Chevy offers a standard AM/FM stereo unit with a built-in CD player in the 2005 Malibu. Optional stereo units are available, including multi-disc CD changers. Malibu owners who desire a car stereo system with more power and greater capability can find a suitable aftermarket head unit for their vehicle. You can choose to have the new stereo deck installed by a professional car audio technician, or you can install the new stereo yourself and save time and money.
Lift the Malibu's hood and prop it open. Loosen the bolt securing the negative cable to the negative battery terminal with a 10-mm socket wrench. Lift the cable from the battery and set it aside. Move to the Chevy's interior cabin.
Remove the two screws at the bottom of the driver's side dash panel with a Phillips screwdriver.
Pry the driver's side dashboard panel from the dash with a flat-head screwdriver or a trim panel removal tool. Remove the screw behind the panel with the Phillips screwdriver. Pull the driver's side dash panel from the bottom of the dashboard by hand.
Open the glove compartment. Remove the two 10-mm screw bolts under the top edge of the compartment with a 10-mm socket and ratchet. Pull the entire glove compartment out of the Malibu's dashboard.
Grab the dash panel surrounding the stereo assembly and pull it away from the dashboard. Remove the four screws around the stereo mounting bracket with the Phillips screwdriver. Slide the factory stereo unit from the dashboard dock and disconnect the stereo wiring and antenna cable from the back of the unit.
Slide the aftermarket radio's installation sleeve into the stereo dock. Fold the metal tabs inside the sleeve outward with a flat-head screwdriver. Pull the stereo wiring and antenna cable from the back of the dock to the front of the Malibu's dashboard.
Connect the two plastic stereo wiring connectors to the wiring harness adapter leads. Plug the Chevy's antenna cable into the GM antenna adapter cable.
Plug the wiring harness adapter lead connectors into the outlets on the back of the new radio. Insert the antenna adapter lead into the antenna input on the rear panel of the aftermarket radio.
Slide the radio unit into the stereo installation sleeve until it locks into place. Place the trim panel around the stereo assembly and press firmly around the panel's perimeter to snap it back into place.
Reinsert the glove compartment into the dash. Attach the two screw bolts at the top edge of the compartment. Close the compartment door.
Replace the dash panel to the dashboard under the steering wheel. Attach the two screws under the dash and on the driver's side with the Phillips screwdriver. Replace the side panel against the driver's side of the dashboard and press firmly to snap it back into place. Return to the battery.
Reattach the negative cable clamp to the negative battery terminal post. Tighten the bolt securing the cable to the terminal with the wrench. Close the Malibu's hood.
