2004 malibu

Hi evryone, im new here, i have a new 2004 malibu,u it only has 14,000 miles. I need to know how to install a new car audio system, there are places i v e seen where i need an AUX input, so i can plug in my ipod. i need to know how to do the installation.. also does anyone know where i can but molding on the door sides, i have a silver malibu , and the molding is black . i want to change it to silver. can anyone help me on this please. thanks

Hi there. Im assuming you have an Epsilon malibu.

There are kits availible through Schoche (sp?) for the new malibus that will ease the installation of just about any stereo.. Crutchfield also carries many decks that are proven to fit the malibu, and wiring adapters that will make it even easier.

Be advised, by changing out the factory deck, you will loose the trip computer, and the ability to change the factory functions. This might be an issue should you frequently cross the border and have to switch from Kph to mph.

Now for Ipods, there are many decks that are compatable. My advice is to simply purchase an iPod RF transmitter.. You set the ipod into it, and it puts the music over an FM frequency, that the factory deck uses.

Now as for the trim, www.dashkits.com (http://www.dashkits.com) ( i think ) makes a dash kit for the malibu that is in a pretty nice silver color, just stick it on. Very nice.

thanks, but i have the malibu 2004 lt. i was thinking about changing the whole revier to a kenwood dpx 501 i think ,

You need this kit

Scosche-Gm1593b

I bought one but not install yet

http://www.scosche.com/scosche_caraudio.aspx?CategoryID=5&ItemID=GM1593B

klieu, post back when you get that installed! It'd be nice to hear how it works out.

I installed a Sony deck in my '05 Malibu and used the Metra 99-3303 kit. It gives you a separate display below the deck that replicates the DIC info (pretty much like the Scosche unit). I bought mine from Crutchfield...

I installed a Sony deck in my '05 Malibu and used the Metra 99-3303 kit. It gives you a separate display below the deck that replicates the DIC info (pretty much like the Scosche unit). I bought mine from Crutchfield...
Well, I want to continue this thread. Certain 2004 and later (through 2007) GM cars, including at least the Chevy Malibu and the Pontiac G6, have a double-height radio that integrates the "Driver Information Center", which is really a display screen for the master computer that runs the car. Unforunately this makes replacing the radio a real pain in the ***, and it's very exasperating that GM doesn't even offer ... even as an option ... a radio for this application that either plays MP3 CDs or that has an Aux jack. [And really, in 2007, there is no excuse for even offering ANY radio that does not have BOTH MP3 CD playback and a front panel aux jack].

Now, getting to the point of this ... there are two firms that do offer replacement accessories that allow installation of after market standard radios in these cars while maintaining full functionality. Schosche has the GM1593B, and Metra has the 99-3303. Unfortunately, both are relatively expensive ($180 to $200) since they both need quite a bit of electronics in them including full alphanumeric displays.

So, the question I want to ask anyone who has had exposure to either or (preferably) both of these is this: First, is there any reason to prefer one of these kits over the other, any real differences. And, second, exactly what do these kits themselves include ... in particular, do they come with the connector that connects to the radio plug of the factory wiring harness, or does that still have to be bought separately?

Thanks

Watz...
I have only tried the Metra unit, but there have been some glitches with it, so you may want to try the Scosche unit. The problem with the Metra, is that if your battery goes dead, when you try to start the car with a battery that is too low, half of the Metra display goes out. To remedy the problem, you have to (after charging the battery), disconnect the battery for about 10 minutes to "reset" the display, and all is well again. Metra swears this is an isolated issue that has been fixed, and I have no way to confirm that.
As for connectors, etc, I purchased mine, along with the deck, from Crutchfield, and everything was included. The Metra display unit comes with a connector to plug into the factory harness, but it does not come with one to go from the deck to the display unit.
Hope that helps.
BTW, I agree that it's ridiculous that any modern automobile doesn't have at the very least an "aux" in jack for MP3 players, sat radios, etc.

just update this thread, I bought Scosche-Gm1593b and Kenwood Unit a long time ago

last weekend, the weather was so nice, I took it out and install, I really love it, I can play MP3 now, even USB on Kenwood Unit and the Scosche-Gm1593b display DIC as stock radio, it's wonderful

sorry, the image is not that clear

http://www.geocities.com/kennylieu/DSCF0612.JPG

some advice, Walmart has the same wiring connector for like $40 as the VT-GMRC-01(+-$80value)which you'll need for the 2004 Mali. You can also find the installation kit there for alot cheaper than buying it from Schoche or crutchfield. You can simply look for a stereo of your choice(with the aux input on the front) and spend like $50-60 for the entire installation kit at walmart, as opposed to crutchfield. Its an easy installation and the Door chime is kept, and doesn't mess with anything, Plus its cheaper