Need Help; new CD Player, car stopped running!

Hey guys,

I own a 03 1500, where my wife has a 98 Cavalier (base model). I installed a CD Player today to replace the factory unit, starting the car serveral times during the installation process, before finally reassembling the dash.

I have installed plently of audio systems before, but this one proved to be a little difficult. The problem is that after completion, the car trys to start (albeit sounding healthy) but cuts off. Making it especially odd is the instrument panel has stopped illuminating.

I'm thinking maybe a shorted ECU, or broken dimmer switch. I started the car before without the dimmer switch installed so I am stumped.

I also tried a hard-reboot for the car computers without success.

Can anyone offer any advise for tomorrow?

Perhaps a bad grounding? I had a friend that completely drained his car battery from leaving the stereo on while the car was off.

Also, try troubleshooting by completely disconnecting the new stereo from the vehicle and report back here.

tear it all apart again.. make sure you have connected everything and used a wire harness to plug into the old factory one..then hope you solderd the wires together and not some cheap chop wire nut job...but more than likley a bad ground or somthing...