Changing out the radio in a Malibu

[Maxx Power]

I have a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu MAXX LS and I would like to use my MP3 player in the car. I have never been satisfied with FM transmitters. I noticed that a bunch of the newer GM cars have a radio with an auxiliary in port on the front that would allow me to plug in my mp3 player and not have to deal with the lousy FM quality sound.

I'm wondering if I were to buy the radio from something like an 06' Impala or 07' Tahoe if I'd be able to have it installed in my car and have everything work. As you all know, the radio in the Malibu handles a lot of the car's readouts, such as oil life, gas mileage and so forth. I want to make sure I don't lose those.

I compared pictures and they appear to be the same size and have similar mountings.

Normally I'd ask the dealer, but the last time I went there, they told me my car didn't have keyless entry and the remote I was buying wouldn't work. I told them to try programming it anyways, and sure enough it worked.

[scharmer05]

I'm almost positive that would not work. A solution would be to go to Best Buy or someplace similar and buy an adapter that can be installed on many GM radios (im sure the malibu as well) that lets you use the aux. input to listen to any outside source with a headphone jack. There are also adapters made especially for ipods if that is what you have. There is a plug on the back on most GM radios that it interfaces into, and you also have to find a constant power and ground. I put one into my sisters grand prix. It was relatively easy to figure out, but I have some stereo experience, as well as a friend who works in the Best Buy install bay giving me pointers. They aren't real cheap, you might be able to knock off some by finding one on ebay, but make sure you know what you are buying on there as some do not work in all GMs.

[daves87rs]

Nope-You will need an aftermarket one..