 17007 from 2002-2006 Camrys, which are pretty similar to the e7008, as compatible with the VT2 and VL2 carplay kit by accident for so long.

I also feel like there has to be some type of way to use the RSE R27 video in as an input for other things besides a DVD player, maybe creating some kind of custom harness. However I haven't found much information on how this RSE video in works, video format, how the car knows RSE dvd is installed, etc, As well as how it works/shows up on the head unit screen itself and how to use it.

on a side note: I have also ordered the oem backup camera which should be coming soon! I tried using a generic cheap camera from amazon that replaces one of the license plates lights but i couldn't get it to show up on the screen. It would go into reverse mode but show a blank grey screen even after using the proper diagrams and pins, I highly doubt my wiring was incorrect. My thinking is that the camera is sending a video format that the e7008 cant read. I found a good deal on an oem camera so why not try it out again! (yes the aftermarket camera was receiving 12v not the 6v from the HU)

 

[Danhex0]

My thought process is that technically if I get a carplay box that outputs the same format that the e7008 can accept I can have it replace the backup camera entirely and have the reverse pin on an on/off switch but this introduces the problem of the "check surroundings" text that also appears in reverse mode. probably would not use this method as you also loose the camera function.

Although, using this logic I was thinking of instead using the dvd input since it has the same v+/v- connections, having a high chance that it uses the same video format. However, this introduces the problem of the truck switching out of dvd mode when driving, but I'm sure a fix for this is not a issue.

I highly doubt any form of touch screen functionality is possible. I will most likely just have to use the aftermarket physical controller that comes with many of these universal carplay boxes and keep it hidden somewhere to only use when I need to so that everything looks completely oem.

My issue is I have no idea if this big concept will actually work. I have no idea how the RSE functions and behaves on the e7008 or specifically what video format the HU accepts, and don't want to spend time and money on this if its gonna be a waste. There is also the issue of audio, I think I can send audio though the aux pins somehow but that is also another unknown. I do have one of those Bluetooth audio kits which go where the CD player connector is and adds another "cd changer" that the unit picks up, I can maybe send audio from the carplay box through that Bluetooth audio but that has many unknows and adds complexity.

This carplay box looks promising:

 

[Danhex0]

Update:
Ive done LOTS of research, this is what I found, (this is all from my understanding parts may be incorrect but i believe this is correct)
this is alot...

R11 (CSLD,CDR+ CDR-, CDL+ CDL- , TXM+ TXM-, MUTE) Breakdown:
-The CSLD,CDR+ CDR-, CDL+ CDL-, are all for audio using the R11 port.
-The TXM+ TXM- are data lines. These communicate sources using AVC-LAN data, this tells the headunit what device is connected and adds the corresponding menus and screens according to what it is told through these data lines.
-MUTE is a hard mute that cuts all audio while switching through sources so there is so interference while the data lines are communicating for what the next source to switch to is (I think)

How Bluetooth kits/CD changers work:
generic bluetooth kits for many Toyota headunits use these data lines and send Toyota specific signals which tell the headunit that it is a cd changer. When the headunit gets this signal it sees a cd changer and adds another cd changer source in addition to the existing cd changer making it show "cd changer 2", this means when you click on the "disc-aux" button on the e7008 it will cycle through "cd changer 1 (real cd changer built into the headunit) and "cd changer 2" (aftermarket bluetooth kit). When the e7008 sees cd changer data communication it will enable the audio to come from the "cd changer" (bluetooth kit) and send it through the car.
basically, bluetooth kit sends Toyota specific cd changer AVC-LAN data to headunit (TXM+ TXM-) ----> headunit sees cd changer and adds source that can be cycled through using "DISC-AUX" button ----> because headunit sees cd changer it will allow audio to go through CSLD,CDR+ CDR-, CDL+ CDL- and play the bluetooth audio essentially tricking the car to thinking its playing cds.

RSE DVD Player breakdown:
-The video in VV+ and VV- on the R27 plug (headunit side) take in a video signal from the RSE DVD and sends it into the NAV screen. It has nothing to do with telling the NAV that there is a dvd player installed
-The TX+, TX- (dvd player side) send AVC-LAN data into the TXM+ TXM- (headunit side)
-The CSLD,CDR+ CDR-, CDL+ CDL-, are all for audio going to the R11 port on the headunit

How RSE DVD Player works:
The factory RSE DVD player works this same way. The RSE DVD player sends a Toyota specific AVC-LAN data to the headunit through the TXM+ and TXM- pins and tells the car that it is a DVD player. The headunit sees this signal from the DVD player and decides that because it is a DVD player signal and NOT a cd changer signal, it will enable the RSE to send audio AND will enable the V+ and V- pins on the R27 port for the rear screen video input. So now once you click on the "DISC-AUX" button and cycle through the sources it will go through the cd changer and then it will change to the RSE DVD input allowing audio AND video to pass though the headunit and display onto the NAV screen.

CarPlay Issue:
Because I want to use the rear screen video input (VV+ and VV- on E7008 R27) as the way to get the carplay box output to show on the NAV screen I need a way to trick the headunit into thinking that it has a RSE DVD player installed, thus enabling the RSE DVD screen input as well as audio to appear when clicking on "DISC-AUX" button. However there is no place I can find that tells me what specific AVC-LAN data the headunit need to see to recognize that there is a DVD player connected, only thing I could find online is the cd changer data.

I need anyone to help figure out what data the E7008 recognizes as the RSE DVD player. With this info I can create a fake RSE DVD player signal to the E7008 tricking it to thinking the RSE DVD player is installed and enabling the audio and video source where then I can inject the carplay box into the E7008.

PLEASE if anyone knows anything help me out. I am so close to pulling this off I just need these final pieces.

 

[J.A.]

My thought process is that technically if I get a carplay box that outputs the same format that the e7008 can accept I can have it replace the backup camera entirely and have the reverse pin on an on/off switch but this introduces the problem of the "check surroundings" text that also appears in reverse mode. probably would not use this method as you also loose the camera function.

Although, using this logic I was thinking of instead using the dvd input since it has the same v+/v- connections, having a high chance that it uses the same video format. However, this introduces the problem of the truck switching out of dvd mode when driving, but I'm sure a fix for this is not a issue.

I highly doubt any form of touch screen functionality is possible. I will most likely just have to use the aftermarket physical controller that comes with many of these universal carplay boxes and keep it hidden somewhere to only use when I need to so that everything looks completely oem.

My issue is I have no idea if this big concept will actually work. I have no idea how the RSE functions and behaves on the e7008 or specifically what video format the HU accepts, and don't want to spend time and money on this if its gonna be a waste. There is also the issue of audio, I think I can send audio though the aux pins somehow but that is also another unknown. I do have one of those Bluetooth audio kits which go where the CD player connector is and adds another "cd changer" that the unit picks up, I can maybe send audio from the carplay box through that Bluetooth audio but that has many unknows and adds complexity.

This carplay box looks promising:

I have lots of info on my site regarding hijacking the rear camera input and displaying video into the factory Nav screen. You are correct about the "Check Surroundings" message staying visible. Much easier to simply upgrade to an Android headunit which i ultimately did and connect carplay box it.

Toyota 4Runner Video on Nav and Anytime Backup Camera Mods

Welcome to my Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition 4WD Website. You will find detailed information featuring; 4Runner Sport Edition Information, The most comprehensive Toyota 4Runner History found anywhere, Photographs, Modifications, Standard and Optional Equipment, Technical Specifications, and much...

www.top4runners.com

 

[Danhex0]

I have lots of info on my site regarding hijacking the rear camera input and displaying video into the factory Nav screen. You are correct about the "Check Surroundings" message staying visible. Much easier to simply upgrade to an Android headunit which i ultimately did and connect carplay box it.

Toyota 4Runner Video on Nav and Anytime Backup Camera Mods

Welcome to my Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition 4WD Website. You will find detailed information featuring; 4Runner Sport Edition Information, The most comprehensive Toyota 4Runner History found anywhere, Photographs, Modifications, Standard and Optional Equipment, Technical Specifications, and much...

www.top4runners.com

Thanks, very useful info. This method was a consideration but the check surroundings for saftey warning was what made me want to find a different solution (aka dvd player input). Im thinking I will most likely have to use the back up camera method since I have no way to replicate the RSE signal wires, or at least use this way until I find a solution for the RSE.

 

[Danhex0]

Update:
Here is some useful AVC-LAN and AVC-LAN Plus codes. Im not entirely sure what the codes mean, how they work, or how to replicate them (any help would be appreciated). Seems like there are multiple DVD player addresses that the headunits can recognize. Im guessing these are for different models of DVD players from the Sequoia, Sienna, etc.

Full Toyota AVC-LAN and AVC-LAN Plus Guide here.