How do I Install a Deck in a 2007 Chevy Cobalt?

The 2007 Chevy Cobalt comes with the standard AM/FM stereo with built-in CD player, or the optional CD changer. Cobalt owners who want to replace their factory head unit can choose from several aftermarket car audio decks. Once you have picked the unit, install it yourself and save money over a professional installation. You can purchase the adapters needed for the installation through GM or aftermarket car audio retailers.

Things You'll Need

• 10-mm socket wrench
• Trim panel removal tool
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Wiring harness adapter
• GM antenna adapter
• Faceplate adapter

Instructions

1. Lift the Cobalt's hood and loosen the bolt that holds the negative battery cable clamp onto the negative battery terminal with a wrench. Remove the cable from the battery and set it aside. Move to the Chevy's interior.

2. Pry the dash panel to the left of the steering column from the dashboard with a trim panel removal tool. Remove the panel and set it aside. Pry the panel to the right of the ignition from the dashboard with the trim tool and set it aside as well.

3. Remove the thin panel above the glove compartment with the trim panel removal tool. Grab the sides of the bezel trim around the stereo assembly and pull it away from the dashboard.

4. Remove the two screws on either side of the factory stereo's mounting bracket with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Slide the head unit from the dashboard stereo dock and disconnect the stereo wiring and antenna cables from the back of the unit. Set the stereo aside.

5. Feed the stereo wiring and antenna cable through the back of the faceplate adapter as you slide it into the stereo dock. Push the adapter into the Cobalt's dock until it locks into place.

6. Plug the antenna cable lead into the GM antenna cable adapter. Plug the stereo wiring lead connectors into the wiring harness adapter leads.

7. Plug the wiring harness adapter's connectors into the outlets on the left side of the new audio deck's rear panel. Insert the GM antenna adapter lead into the antenna input on the right side of the stereo's back panel. Slide the head unit into the faceplate adapter until it locks into place.

8. Replace the dashboard paneling in reverse order from removal. Return to the Cobalt's engine compartment.

9. Place the negative battery cable clamp back around the negative battery terminal post. Tighten the cable's bolt with the wrench and close the hood.

References

• Crutchfield: Car Stereo Installation Guide
• COBALTSS: Chevy Cobalt Stereo Removal Pictures