2007 Rav4 - No Aux In So Would Like To Add One?

[Alex Rav]

I have a 2007 Rav 4 (4.3) however it does not have an aux in socket fitted in the centre console. Is it possible to retro fit one easily (and comparatively cheaply?). I have trawled the site looking for historic posts but cannot find answers to my queries!

I have the 6 CD in dash head unit;

and although i haven't had it out of the dash searching the net suggests that the rear looks like this with the plugs;

Can anyone confirm if there is

a) a free socket on this type of head unit for an autochanger lead which research suggests is what i would need - it seems i have the toyota bluetooth module extra fitted as i can control this via the steeringwheel so not sure if this uses a socket up? It may be considered weird having an autochanger socket in the back of an autochanger but you never know!

b) a cable or package that would give me at least a line in function, or possibly a USB socket as well? I have looked at the GROM AUDIO kit which if there is a free socket seems to do the job (albeit at a cost). Not interested in idevice support, plain aux in or usb would be perfect!

I'm quite happy with the headunit as is so not really looking to change to a new one. If anyone has this unit with an aux in/usb i'd be interested as to what you did/what you have!

Thanks!

[Raistlin]

Have a look at this:

Supplier here:

AUX and iPhone Car Kit for Toyota RAV4 2006-2012

http://www.gtacarkits.com/product/toyota-rav4-2006-2012-iphone-aux-kit/

[Alex Rav]

That looks good, thanks for the link.

Aare the headunits comparable though? I notice in the video it is a different h/u so wondered if it would still work?

[Raistlin]

Reading the blurb on the manufactures site seems to confirm this, the video was just to show you how easy it was to do.

Obviously you will have to find a spot to put the aux lead either through the dash or buried in the glove box..

[Alex Rav]

I would probably route it to the upper glove box or into the cubby in front of the gearstick - its slightly annoying that the kits are so expensive - in my last car i was able to buy a £3 cable, plug it in and make sure it was earthed. It tricked the h/u into thinking that there was an autochange attached. I'm still hoping this may be possible on the RAV but i haven't found something yet! The pricing of the GTA kit is comparable to the GROM kit however the GROM is available in the UK.

I guess i won't know what sockets i have free/available until i take the h/u out and look

Thanks again!

[Nightstalker]

I've just added grom kit...not bad...got a few teething probs..but otherwise its great.... really easy to install n all ;-)

[Alex Rav]

I've just added grom kit...not bad...got a few teething probs..but otherwise its great.... really easy to install n all ;-)

Do tell!!

Have you got the same 6cd autochanger headunit in the XT5? What teething problems have you encountered? Very interested to hear what you think - would you be able to do a review of the GROM kit please

[Nightstalker]

I've just added grom kit...not bad...got a few teething probs..but otherwise its great.... really easy to install n all ;-)

Do tell!!

Have you got the same 6cd autochanger headunit in the XT5? What teething problems have you encountered? Very interested to hear what you think - would you be able to do a review of the GROM kit please

Well... Fitting it was a doddle... having said that... I first tried to install it without taking out the system... after a little struggle I realised I wasnt getting anywhere due to my for arm being a little on the bigger side...

So once the stereo was removed it was really easy to install. Just plug the loombe (not sure of spelling) into the CD changer slot and off you go...

The grom kit gets id by the system as a cd changer... The problem I've been having is that the software on my phone kept freezing... I've re-installed it a few times now and also upgraded the firmware on the grom box and touch wood all has been ok.

I can change tracks and volume from my steering wheel controls, also I can change albums etc via my smart phone, so all in all the kit is quite good. Richard at carputer shop(who sell these units) is quick in replying to any issues. The USB connector is just about the right length not to have to drill any holes anywhere.

My lead comes out just under knee hight from the centre console, there is a wee small gap in the way the console is put together... the USB cable fits through it and then I've got mine following the crease up towards the windscreen where I've got a phone holder...

Hope that helps you a little...

any questions dont hesitate to ask

[Alex Rav]

Thanks for the response, pleased to hear it works well, and the phone aspect seems a benefit if somewhat impractical due to laws!!

Do you have a handsfree kit plugged into the head unit? I seem to have a toyota fitted kit which works with the steering wheel controls (no extra screens etc) but i don't know if it is using up the cd changer slot for this?

What shows on the headunit whilst you are in USB mode?

Thanks again for the info!

[Nightstalker]

Thanks for the response, pleased to hear it works well, and the phone aspect seems a benefit if somewhat impractical due to laws!!

Do you have a handsfree kit plugged into the head unit? I seem to have a toyota fitted kit which works with the steering wheel controls (no extra screens etc) but i don't know if it is using up the cd changer slot for this?

What shows on the headunit whilst you are in USB mode?

Thanks again for the info!

Hi there...

sorry for the late reply...

The unite works okish... I'm not all too happy with it as it still freezes up and hangs. If I catch it quick by going from CD to FM and then back again and change the track then at times the unit continues to play... I'm looking forward to gettin my hands on the newer RAV when I can afford one... then I can go back to bluetooth streaming...

But anywho, to answer your question... All I see on the screen is the CD screen as if it were a multicd player. I can control volume and tracks via the steering wheel, I set the player to play a play list and let it play...every now and then it freezes up or becomes distraughted...I've come to terms with that, so all in all... when it works its good but when it doesnt... its a pain ...

hope that helps.

regards

rob