So, i just recently purchased an 05' Malibu from the dealership, , LS model, V6 (loving the car) and i was talking with the salesman about putting in a new stereo, and he told me that it would be virtually impossible to do, because the Malibus 'brain' is wired through the stereo system in my car. Im just wondering if its true or not?

Also, what i would be installing is just a 12-disc cd changer in my trunk, and use an FM modulator to listen to the cd's , but for me to do that, i need to open up the console and insert the fm modulator in it, and then connect the actual antenna wire back on (make sense?) . Thanks for the help guys!

Frank

Frank,
Is the 05 the new body style or the classic one?
I asked the same question when I tried to replace the factory radio on my '00 Impala. What I found out was that there is a wire harness that you buy to actually be able to replace the factory with an aftermarket while leaving the OEM radio somewhere in the trunk if youd like. this way you are able to still control the Driver info center along with things like the Chimes.
Again this was on the Impala so not sure if the Malibu falls under the same gudelines. Have you considered satellite radio instead of a CD changer?
Thats the route I went. For about the price of a cd per month you get way better selection of commercial free music.
Just a thought

ive thought about satellite radio, but i mean, my cd player is a 10-disc mp3 player, so it holds well over 1,000 songs...dont feel like i need satellite just yet, but thanks for the info, ill have to go around and ask if it can be done

(btw, new body style)

theres actually an easier way. since all of the car's wanings, oil life, and so on are displayed on the screen of your stereo, removing the factory stereo would mean going without any warnings or controls over your car's alarm and so forth. You can purchase a 'special' Car stereo install kit. it cost about $160. The install kit has the screen/display/and buttons for all your car's functions made into it. here is a link
http://autosportstyle.com/shop/stereo-installtion-chevrolet-malibu-malibu-maxx-cobalt-pontiac-20042005-metra-installation-kits-p-46429.html