Car Stereos: 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, metra wire harness, fuse boxes

Question
Hey Brian,

I'm trying to install a Kenwood head unit into a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. I have the metra wire harness and antenna converter wire and they work, but there are a couple of issues.

1. There are two harnesses that went into the back of the stock radio and obviously the aftermarket radio only has one. The orange dimmer & dash iluminators are part of the second harness

2. I currently have no dash lights or tail lights! Help!

Thanks and let me know if there are any additional things you need to know.

Answer
Hi Greg,

The main Metra harness should have all the wires you need for the new after-market head unit.  The second connector is typically used with a separate "satellite" audio unit, such as a CD player or cassette player mounted lower in the dash.  The main dimmer and illumination wires should be present in the main harness; the wires in the secondary harness are just carrying the illumination voltage to your satellite audio unit.  This extra harness does not need to be connected to anything.

Your dash and tail light problem is most likely caused by a blown fuse.  Unfortunately, I don't know where this fuse is located in your vehicle; you may have fuse boxes located on each end of your dash, and another box under the hood.  Check the owner's manual for the parking light fuse location.  Make sure all unused wires in the Metra harness are fully insulated.  Usually this problem is caused when the orange wire from the Metra harness is left uninsulated, and comes into contact with a metal part of the dash or radio chassis.

Hope this helps!

Brian