Installation Instructions for a Radio in a 2001 Malibu
by Jule Pamplin
The 2001 Chevy Malibu comes with a standard AM/FM stereo unit with built-in single-disc CD player. Optional stereos are available through the GM dealership, including a multi-disc CD changer. Malibu owners who wish to upgrade their factory stereo deck with an aftermarket radio can do so without previous car audio experience. Purchase the necessary wiring harness and faceplate adapter and install the new radio yourself in less than two hours.
Step 1
Open the hood of the 2001 Chevy Malibu and disconnect the negative battery cable from the negative battery terminal. Use a 10 mm wrench to loosen the clamp and remove the cable. Move to the inside of the vehicle.
Step 2
Pry the upper edge of the trim panel surrounding the stereo away from the dashboard using a trim panel removal tool or flat screwdriver. Grab the panel by the top edge and pull it away from the dash, disconnecting the clips on the back side of the panel all the way around.
Step 3
Remove the two screws on either side of the Malibu's factory stereo mounting bracket. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver for the screws and save them for installation of the new radio.
Step 4
Slide the factory unit from the dashboard stereo dock and unplug the stereo wiring connected to the outlets on the back of the radio. Unplug the antenna cable plugged into the outlet on the bottom-right corner of the stereo's rear panel.
Step 5
Slide the faceplate adapter into the vacant stereo dock. Screw in the four screws that were removed to extract the stock stereo.
Step 6
Gather the stereo wiring and antenna cable from the back of the stereo dock.
Step 7
Plug the Malibu's stereo wiring connectors into the leads of the wiring harness adapter.
Step 8
Plug the antenna cable into the GM antenna cable adapter.
Step 9
Plug the wiring harness adapter connectors into the corresponding outlets on the back of the new radio. Plug the antenna cable adapter into the outlet labeled "FM antenna" on the rear panel of the aftermarket unit.
Step 10
Slide the new stereo into the faceplate adapter until it locks into place.
Step 11
Replace the trim panel around the stereo dock. Press firmly around the perimeter of the panel to secure it to the dashboard. Return to the battery.
Step 12
Replace the negative battery cable clamp around the negative battery terminal. Tighten the cable to the post with the wrench. Close the Malibu's hood.
References
Tips
- Place a thin cloth around the blade of the trim panel removal tool or flat screwdriver to protect the finish of the trim panel.
Things You'll Need
- 10 mm wrench
- Trim panel removal tool
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Faceplate adapter
- GM antenna adapter
- Wiring harness adapter
Writer Bio
Jule Pamplin has been a copywriter for more than seven years. As a financial sales consultant, Pamplin produced sales copy for two of the largest banks in the United States. He attended Carnegie-Mellon University, winning a meritorious scholarship for the Careers in Applied Science and Technology program, and later served in the 1st Tank Battalion of the U.S. Marine Corps.
