Car Stereos: Car Stereo in 2002 Chevy Malibu, digital modulator, chevy malibu

Question
Bought 2002 Chevy Malibu without stock radio/cdplayer. Someone had rewired and placed a junkie am/fm radio deck in place of stock stereo.  I took this out planning to install deck. When I contacted car audio shop they stated that I would need a 'digital modulator' for stereo and security system [which currently is not working] to run properly. Sounds like certain vehicles need this extra part which costs $100.00 on top of deck and installation price.  My question is do I need this digital modulator for my malibu? And if so, how hard would it be to install digital modulator and deck myself?  I am trying to spend as little money as possible.. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Ashley,

Yes you need that part.  Some of your car's safety systems are routed through it.

It's not difficult at all to install though, as long as you can either solder, or cleanly install butt connectors and not leave any wires.

Just buy the adapter (any electronics store should be able to give you the right part if you tell them your year/make model), the deck you want, and a wire harness.

From there, you basically match up the colours of the new harness to the harness provided with the deck, and just plug everything in.

Justin