Gerald Nunn

I've ordered the GROM Bluetooth Aux-In + Bluetooth module for my 2008 RX-* as I really need a hands-free capability due to the fact I live in Ontario which requires it by law for in-vehicle cell-phone usage. I have a couple of questions about installing it as follows:

a. Where do people typically put the microphone, do you run it up the A pillar on the drivers side and leave the mic dangling out a bit?

b. Can the GROM adapater with the aux-in jack fit in the cigarette ashtray, I don't smoke and it seems like a nice spot for providing access to the Aux jack versus the cup holders or glove box.

c. Anyone have any pictures of their install of this adapter, find lot's of links for installing the Aux input only devices but not anything for the adapters with bluetooth and in particular managing the microphone part of the install.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

I ran mine up the A-pillar and clipped it between the a-pillar and headliner.

And my AUX cord and iPod cords just run into the cup holder area. There's a small removable plastic piece in that compartment that allows cords to pass through without drilling. I don't use the cup holders for anything else, so it works for me. Also, this allows my iPod to be out of sight when I leave the car. No having to unplug and hide it everytime I go in the store.

Gerald Nunn

Thanks, was your install DIY or did you have a professional do it? I'm debating about doing it myself as I've done similar things in a previous car (MIata) but not sure how complex taking apart the RX-8 dash is, some of the tutorials look a little daunting.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

I've installed professionally for years. This was nothing.

The RX8 dash isn't too bad. I've worked on worse. There is a hidden bolt on the driver's side of the headunit under the dash. It's kind of a pain in the *** to get to, but really nothing impossible. That's the hardest part IMO. From there, the GROM just plugs into the empty CD changer port on the rear of the headunit. Run the mic wire under the dash, wrap it around wires or zip tie it up there to keep it from dangling in your feet, then run it up the weather stripping and along the A-pillar. Some people worry about the wire getting in the way of the A-pillar air bags. I honestly think they'd blow that wire into bits when discharged... but regardless, you can just not wrap it around the curtain airbags and be fine. Plenty of room. You'll see.

Check out this thread I've been working on. About half way through my first post is a couple links on headunit removal. One being a video. Makes it look easy.

vanslam

Hope you got yours installed okay. I just put mine in after reviewing the video. That driver side bolt was a pain and the hardest part of the install. I put the GROM box and wires in the glove compartment for now. Ran the mike wireform the glove box to the lower panel under the weather stripping to the mirror. Sounds seems to be okay for me. Took about 1 1/2 hours, did I say that bolt was a pain to find. But all is good with bluetooth iphone 4 connection and music. Will add an ipod to ithe GROM when the adapter comes in. Over all very happy, of course the bolt fell inside somewhere oopppps.